Marissa Ray, LMHCA
She/Her
Currently Accepting New Clients
Ages: 4 - 25
Types of Therapy: Adult Counseling, Teen Counseling, Child Counseling, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Counseling,Trans and Non-Binary Affirming Counseling, Neurodivergent-Affirming (Autism, ASD, ADHD, etc.)
In-Office Appointments: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Virtual Telehealth Appointments: Tuesday, Thursday
Evening Appointments: In-person in Federal Way, Virtually via Telehealth in Federal Way, Tacoma, Seattle-area and across Washington State
First, I just want to say welcome and that I'm glad you're here. Before we dive in, I like to share that while I might have professional training that will help guide us, you are the expert on your life and who you are. The most important thing to me is that you feel safe, comfortable, and respected. This space is yours, and we can go entirely at your pace.
Who I Love To Work With
Children navigating anxiety or emotional regulation challenges and the pressures of school
Neurodivergent teens and young adults, offering strengths-based support for ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergent experiences, with strategies tailored to how you think and function
Teens and young adults (ages 15 to 25) navigating academic stress, anxiety, depression, relationships and transitions
LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth and adults seeking affirming care
Young adults adjusting to college, relationships, and early adulthood
Women with anxiety, stress, relationships, self-esteem, identity, and life transitions
Common Reasons Clients Contact for Therapy in Federal Way
Anxiety, including worry, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, or having a hard time slowing your mind down
Depression, including feeling stuck, disconnected, unmotivated, or just not feeling like yourself
Anger management, including understanding what’s behind your anger and finding healthier ways to handle big emotions
Executive functioning, including staying organized, managing time, getting things started, and following through
Life transitions, including adjusting to changes, new experiences, and the ups and downs that come with them
Interpersonal stress and skills, including navigating relationships, communication, boundaries, and conflict
Self-esteem, including building confidence, feeling more comfortable with yourself, and quieting the inner critic
What It’s Like in a Session With Me (Child, Teen, Adult, Couples and Family Therapy)
Firstly, I think it’s important to build rapport and trust. Therapy can be a really vulnerable space, and I want you to feel comfortable, heard, and confident in the work we do together. I strongly believe in creating goals collaboratively so that the things we focus on actually align with who you are, what matters to you, and what you are hoping to get out of counseling.
Within sessions, we can focus on those specific goals, work on learning new tools or skills, and explore things that may be getting in the way. We can also talk through the day-to-day things happening in your life, whether that’s something that came up with a relationship, work, school, family, or just a difficult day. Whatever feels most pressing or important in that moment, we can make space for it. My goal is for you to feel like our sessions are useful and relevant to where you are, while still giving you room to slow down, process, and figure out what you need.
Education, Licensure & Professional Training
Master of Education in Counseling, University of Puget Sound (2026)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Central Washington University (2022)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate - WA State
A Note From Me
Outside of work, I recharge by connecting with nature and my community. Giving back through volunteering, spending time outdoors, and being with the people I love helps me slow down, recenter, and feel connected to something bigger than myself.
It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about starting therapy, just like it can feel when we begin anything new or uncertain. Taking that first step can feel like a big deal, and it’s a choice that is completely yours to make. One of the things I love about therapy is that we get to move at your pace. There’s no need to have everything figured out or tackle everything at once. We can take it one step at a time and work together to make the process feel comfortable, meaningful, and manageable.
I offer in-person therapy in Federal Way, WA, as well as telehealth therapy available across Washington State. I work with children, teens and young adults and provide evening appointment options to accommodate busy school and work schedules. I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth, Premera, Regence, Kaiser (PPO & HMO), Optum, United, and other major insurance plans. If you are a new client and would like to schedule, please click the link below to complete our intake form. If you would like more information or prefer to speak with our client care team, you’re welcome to call, message, or text — they are happy to help you get started.