About
About Kari O’Neill
Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
Kari has experience working with a wide spectrum of patients. Among her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic health conditions, grief and loss, end of life support, family dynamics, special needs populations, 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
Kari has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Social Work, both from the University of Washington.
Kari is currently a Doctoral Student at Tulane University School of Social Work, focusing her research on access to healthcare for individuals with disabilities.
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, special needs populations, 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: I want to go to college but I’m afraid I’m too old. What can I do?
I recently became unemployed because the business where I worked closed. I am 34 years old and I have always wanted to go to college and get my degree in education so that I can become a teacher. Should I try attempting my goal now or am I too old to reach this goal? What if I am the oldest student in my classes? I am scared to go for it because I have always worked in restaurants, not schools. What do you think I should do?
Ask Kari: I’m allergic to my roommate’s emotional support dog. How can we work this out?
My roommate has just brought home a dog as her emotional support animal. I am very upset because she did not ask me if I was okay with her bringing a dog into our apartment even though I am allergic to pet hair. At this point, I have avoided talking to her because I am afraid that I will lose it on her. What do you suggest I do?
Ask Kari: Can I have a serious relationship with a man I met on Tinder?
I met someone on Tinder and I really like them. Although we both originally said that we were only looking to hook up and hang out, I have become attached to the guy. Do you think I should take a chance and tell them how I really feel? Do you think that we have a chance at a real relationship? Wouldn’t it be crazy if we got married!
“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