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: How can I support my daughter after her best friend moves away?
Help, my daughter’s best friend since first grade is moving from Washington to California soon. My daughter has been moping around the house since she heard the news last month. They have been best friends for over ten years. How can I help support my daughter and prevent her from falling into a depression?
Ask Kari: Am I a terrible mother if I want to spend some time away from my children?
My children were just home for a week off from school, and I wanted to send them away somewhere else, just to have separate periods of time away from them. I love them dearly, but when we are stuck in the house together all week, I feel worn down. I end up feeling guilty that I want alone time. Is this going to affect them long-term, are they going to think I was a terrible mother?
Ask Kari: Should I meet my Tinder connection in person?
I just began online dating and I’m excited to report that I have met a very nice man. He lives two hours away from me, but we talk every day. He wants us to meet in person and I am nervous to do so. Everything about him seems to check out, but what if I meet him and he is less than I hoped? I am so tired of being single, but I don’t want to have my heart disappointed.
“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