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). Kari also writes a blog called “Ask Kari.”
office staff
Mandy Evans
OFFICE MANAGER
Voted an Issaquah Highlands Connections Newspaper fan favorite.
Ask Kari: Do I always have to bring something when my neighbor invites us to their home?
My neighbor invites my husband and I over for drinks frequently and always asks that we bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer. I like visiting with them, but I feel that an invite should not include requirements. What do you think?
Ask Kari: How can I confront my husband who is flirting with women on Facebook?
I recently logged into my husband’s Facebook account and discovered that he has been chatting with a lot of women that he is friends with. Almost of all the conversation include direct flirting with very suggestive statements. He has even propositioned two of the women to hook up with him. I am devastated that he is doing this to me, to us. How should I bring it up to him?
Ask Kari: How can I stop my in-laws from making hurtful comments about our adopted children?
I am married and the mother of two children, both of whom were adopted when they were babies. My husband and I tried for many years to become pregnant but we were not successful. Then, four years ago we were lucky enough to adopt two children who were siblings and in need of a home. Since then, my in-laws have constantly referred to our children as “the adopted grandchildren, not blood relatives”, which hurts me tremendously. I get so mad at them I can barely be in the same room with them. I love my children more than anything, how can I make them stop talking about my children this way?
“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