Mary Veronica Sweeney, Mental Health Counselor at Sanara Mental Health Bellevue

Riley Evans, MEd, LMHCA

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Accepting new clients • Telehealth & in-person

Adult Individuals, Children & Adolescents (6+), LGBTQIA+

Philosophy of Care

My approach to therapy centers on building a genuine, trusting relationship with each client. As a former school counselor, I have extensive experience supporting teens and young adults as they cope with the challenges that often come with growing independence, such as social pressures, school stress, changes within families, questions about identity, and finding their direction. Adolescence can be an exciting and meaningful time of life, but it can also feel overwhelming. That experience taught me that before any technique or framework can be effective, there has to be a real relationship built on trust, honesty, and occasionally? A good laugh.

I aim to create a space where young people feel comfortable being themselves, talking openly about what they're going through, and working toward meaningful change with a supportive adult who is firmly on their team. In session, clients can expect a collaborative environment that balances authentic conversation with practical skill-building. While we absolutely work through difficult topics, I believe that humor and lightness can play an important part in the therapeutic process. It can help people feel safe, build connections, and process challenges in new ways.

My work is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), acceptance-based approaches, solutions-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I also have experience supporting young people who have experienced complex trauma, and understand how early or ongoing adversity can shape the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and move through the world. Together, we develop skills that help clients manage emotions, navigate friendships and social situations, navigate ADHD or impulsivity, and build confidence in school and everyday life.

I particularly enjoy working with adolescents and young adults (approximately ages 12-22) who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of the future. Many of the young people I work with are thoughtful teens who might be struggling with friendships, feeling misunderstood at school, dealing with ADHD or impulsivity, or navigating changes within their family or identity. As someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, I also bring a personal understanding of the emotional and practical challenges that come with growing up alongside a chronic illness. I welcome the opportunity to support young people learning to balance diabetes or other long-term health conditions as they explore school, friendships, and increasing independence. I know that a trusting adult can feel rare and yet genuinely meaningful at that age, and I do not take that lightly.

Education

  • Masters of Education in School Counseling, Seattle Pacific University, June 2024

  • Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, University of Oregon, June 2019

Licensure & Credentials

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), Washington State

    License #: MC61602349

Certifications & Professional Training

  • ESA Certification, Certificate #: 595640D

  • Signs of Suicide Certification, Completed April 2023

Specialties

  • ADHD

  • Chronic Illness

  • Complex Trauma

  • Coping Skills

  • Depression

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • Parenting

  • Peer Relationships

  • Relationship Issues

  • School Issues

  • Shame & Guilt

  • Self-Harming

Mental Disorders

  • Personality Disorders

Treatments

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

  • Compassion Focused

  • Culturally Sensitive

  • Emotionally Focused

  • Energy Psychology

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Multicultural

  • Narrative

  • Solutions-Focused

Clientele:

  • Adult Individuals

  • Children & Adolescents ( 6+)

  • LGBTQIA+

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Healing and clarity are possible -and it starts with one step.

2700 Richards Road

Suite 202

Bellevue, WA 98005

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425-830-6836

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.

  • Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

  • GAD often co-occurs with major depression.

Panic Disorder(PD)

  • PD affects 6 million adults, or 2.7% of the U.S. population.

  • Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

  • SAD affects 15 million adults, or 6.8% of the U.S. population.

  • SAD is equally common among men and women and typically begins around age 13.

  • According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

Specific Phobias

  • Specific phobias affect 19 million adults, or 8.7% of the U.S. population.

  • Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

  • Symptoms typically begin in childhood; the average age-of-onset is 7 years old.

Treatment For Anxiety

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs.