About
About Kari O’Neill
Dr. Kari O’Neill, DSW, LICSW, has a Doctorate of Social Work and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State.
Kari has experience working with a wide spectrum of patients. Among her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, life transitions, new healthcare diagnosis, chronic health conditions, disability, intellectual and developmental disabilities, grief and loss, end of life support, family dynamics, parent/child relationships, and marital counseling. Prior to her employment at Swedish Medical Center as a clinical social worker, Kari worked in many social service settings including a rape treatment center, a health care clinic, and as a workshop facilitator for the Sibling Support Project at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Kari completed her clinical trainings at the Seattle City Attorney’s Office as a child abuse advocate and served as an outpatient therapist at Swedish Family Medicine.
Kari is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help patients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each patient. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education
License, Certifications & Awards
Kari is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Washington (LW60313502) and an approved licensed supervisor in the state of Washington.
Additional Training
Kari has received additional training on anxiety, grief and loss, palliative care, challenging childhood behaviors, intellectual and developmental disabilities, geriatric mental health, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Professional Activities and Memberships
Kari serves as an affiliated medical staff provider for Swedish Medical Center Issaquah. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Kari also writes a blog called “Ask Kari.”
office staff
Mandy Evans
OFFICE MANAGER
Voted an Issaquah Highlands Connections Newspaper fan favorite.
Ask Kari: What should I do if the parents of my son’s friend never come to pick him up from our home?
My son’s friend, who is seven, comes over almost everyday to play at our home. My son enjoys his company and they get along great, but his parents never come looking for him at dinnertime or call to tell him to come home. He has eaten at our home more nights than I can count. What should I do to get his parents to come pick him up?
Ask Kari: How can I get someone I once dated to stop contacting me?
I went out on a date with a woman one time and now she sends me texts almost daily and tries to talk with me. At first I was interested in her, but after we went out I discovered during the date that she was not someone who I would want to spend more time with. I have tried to be polite and just drop her by not responding to her texts, but she will not take the hint. What can I do to get her to stop contacting me?
Ask Kari: How can I get my teenage daughter to be affectionate with me?
I have a teenage daughter that is a sweet child, but she refuses to be affectionate with me. When I try and give her a hug or kiss she turns away. I feel that I am not asking for much, I am her mom who just wants to connect and bond with her. I grew up in a house where my parents kissed and hugged us regularly; how can I get my daughter to warm up to my desire to be close with her?
“Kari’s support, experience, and expertise helped me directly to deal with a huge family problem. The jury isn’t in yet as far as the results of my actions, but at least I know I did the right thing for my family member. I am so grateful!”
–Patient