AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.
Mindful approach
Skill focused
Nonjudgmental
About Patricia
Patricia Sumlin is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 25 years of experience who focuses on helping people find steadier ground during hard times. She often helps those coping with anxiety, depression, trauma histories, relationship strain, grief, addiction, and changes in family roles. Patricia writes plainly and works directly so people know they are heard and taken seriously.
She uses a mix of approaches to match each person's needs. Mindfulness Therapy and acceptance-based tools help people notice thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed. Cognitive Behavioral techniques and client-centered listening are used to identify unhelpful patterns and build practical skills for everyday life.
Patricia has worked in many settings, including outpatient clinics, residential programs, hospice, homeless services, and community programs in Alaska and California. That background informs a pragmatic, respectful style that values honesty and strong boundaries. She aims to teach skills for emotion regulation and clearer communication so people feel more confident navigating relationships and work.
Her practice also addresses identity and inclusion concerns, including work with LGBTQIA people and individuals exploring neurodiversity and disability issues. Patricia emphasizes collaborative planning so therapy matches a person’s goals and circumstances.
If someone wants straightforward guidance, practical skills, and steady support, Patricia offers a direct, nonjudgmental approach focused on real-life outcomes and lasting coping strategies.
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Patricia commonly uses Mindfulness Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment-Based ideas to guide online work. Mindfulness Therapy helps people notice thoughts and bodily feelings without getting swept away, which can ease anxiety and rumination. ACT focuses on values and committed action, helping people make choices that fit their life even when hard feelings stay present. Attachment-based work looks at how early relationship patterns affect current trust, closeness, and conflict in relationships.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Patricia will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then try methods that match those needs. The therapist and client decide collaboratively whether to emphasize skill building, insight, or a mix of both.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow for check-ins from home or a quiet place. They also make it possible to practice skills in the settings where problems happen and to follow up between visits when needed.
These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing mindfulness as an approach does not mean a therapist holds a formal mindfulness training or certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Patricia address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, grief, addictions, sleep and eating concerns, parenting strain, ADHD, and many other life challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is direct, honest, and nonjudgmental. She blends mindfulness, acceptance-based work, CBT, and client-centered listening to build practical skills.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 25 years of clinical experience across outpatient clinics, residential programs, hospice care, and community services.
What credentials and region apply?
She is an LMFT licensed in California and Washington and is based in Washington for regional practice.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.
