Sharlene Birkland, MS, LMHC
Clinical Counseling Services
Are you struggling with issues related to mood changes, trauma, grief, or major life changes? There comes a time when help is needed from an experienced professional to cope with many of life’s challenges. Whether entering therapy for the first time or returning to address new difficulties, you are making a powerful choice to improve your life.
“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength”
Sigmund Freud
A Bit About Your Therapy
Personalized Attention for Your Needs
I strongly believe in the strength and resiliency of every person who walks through my door. The therapeutic relationship is one based on mutual respect, honesty, and kindness.
I implement effective psychotherapy methods to support self-understanding among clients and work with each individual to encourage changes in thoughts and behaviors as they directly relate to challenges. There is no one form of therapy that works for every person; I use a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities considering your unique needs to help you to create lasting change in your life.
Individual therapy for adults 18 years and above including
Depression
Anxiety
Bereavement
Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Trauma
Stress Management
Life Stage Adjustment
Relationship Stressors
Work-Related Stressors
Chronic Illness
ADHD
About Sharlene Birkland, MS, LMHC
I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 25 years of experience in the South Sound community. I have had the privilege of working in community-based mental health programs, hospital systems and private practice groups, as well as community based post-acute brain injury rehabilitation, disaster response and critical incident debriefing.
I began in this field when the popular thinking was that people came into therapy because they were damaged goods, and this never resonated with me. Over and over again I saw people walk through the door with strength and resiliency resulting from those challenges. It takes courage to reach out, and for this I have tremendous respect.
My clients will tell you that I am honest and straightforward, but also that I listen with kindness and compassion. Therapy involves hard work: honesty, the willingness to consider and to try new strategies, hope, frustration, tears, laughter and, ultimately, the reward of meeting your goals.
Fees and Insurances Accepted
Rates:
$250-Intake/Assessment (initial session)
$180-Ongoing sessions (50-55 minutes)
$150 self pay/cash rate
Insurance Coverage:
Therapy may be covered in full or in part by your insurance plan or available EAP benefits. While I make every effort to verify insurances, please contact your member services line to determine
Whether your plan offers mental health coverage
Deductible and whether this amount has been met
Number of sessions allowable per year
Copayment and/or co-insurance per session
Whether your plan requires a physician referral
Insurances Accepted:
First Choice Health
First Choice Health EAP
Regence
Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
Kaiser Options/PPO (if administered by First Choice Health)
Premera
Aetna
Many insurances also allow for out of network billing or will make acceptances for continuation of care. Additionally, many insurances are administered by larger entities, so if your insurance is not listed please call your member services number to clarify. If you are a previous client wishing to return for services, please contact me to discuss at (253) 268-9801.
Copayments are due at time of session. Cash, check and cards are accepted.
Please provide 24 hour notice of cancellation to avoid a $100 late cancel/no show fee.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
2111 N. 30th St.
Tacoma, Washington 98403
Phone: 253-268-9801
Fax: 253-292-1053
