Carla Charles, LICSW

Therapist in Washington

Compassionate LICSW helping build confidence

Continue with Carla

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

6 years of experience listed

LICSW professional credentials

English languages

Focus on self esteem
Practical coping skills
Support for addiction

About Carla

Carla Charles is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington. She brings six years of clinical experience to sessions and focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, anger, low self-esteem, and depression. Carla aims to make the first steps toward change easier and less lonely for each person she meets.

Carla offers a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can say what they are feeling. She listens for practical patterns and helps clients build small, usable skills that fit into daily life. The work often includes concrete ways to cope with strong emotions and reduce impulses that lead to relapse or self-harm.

Her approach centers on collaboration. Carla and each client set clear goals and try ways of working that match what the person needs right now. She pays attention to motivation and confidence, helping people practice new habits and notice progress over time.

Carla has experience supporting people dealing with drug and alcohol addiction and with issues that can come from isolation or military-related stress. She also addresses self-harm and struggles with self-love using direct, practical strategies that focus on safety and better day-to-day coping.

Overall, sessions aim to help people feel more capable and steady. Clients leave with concrete steps to try between meetings and a plan for moving forward when challenges return.

Approaches that focus on skills and confidence

Carla uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that emphasize practical skills and steady progress. One common focus is on teaching coping strategies for anxiety and strong emotions, such as breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and step-by-step plans to manage panic or overwhelming thoughts. These methods help people get immediate relief and tools they can use between sessions.

She also works on relapse prevention and behavior planning for addictions, using structured steps to identify triggers, build routines, and respond differently when urges appear. This approach breaks problems into manageable actions and helps rebuild trust in one’s choices.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Carla collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. If an approach isn’t helping, she adjusts the plan so it fits better with the client’s life and preferences.

Confirm the session formats available with the intake team before booking, as formats are not listed in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments around work, childcare, or travel and can reduce time spent commuting. It also allows for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight and offers options that help maintain momentum between in-person meetings when those are possible.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

Drug and alcohol addictionIsolation / lonelinessVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesSelf-harmSelf-love

Experience

6+ years

Credentials

Washington

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Carla address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, self esteem, and depression. Additional focus areas include drug and alcohol addiction, isolation or loneliness, veteran and armed forces issues, self-harm, and self-love.

What is her general approach in therapy?

Carla uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a collaborative style. Sessions focus on practical skills, goal-setting, and building confidence over time.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has six years of professional work experience supporting people with mood, behavior, and addiction concerns.

Where is Carla licensed and practicing?

Carla is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW, licensed in Washington.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She is not currently accepting international clients.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process for starting therapy?

Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.