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: Should I financially support my mother-in-law who can no longer pay her bills?
My mother-in-law is a kind, sweet woman but has a history of making poor financial choices and now can no longer pay her bills. She is divorced and has no savings. My wife would like us to help her out and if needed move her into our home. I am not happy that we have to pay for her expenses, but I definitely do not think we should move her into our home. Plus, she has other children to help her out besides my wife and I. What do you think we should do?
Ask Kari: Can I be friendly with my ex-sister in law without offending my brother?
My ex-sister in law is getting married again. I like her very much and we are still friendly, as we talk a few times a year. I am not attending her upcoming wedding, as is it a destination wedding in Mexico but I am wondering if I should send her a gift. What do you think? Do you think it be will offensive to my brother if I do, as their marriage ended because she had an affair? (It was with someone different from who she is marrying.)
Ask Kari: I’m a stay-at-home mom — how can I convince my husband to stop fighting with me about money?
I am a stay at home mom of three. I stopped working when I became pregnant with my first child and ever since then my husband and I are constantly fighting about money. He questions every purchase that I make for even for the most basic things and demands to look at all my receipts. He tells me that since “he works and I stay home, it’s his money that I am spending and he gets to keep track of it”. I am beginning to resent him so much; we had an agreement when we first married that I would stay at home and raise our children. Please help me get through to him that I do work, I just don’t get a paycheck for it every week.
“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