Tara Bates, LMHC
- LGBTQ and polyamory focus
- DBT and motivational interviewing
- Saturday and Monday availability
About Tara Bates
Tara reserves the majority of her caseload for people who are LGBTQ and/or polyamorous and prefers to work with non-heteronormative individuals, couples, and poly groups. She is trained to provide family treatment tailored to those needs and brings focused experience addressing issues such as stress, anxiety, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem, gender dysphoria, postpartum depression, social anxiety, workplace difficulties, and challenges related to BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture.
Her practice also includes work with first responders, people living with HIV/AIDS, and those navigating polyamory or non-monogamous relationships. Tara integrates practical skills and therapeutic flexibility to meet diverse needs, drawing on interventions that include talk therapy, DBT or CBT techniques, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and body-awareness practices, and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy.
Her availability is currently limited to Saturday and Monday appointments, and she prefers to discuss scheduling with each person to establish a predictable session time. Tara emphasizes the cooperative nature of therapy, honoring each person as the expert of their own story and building a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Tara Bates have?
Tara Bates has 12 years of professional therapy experience.
Is Tara Bates a licensed therapist?
Yes. Tara holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her license details are WA LMHC LH 61613960.
In which languages does Tara Bates provide therapy?
Tara Bates provides therapy in English.
Where is Tara Bates located?
Tara Bates is located in Washington.
How can I work with Tara Bates as my therapist?
You can work with Tara Bates through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Tara Bates work with international clients?
Tara Bates does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Tara Bates cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Tara Bates draws on Client-Centered Therapy to create a collaborative space where the client’s perspective guides the work - this approach emphasizes empathy, listening, and supporting each person’s own goals and strengths, which can help with self-esteem, identity questions, and relationship concerns.She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to teach practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and reducing patterns of avoidance or crisis behaviors. These tools are often helpful for anxiety, stress, and difficulties with emotional regulation.
Motivational Interviewing is another approach Tara integrates when clients are weighing change or facing ambivalence - it focuses on exploring personal motivations and building readiness for steps the client chooses to take.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Tara works collaboratively with each person to identify what fits their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress unfolds.
Online therapy with Tara is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options make it easier to maintain consistent sessions around work, family, or other responsibilities and allow continuity of care when in-person meetings are not feasible.