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Patricia Sumlin, LMFT

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Patricia is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Patricia. View 120 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in California and Washington

Recent reviews

She is very knowledgeable and tries to make things light hearted and easy to understand. Very genuine person.

Jul 2024

Patricia is a wonderful, wise and deeply engaged person. Talking with her was more helpful than any other therapist I've ever worked with.

Jun 2024

More about Patricia

  • 25 years' experience
  • Female
  • LMFT

Hi there,

It takes grit and fortitude to do what you’re doing. Searching for a therapist is a big decision and maybe you’ve reached the point where you realize you can’t do it alone, and need support to work through the frustrations, challenges and struggles you are facing in your life right now.

As you read my profile, you’ll notice my professional experience spans over 20 years and my training background covers a wide range of diverse topics. My clinical approach combines psycho-dynamic as well as other modalities like DBT, and systems theory to insure you have access to the most update-to-date information available. While adhering to confidentiality, ethical and legal standards, the individualized treatment approach I employ draws from the latest evidence-based practices, emphasizing a supportive insight-oriented, practical and common sense, straightforward style. I am committed to building an honest, respectful and collaborative alliance with you, to develop a sustainable capacity for continued trust and effective skill building.

I make every effort to balance ego and humility, and pride myself on being honest, direct, and non-judgmental so you know you are believed, taken seriously, feel valued, and know you matter. It entails establishing boundaries, and striking a balance between recognizing the impact of confusion, anguish, conflict, suffering and turmoil to acknowledging and benefiting from understanding, insight/education, advice and feedback. The bottom line is; you gain the tools and coping skills necessary to regulate emotions, become mindful and insure that you gain confidence and competence in your ability to achieve a sense of personal safety, security and stability.

My areas of expertise include working with diverse, multicultural clients including both Native American and Native Alaskan populations. I have worked in private practice, created an outpatient clinic providing DBT groups for both men and women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. I was the clinical director of a medical behavioral health setting focusing on chronic illness, a homeless shelter providing mental health, substance abuse and HIV+ AIDS treatment services, an all-men’s dual diagnosed residential program, a trauma informed treatment program in the 56 Yupik villages of Alaska, a recidivism re-entry program for ex-offenders from San Quentin and Folsom State Prisons. I also worked in the 1st hospice in the United States, providing death and dignity counseling services to terminally ill patients and bereavement counseling for families.

Currently, my focus is on, although not limited to, working with individuals living with depression, anxiety stemming from trauma histories, recovering from traumatic bonding/narcissistic abuse, and adults on the autistic spectrum who desire a need to understand Asperger’s and the impact it has on their lives and relationships. Also, treatment services for the LGBTQIA community; individuals with a wide range of concerns about sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual fluidity, the coming- out stages, intimacy social stigma, family/relationship conflict, parenting issues, employment concerns and advocacy approaches for the human rights campaign for civil rights. Most importantly, I am passionate about addressing visible, and invisible disability issues, the neuro-diversity of ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and the need to address the fundamental issues of disability rights, learning styles, inclusiveness, ableism, workplace bullying and the impact of internalized oppression.

What does this all mean for you? I would like to think, it demonstrates my competence and gives you some degree of confidence in my ability to help you achieve greater resiliency, authenticity, and happiness in your life. Chances are you are doing the best you can and you can do better. That's where your ingenuity, willingness, motivation, and commitment come into play. There are lots of reasons for you to consider entertaining the thought of on-line therapy. It is an effective way to navigate through your problems on your timetable, and support really makes a difference. It gives you the opportunity to start an action plan, get the help you need to stay on track, follow through and meet your goals consistently. It's also an emotional tune-up, putting energy and enthusiasm back into your life, so you are empowered to face reality, generate options, problem-solve, let go of the past and take the risks necessary to move forward. Putting the brakes on wishing things were different, you can break through your fears, self-sabotage, addictions, anger issues and codependency in order to set healthy boundaries and discover what it takes to stand up for yourself, say no, protect your own self-interest and become mindful.

Expand your capacity for recognizing the importance of TFK - thinking, feelings, and knowing, the pillars of EI, emotional intelligence. By increasing emotional self-regulation, interrupting escalating patterns of RUI, reactivity, urgency and intensity, you will be able to manage triggers which will help you respond more calmly, giving you the ability to take on and accomplish the daily challenges with poise while not allowing the past to dictate your responses.

Just think of that, being grounded and thriving, instead of simply surviving. Sounds simple, it's not nor do I pretend it is. Practice makes progress, there is no perfection. Successes and setbacks are inevitable, so it's one step at a time. Call it an incremental manageable approach to deal with getting impatient, bored, or overwhelmed. It’s not unusual for clients, maybe you included, to feel emotionally vulnerable, fragile, stuck, discouraged, helpless, hopeless and struggling with life-defeating behaviors or suicidal ideation. Regardless of the reasons you seek therapy, it is imperative that you feel understood, supported and can speak freely in order to benefit from the therapeutic experience so you can connect, learn, share, grow and pay it forward.

Everything is connected by chains of events, coupled with your vulnerabilities, temperament, and your life experiences while your identity is formed by both narratives, both internal and external. Perhaps it's time you learned to see yourself through kinder eyes, to look at the world from a more neutral stance, recognize that co-perspectives exist, repair and rebuild in some instances vs. re-enacting and repeating, that way, you can accept consequences gracefully, cultivate a willingness to wait, tread softly, play by the rules, make lemonade from lemons, advocate for living, confront and process guilt and shame and recognize that there is no point going to an empty well and expecting water.

Accessing online therapy is safe, secure, convenient, confidential, and cost effective. Keep in mind, you can work on understanding your underlying core issues, the impact of trauma, connecting the historical dots of your life, develop a mental health recovery plan, increase focus, concentration, motivation, and simply live without the drama and recurring crisis. Dramatically improve your ability to think and feel more positive and hopeful. It's like a long awaited of breath of fresh air! Instead of being on automatic pilot, you take ownership of your choices by being accountable and responsible, both deliberate, and intentional. Benefit from a trusting relationship with me, built on a foundation of mutual respect that gives you the best chance at personal growth and enhancing your own functioning. Improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being by stepping outside your comfort zone.

It's about living with hope, having both meaning and purpose, and identifying and living your own values. Instead of suffering in silence you can live, laugh, learn, lead, love and leave a legacy. It's your opportunity to build a life worth living. I invite you to reach out to me.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

BA in Humanities/Social Justice

MA in Social Clinical Psychology

Dual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Trained in EMDR Levels I and II

Trained in Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Trained in Aging, Grief & Loss, Transitions, Chronic Illness

Trained and Nationally Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Trained in Cinema ”Reel” to “Real” Film Group Therapy

Trained in Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment/Recovery

Trained in Trauma-informed Care and Trauma-specific Practices

Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level I

Trained in Multiculturalism, Disability Rights, Ethnic Minorities, Culturally Diverse Populations including Race, Gender, Class, Religion, Power/Privilege and LGBTQIA Orientation/Identity and Coming-Out stages.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Addictions Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Depression LGBT Family conflicts Grief Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Coaching Compassion fatigue ADHD Abandonment Adoption and Foster Care Aging and Geriatric Issues Antisocial Personality Attachment issues Autism and Asperger Syndrome Avoidant Personality Blended Family Issues Body image Cancer Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain illness and disability Co-morbidity Codependency Commitment Issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster Dependent Personality Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Dissociation Divorce and separation Domestic Violence Drug and Alcohol Addiction Eating and Food-Related Issues Emptiness Family of Origin Issues Family Problems Fatherhood Issues First Responder Issues Gender Dysphoria Guilt and shame Hearing Impaired HIV / AIDS Hoarding Hospice and End of Life Counseling Immigration Issues Impulsivity Infidelity Intellectual Disability Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Military and Veterans Issues Money and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural Concerns Narcissism Obsessions Compulsions and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Personality Disorders Phobias Postpartum Depression Post-traumatic stress Pregnancy and childbirth Prejudice and Discrimination Process addiction (porn exercise gambling) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-Harm Self-love Sex Addiction Sexual Assault and Abuse Sexual Dysfunction Sexuality Social anxiety and phobia Trichotillomania Visually Impaired Women's issues Workplace issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Gottman Method
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Patricia Sumlin's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1891899027.

  • LMFT · California · 44844 · Expires October 2024
  • LMFT · Washington · LF 60059026 · Expires October 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space. Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Patricia Sumlin

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

121 reviews

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Clients mention: Helped Great Recommend Wonderful Understand Amazing Knowledgeable Understanding Caring Helpful

She is very knowledgeable and tries to make things light hearted and easy to understand. Very genuine person.

Jul 2024

Patricia is a wonderful, wise and deeply engaged person. Talking with her was more helpful than any other therapist I've ever worked with.

Jun 2024

Pat is an attentive listener, with a no-nonsense yet compassionate personality, and has an absolute wealth of resources, experience, and information to share with the lucky ones who are committed to doing the work and growing with her guidance.

Feb 2024

Great listener.

Jan 2024

all the qualities of a great therapist.

Jan 2024

Pat is the best therapist I've ever worked with. She is knowledgeable, kind, straightforward and is incredible at discovering small details that other therapists may overlook. I'm very grateful for every session I have with her and I've grown so much in the last several months, due to her guidance. Pat is a gift to this world!

Nov 2023

Pat is the fourth therapist I have had and she’s the one. She’s the first therapist that ever touched my heart. She saved my life, and she’s actually helping me love myself again, which I never felt until I met her.

Aug 2023

So far so good with Pat! I was a bit concerned to work with her after reading her overview. It was really long and her expertise included absolutely everything you could possibly imagine which seemed a little impossible, but I had a good feeling about her so I gave it a go. I am very pleased. She tells me what I need to hear. She is very interactive in our sessions which I really enjoy. Pat is very intelligent and observant. She has given me tons of material I can educate myself with and she is very kind and caring. Pat is super responsive. A perfect fit for me so far! Thank you Pat!

Jul 2023

Pat has provided me with more resources than I shake a stick at. She holds me accountable. She is validating, kind, honest, and professional. I’m so grateful to have found her.

Jun 2023

Pat has pushed my progress and healing along like no other therapist has in the past. I felt very supported in our sessions and she always provided valuable resources for me to work through in our time apart. She is a caring therapist that made a huge difference in my healing.

May 2023

She’s wonderful in knowledge, wisdom and expertise. Shes compassionate and doesn’t coat with a big healing heart.

Apr 2023

Pat and I started doing therapy when I was at the darkest period of my life so far. I felt lost, alone and like I was losing my sanity. Her patience, extensive knowledge, kindness, warmth, and expertise have all opened the gateway to a better life for me. Thanks to her guidance I come to a better understanding of my mind, history, and goals every day. I would recommend Pat to anybody who feels like their trauma history is blocking them from getting to where they truly need to be.

Mar 2023

I have only had a few interactions with Pat, but in this short amount of time I already feel like she gets me. She is really good at keeping you engaged and going down the rabbit hole as long as you can emotionally handle it. She has good boundaries and enforces them lovingly. She has a lot of experience with EMDR therapy and she thinks that it will help me immensely. I am looking forward to therapy with her and as anyone knows, if you are really doing the work, it is HARD to look forward to it!! I have already gained insight into my behaviors in just 3 sessions. I really hope that we can achieve many breakthroughs together. Thanks Pat!

Feb 2023

Pat has been able to help me get on the right path of recovery from years of trauma I suppressed. She’s super understanding, patient, and brings to light what was unknowingly affecting me. Which has been a welcoming eye opener for me. 1000% recommend Pat.

Nov 2022

Pat is very knowledgeable and has a great deal of expertise. She listens and understands and makes me think of things in new ways to understand them.

Oct 2022

Pat has given me hope.

Sep 2022

Pat is endlessly supportive and full of great knowledge! A breath of fresh air.

M.E.·Aug 2022

I love Pat. She is so helpful, insightful, and experienced.

M.A.·Jun 2022

Pat was wonderful in helping me deal with the complicated feelings I had after the loss of my mother. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is a child of abuse, neglect, or addiction

M.I.·Apr 2022

I started therapy very nervous cause I had never done it before and Pat immediately made me feel very comfortable and never made me feel bad or like I was being judged. She is very straightforward which I like and helped me so much. Could not recommend her enough!!

S.A.·Apr 2022

I’m truly looking forward to connecting with Pat again. She was so insightful before. She grasps your situation really well and offers such good advice. Ready for some Change here!

J.A.·Dec 2021

Pat is phenomenal. It is clear she has a lot of experience with many different personalities and life situations. She listens attentively and without judgement, offering insight and asking the right probing questions to dig deeper. I’ve only had two sessions with her so far and already feel a change happening. I look forward to our sessions and feel that I will continue working with Pat for a long time.

J.E.·Nov 2021

I appreciate her time and experience

N.O.·Nov 2021

Pat learned me quickly. This is actually the second time I have been in counseling with her. This time she really has made a difference about how I think and feel about myself. She’s not judgemental about anything I have told her and she tells me about things that will help.

J.E.·Oct 2021

She listens and is compassionate

T.O.·Oct 2021

Pat is an outstanding counselor who pushes me to do the work. She is straightforward and direct and her style works well for me. She gives me homework, reading and tools. She has helped me a lot.

J.U.·Jun 2021

I can’t say enough nice things about her. She’s why I came back to counseling.

J.E.·Jun 2021

Pat is a kind and caring human with an adept ear for listening to problems, successes, and everything else you may encounter. I appreciate her ability to pick up on tones and ask more about the things that lead to the main issue especially things we are so conditioned to just accepting. Pat makes for a great sounding board, teacher, friend, and most of all a great therapist. I enjoy each session with her and look forward to the next. She offers self improvement gently and with steady progress which is always appreciated.

A.N.·Apr 2021

Pat is a good listener and gives excellent advise. She tells it like it is which is refreshing. We always have good dialog even on days where I think I don't have much to discuss. She has a way of making you think about things differently which really opens you up for conversation. I enjoy and look forward to my sessions with Pat.

K.R.·Mar 2021

Pat has been wonderful to work with. She is emotionally supportive, empathetic, reliable, very knowledgeable, and also gives great practical ideas. I highly recommend working with Pat.

M.A.·Feb 2021

A highly trained professional who doesn’t wander around the subject but gets to the heart of the issue respectfully, supportively, and quickly

K.R.·Feb 2021

I could use many words to describe my experience so far with Pat. But instead, I’ll use a few words to describe how in just one week I began to think of myself differently. I came to Pat with a complicated issue with nonsensical variables that persisted through long, sleepless nights. I told Pat “ I just want sleep” She responded quickly with a precise and well-guided analysis that propagated positive thinking. I have slept. I am pursuing myself and re-establishing the bond between mind and body. I still have work to do but I trust Pat to help me get there. Thank you, Pat.

C.A.·Feb 2021

Pat is the therapist I’ve been looking for since I first began therapy 10 years ago. I’ve had several different therapists but it wasn’t until I met Pat that I was truly able to connect with my therapist and receive the help I need. She has a gentleness about her while being very knowledgeable in regards to things I need to work on and she speaks to me in a way that lets me know she understands me.

J.A.·Jan 2021

Pat is an amazing counselor who suits me very well. Her expertise is obvious from the first moment you speak to her and her uncanny knack for listening and getting to the heart of an issue is everything you could hope for in a counselor. She offers resources such as books, articles, and things to watch on the subjects you are working on to get other perspectives and so you do not feel alone in this struggle. I would whole heartedly recommend her as a counselor. I have been in counseling on and off for 20 years and she is the best suited to me that I have ever had.

J.U.·Jan 2021

Pat is wonderful and provides a non judgemental experience that works well with my personality. She is a wealth of knowledge and provides a perfect balance of compassion with "tell it to me straight"

T.Y.·Dec 2020

Pat has helped me more in the months that I have been working with her than other therapists have helped me in years. She is knowledgeable, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. I appreciate everything she is doing to help me!

A.L.·Nov 2020

Pat is amazing, I have been receiving therapy from her for a while now and I must say, she is very respectful, validates me but also helps me take responsibility for my actions and learn from them. I truly trust her as my therapist and the progress I have made is incredible and I am truly becoming my own independent person with her help. I would definitely recommend her to everyone she is great!

L.E.·Nov 2020

Pat is wonderful! She listens and is completely honest with you, but in the best way possible. She has helped me so much in the past few months.

H.A.·Oct 2020

Informational and supportive.

T.R.·Oct 2020

Amazingly supportive. I appreciated every word. If I had more money I would keep going

B.R.·Sep 2020

I can tell that Pat takes a very personalized approach to each person she meets, and her experience and expertise are evident in the way she communicates. In a few weeks alone, Pat has been able to provide me with thought-provoking tools and exercises that have already proven to be useful in my everyday life. I would, and do, recommend her to anyone in need of some extra support or who possesses the desire to improve their lives.

S.H.·Jul 2020

Pat seems great so far. I look forward to working with her more.

T.R.·May 2020

Pat is an amazing and knowledgable therapist that is direct in her communication and that style works well for me. She works with me to identify issues, gives me tools and resources to learn more about them, mitigate them, or get past them.

Seattle, WA·January 2021

She is easy to talk to and is able to offer appropriate recommendations related to therapy and treatment.

T.E.·Apr 2020

Pat is a professional, who's courteous and direct. That view point is refreshing and reassuring in a world were people are too scared to be upfront with you about what the problems or solutions to the problems might be.

J.U.·Mar 2020

In the past couple months, Pat has helped me get closer to self-love and acceptance quicker than any other therapist I've had in the past! Her kind but direct approach helped me focus on moving forward and improving....something I had struggled with for years in various parts of my life. I'm so grateful to have her as my therapist.

C.A.·Nov 2019

I can't recommend Pat enough. She is extremely intelligent and tells it like it is. If you are looking for someone to be direct and help you with whatever it is you are going through then I would immediately sign up with Pat so that she can assist you in guiding your uncharted waters.

C.H.·Oct 2019

Pat is kind, caring, and there for me during tough times. All I could ever ask for!

D.A.·Oct 2019

Pat has been consistently excellent at intuiting the next step to take in my therapeutic journey and has given me much needed perspective and motivation. I look forward to working with her long term.

J.A.·Sep 2019

Pat is a great, very intuitive LMFT. Very diverse background and is attuned to things I don't even pick up!

J...·Aug 2019

Pat has been instrumental in my journey of self reflection and growth. I can't say with any confidence that I'd be this stable without her input.

B.R.·May 2019

Pat is great. Her powerful questions always make me go deeper into what drives me. Thank you.

C.H.·May 2019

I was immediately impressed with how quickly Pat and I connected. Her communications come across as genuine, informed and compassionate and I feel like our therapeutic work together will be fruitful. I'm already noticing big positive changes on a day to day basis!

J.A.·May 2019

Done therapy in person a half dozen times over the course of my life. Conversations are very here/now based and I felt very limited by how organized I could get my mind. Being heard/understood was an issue and very dependent on the personality of the therapist. Being able to write out my thoughts, consider them and edit them until they are true has been a shockingly good experience. Pat is sensitive to my anxieties and takes the time to go through my posts line by line sharing her opinions/experiences and offering resources for further reading on the topics. I have realized things about myself, my habits and my relationships that I would have never even considered as a middle aged father. She made sure I felt accepted and heard, working me through my own thoughts and problems instead of trying to get me to fit some kind of mold. The platform/accessibility giving constant ability to voice problems and anxieties in conjunction with caring therapists like Pat have opened up legitimate therapy options for me at a price I can actually afford.

B.R.·Feb 2019

Pat is very compassionate and offers great suggestions for my current issues.

J.U.·Jan 2019

Pat helped me through a very difficult time with the ending of an abusive marriage. She helped me to not only cope with the separation, but also provided the tools and guidance so that I could move on from the situation and avoid a similar one in the future. I am forever grateful for Pat's expert guidance!

S.T.·Dec 2018

I feel very heard by Pat. We talk about a lot and she gives me tools and resources to help me recognize when I am doing something in my own reality. This has helped me significantly by detecting triggers or being self aware of my reoccurring issues. I highly recommend anyone who suffers from binge eating, and low self-esteem to work with Pat. She has a wide array of knowledge and shares her own experience which helps you to not feel alone.

G.A.·Dec 2018

I have been working with Pat for about a month now. I admire her approach on presenting insight into my anxiety and certain behaviors I exhibit. Her forward and understanding approach has helped me to understand the inner workings of my thought process. She has helped me with navigating situations in my everyday life and opened my eyes to new approaches. She is a great match for me.

D.A.·Nov 2018

I love working with Pat! She explains why I do certain things and ways to cope with it! I have finally realized why I struggle with my family so much. This has helped with personal development. Thank you!

N.A.·Jun 2018

I am glad I signed up for this site. I am really happy with my counselor! She is wonderful. She is understanding, patient and has the experience I need to grow though my issues and become a better me. Thanks!

C.H.·May 2018

I have been to many counselors over the years. I did not know how effective a counselor can be until I started working with Pat. She helped me immensely beginning with my first session. Working with Pat has been life changing.

G.A.·Apr 2018

I have already made so much progress in my life with your help, Pat. Thanks for all the good you do, you are so important to this world I can imagine all the other people you have helped as well. I trust you more than anyone, I aim to be more like you.

D.A.·Feb 2018

Pat seems to have ability to know just when to contact me, and she is very insightful in assisting me towards a better happier me. She is amazing.

G.A.·Jan 2018

Wow! I was nervous going into this, but not only is BetterHelp’s asynchronous therapy a game changer, but if you can get matched with Pat Sumlin, you have won the lottery. Her responses are so thoughtful, so astute, and so empathetic. She pours herself into every message so you feel heard, challenged, and strengthened in turns. She’s much more than I had hoped for. I’m so grateful to have found her.

E.L.·Jan 2018

Pat has been wonderful. I feel like she really listens to what I’m saying and is able to truly understand where I’m coming from. She has offered great insight on some very difficult situations in my life and has provided me with tools to face them. She always responds thoroughly and timely as well! I would highly recommend her!

N.A.·Jan 2018

Pat has been wonderful in helping me to get to the next step in life. She has helped me to understand how my past has affected me and how to overcome it. She has given me tools to guide my inner dialogue to a more positive speech. I am grateful for all her help.

J.E.·Jan 2018

Pat has been great! I have loved the freedom BetterHelp has given me. I was unable to get to weekly counseling sessions and like I said Pat has been awesome!

J.E.·Dec 2017

Pat is wonderful! I have been working with her for only a couple of weeks but she is amazing.

C.H.·Nov 2017

Pat is wonderful. She is proactive immediately. She got me busy right from the start. She is very knowledgeable and explained me better than I could. I trust her and I believe in her. I've never had this good of a counselor from the moment we were connected. Thank you!!

J.O.·Oct 2017

I've been working with Pat for a while now, and she has helped me so much with all my anxiety and depression issues. She is really caring and I would recommend her to anyone seeking help.

M.A.·Sep 2017

Pat is absolutely amazing! I have tried a lot of different counseling and talking and working through things with Pat, by far, has been most successful for me. I feel as though she definitely cares about me and my mental health struggles and that is exactly what I need right now. I cannot recommend her enough! Thank you for everything, Pat.

N.A.·Jul 2017

Pat has helped me over an emotional hurdle that I never thought I could conquer. She listens to me, and she understands what works for me and what doesn't, and she respects that. I feel validated, and respected for the first time in pretty much a lifetime, and it is an incredible feeling. I would wholeheartedly recommend Pat to ANYONE who is struggling as her empathy and sympathy seems to know no bounds.

M.O.·Jun 2017

Pat gives me what I need to understand myself and what is going on with me and a lot more. Healing started when I felt deeply touched by her care and understanding. Thank you, Pat!

M.A.·May 2017

Pat has been wonderful!! She responds very quickly usually, and her insight has been priceless.

J.A·Apr 2017

Pat is always there for me, full of support and kind, encouraging words. I have learned so much about myself, my marriage and my relationships with others. This site and Pat have been a huge positive addition to my life!

E.R·Mar 2017

I like Pat alot. She is direct and to the point yet compassionate and caring at the same time. I like her approach and how responsive she is to my concerns and needs.I appreciate the time she dedicates to my mental health and well being. I look forward to continuing therapy with her.

C.H·Mar 2017

Pat was WONDERFUL when I needed help a couple of years ago. She helped me deal with emotional abuse and find ways to protect myself and move on with my life. I am so happy to be back in touch with her now that I need help again.

M.O·Feb 2017

Pat is truly amazing. Her straightforward approach has really helped break down the complex things that I feel and issues that I have. She puts things in terms I can understand and research to gain a better understanding of the what and why I am thinking and feeling certain things. Thank you Pat!

M.O·Jan 2017

Wonderful counselor - - unique approach which helps you uncover the reasons that are holding you back and provides the tools needed to move forward in a positive direction.

S.T·Sep 2016

I feel like Pat is really good fit for me personally. Her background is with a lot of the issues I struggle with, so I felt that someone really took time to match me with the right therapist. I really feel heard, and her input has been very insightful and wise. Although we are really just barely starting out, I feel as if her support is allowing me to understand myself a bit better. I'm very optimistic about this approach.

R.E·Jun 2016

Pat has been very helpful and encouraging.

J.E·Jun 2016

Pat has been an amazing support and wealth of knowledge. I look forward to continuing to work with her.

M.A·Jun 2016

Pat has been great! She's supportive but not pushy or impatient like some other office visits seem and has great resources to share and helped me dig deeper to see things even I hadn't noticed about myself.

E.L·Jun 2016

:)

C.·Jun 2016

Pat has lots of good resources and information. She's been a good resource in my opinion.

R.A·May 2016

Pat is great. She is caring, concerned, helps you look at the situation objectively, and is a great listener.

S.O·Apr 2016

Pat has a great way of drilling down to the issue at hand, which I very much appreciate.

S.A·Feb 2016

Easy to talk to. Great follow up questions. Clearly engaged with me and my issues.

D.O·Feb 2016

I was honestly scared of the thought of therapy. I just decided one day to take the leap and that is how I met Pat. She listens, provides helpful feedback. She make me feel comfortable She has made this a positive experience and I have not had a lot of them lately. She had made me glad I took this leap. Thank you.

C.A·Feb 2016

Very interactive, which I need. I need my questions answered, not pandered to, and she does that. I get proactive coping tips from her, and genuine concern. Also great if you have a family history of hoarding and/or abuse, or if you are dealing with being a caregiver of someone with special needs, because she is knowledgeable about all of those topics.

R.E·Dec 2015

Pat does a great job reading between the lines to understanding my issues. She gives me good suggestions and honest feedback that is making it easier for me to deal with the issues I am facing. She is easy to write to and her responses are thoughtful, warm and caring.

L.I·Oct 2015

Pat is a very kind, helpful individual with a lot of insight into what is going on in my life. Thanks Pat.

S.E·Oct 2015

Pat is spot on. She knows EXACTLY what you mean, she can give definition to all of your "I don't understand at all" or "I don't understand WHY". There is apparently a reason and an explanation for everything! My life just makes so much more sense (I am liberated on many levels!) once she starts breaking down into my "issues". I learnt a great deal about myself, how my past affects me and my actions, behaviour, and how I can deal with myself in just few months. I will never quit talking to Pat.

J.A·Sep 2015

Pat Sumlin is a wonderful and knowledgeable counselor. I love her direct style of communication. I have learned a lot about myself in a short period of time.

J.U·Aug 2015

I have only had a few sessions with Pat Sumlin and she has done more for me, in this short amount time, then any therapist has even done. Honestly, I think she is brilliant as a counselor.

S.Y·Aug 2015

Amazing!!!!! Simple as that.

D.A·Aug 2015

Pat Sumlin is insightful, perceptive, and direct. She has given me much to consider in a supportive and relatable context. I'm thankful to have been matched up with such a professional and experienced counselor.

T.A·Aug 2015

Pat has really been there for me when I am not sure how to process what I'm feeling.

A.L·Jun 2015

Pat has given me many ideas of why I'm in a difficult time of my life. I like her nonsense and straight to the point help.

H.E·Jun 2015

This past 6 months Pat Sumlin has helped me get through some of the most difficult times in my life. I'm talking not only with a very professional therapist but a friend. It is very easy speaking with her and I anticipate her response. It is always helpful and soothing. She is the best.

S.H·Jun 2015

Beautiful person, warm, insightful professional. She helped me get through a very difficult place, like an anchor to where I could function better and get back out there. I have a ways to go but its a good start. I like her approach and in many ways shes spot on and understanding, even with some of the deeper topics. I felt supported and validated. Sometimes like having things repeated back for reflection, snd proffessional advice..but also like that she will also open up with you. That sense of humanity is there, which is sometimes better than any advice and Im glad to have found a counselor like that. Love that its online. Highly recommended

C.R·May 2015

Pat is awesome. She makes you feel comfortable to share with her. No pushy approach. Allows you to work through things at your pace with just enough words help. She does not allow you to be unkind to yourself and realize that you need to love yourself and be kind to yourself because you are worth it. I would highly recommend Pat 100%.

D.A·May 2015

Pat is compassionate, kind, and incredibly honest. I appreciate her taking the time to help me. She is quick and thorough with her responses, and she has been a huge help to me.

C.O·May 2015

I have found refuge, consolation and a great level of inner peace ever since i began with betterhelp. I totally enjoyed the privacy and flexibility this online service offer. My counselor, Pat Sumlin, is well match with me. Her holistic, compassionate approach to therapy demystify the pathology and gives me a sense of ownership and empowerment. I am looking forward to continue to discover myself better and find the wisdom and power to create the life i want and deserve.

E.S·Apr 2015

Pat has only been working with me a short time, but is already starting to point out better coping methods. She has been brutally honest which is sometimes hard to hear but lots of hand-holding never helped me much.

M.A·Mar 2015

Pat Sumlin and BetterHelp came into my life when I was at my lowest, at a time when I needed them most. At first I was skeptical, who wouldn't be? After the second session I felt as if my new counselor had known me for years. She made it so easy to talk to her and spill my heart out, never once did she make me feel like just another client. I continue to feel cared about, concerned for, and I know she looks out for what is best for me, but with honesty. Not only does she talk with me, but she has helped me over some rough bridges by recommending books, online articles and much more! Getting help through BetterHelp was the best choice I made for myself. BetterHelp choosing Pat Sumlin for me was a blessing.

K.E·Mar 2015

Very insightful, to the point counseling. In a very short amount of time so much progress was made, I was stunned. Absolutely love Pat and I would highly recommend her.

E.L·Dec 2014

Pat is a great therapist and has made an impact at a crucial time in my life. She's no nonsense, direct, very knowledgeable, understanding, and will lead you in the right direction.

L.A·Dec 2014

I was connected with Pat within maybe 1 hour of signing on to BetterHelp. From the beginning she has been so responsive and insightful and to the point. I love that. This is my first time trying online therapy and so far I'm really enjoying it. I can write when something is on my mind and I don't have to hold on to it for a week. I love that Pat will get back to me every other day or so and sometimes she will get back to me a few times within the same day. She really takes the time to read through my lengthy emails and she addresses everything I say. Can't do that in face to face therapy! People just talk and major points are addresses but with Pat, she thoroughly addressees everything. I've never felt more challenged and motivated to work on myself - as painful as it can be at times.

N.A·Nov 2014

I've got a long way to go in my recovery, but in just a few weeks I have more insight into my own mind than I've had in my entire life, despite being in and out of therapy since I was young. Not only is Pat knowledgable, encouraging, and easy to talk to, she has already given me many tools and terms to research and study so I can finally start to understand and manage effectively. I'm hopeful and optimistic that with her help I am on the right track.

A.M·Nov 2014

Pat is somehow always on the same level I am. She was able to make me feel assured in myself and how I feel. The information and support she has given me in our short time together has been priceless.

J.A·Nov 2014

I absolutely love Pat Sumlin! She has helped me learn so much about myself. I was in a terrible place, and she has helped pull me out of the dark and back into the light. I will forever be grateful!

L.O·Nov 2014

Pat is a great counselor, she really helped point out the isssues I wanted to work on, and how to better manage my problems in a way that I understood and could easily apply without having to change who I am. She is patient, understanding, and open, making her very easy to talk to. She has a lot of very useful knowledge and tips for self awareness and improvement. I would highly recommend her.

C.H·Nov 2014

Pat was a lifeline when I desperately needed one. She has guided me with sensitivity and wisdom, and helped me to learn things about myself, so that I can begin to heal and live positively again. I came to her with no hope and I am now certain that I can move forward into a happier and healthier life.

C.A·Oct 2014

Pat is extremely helpful, caring and insightful, yet she won't let you get away with things. I am finding out things about myself that I need to know and how to fix them in a positive way, with excellent guidance. She recommends books and websites to assist you in your journey to happiness!

G.A·Oct 2014

Pat Sumlin has been extremely helpful, and has provided me not only with tons of information that I can look into on my own time, but also unbiased wisdom. Her responses are quick and her advice is really good. I feel very comfortable telling her anything, and I always feel better after reading her responses. I am so glad that I signed up and was assigned such an amazing counselor. I am very pleased, and hope to continue working with her and bettering myself as a person.

F.R·Oct 2014

Pat Sumlin creates a very safe environment for me to express what I need to express so that she is better able to offer help or guidance. She seems to really be able to get to the core of what I need to focus on when I seem to go all over the place with my thoughts. I am so grateful for this online service as it fits perfectly with my active lifestyle and meets a need that I have had for quite some time now. I feel that Pat Sumlin is the perfect counselor for me and I look forward to continued progress towards my goals of personal growth and healing with her guidance!

A.N·Oct 2014

Miss Sumlin is so helpful and willing to share her knowledge while letting you explore yourself at your own pace.

L.Y·Sep 2014

Mrs. Pat is amazing. Her advice is spot on, and is very helpful. I always enjoy reading her messages, as she is easy to understand, and very knowledgeable. Thank you!!!

B.E·Mar 2014

Pat Sumlin (LMFT) is honest, understanding, and always professional. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with her on varying issues. I would highly recommend her.

M.A·Feb 2014

Pat's calmness, warmth and humor are a tremendous help when problems seem about to overwhelm me. I think she would be a wonderful therapist for clients of any age, and for me a 52 year old trying online therapy for the first time, she was just the person I needed to talk to.

R.E·Dec 2013

How was your experience with Patricia?

Frequently asked questions

Does Patricia Sumlin offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Patricia Sumlin works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Patricia Sumlin speak?

Patricia Sumlin speaks English.

How many years of experience does Patricia Sumlin have?

Patricia Sumlin has 25 years of experience.

Where is Patricia Sumlin licensed to practice?

Patricia Sumlin is licensed to practice in California and Washington.

Does Patricia Sumlin accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Patricia Sumlin does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Patricia Sumlin offer?

Patricia Sumlin offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Patricia Sumlin?

Patricia Sumlin can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Patricia Sumlin?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

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Phone
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When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.