Diana Elstad, LMHC
Warm, eclectic counseling grounded in deep experience
- Addiction and recovery support
- Trauma grief and loss
- Relationships and life transitions
About Diana Elstad
Diana Elstad is an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and substance use disorder professional in Washington with 35 years of experience across community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals, and private practice. She is also a geriatric mental health specialist, bringing added focus to the mental health needs and life transitions that can arise with aging.
Over the course of her career, Diana has supported hundreds of people navigating a wide range of concerns, including addiction and recovery, depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress management, family systems and codependency, self-esteem, relationships of many kinds, grief and loss, and the impacts of abuse and trauma. Her work is grounded in a broad understanding of how emotional pain, coping patterns, and life circumstances can intersect and shape day-to-day wellbeing.
In sessions, Diana aims to offer a warm, kind, and respectful presence, listening closely not only to what is said but also to what may be difficult to put into words. Her counseling style is eclectic, drawing from multiple schools of therapy while staying fully present and tailoring support to each client. She focuses on meeting clients where they are and building a therapeutic experience that feels attuned and practical for the challenges they want to address.
Over the course of her career, Diana has supported hundreds of people navigating a wide range of concerns, including addiction and recovery, depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress management, family systems and codependency, self-esteem, relationships of many kinds, grief and loss, and the impacts of abuse and trauma. Her work is grounded in a broad understanding of how emotional pain, coping patterns, and life circumstances can intersect and shape day-to-day wellbeing.
In sessions, Diana aims to offer a warm, kind, and respectful presence, listening closely not only to what is said but also to what may be difficult to put into words. Her counseling style is eclectic, drawing from multiple schools of therapy while staying fully present and tailoring support to each client. She focuses on meeting clients where they are and building a therapeutic experience that feels attuned and practical for the challenges they want to address.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Diana Elstad have?
Diana Elstad has 35 years of experience working with clients across a range of settings and concerns.
Is Diana Elstad a licensed therapist?
Yes. Diana Elstad is an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) in Washington, license number WA LMHC LH 00003771.
In which languages does Diana Elstad provide therapy?
Diana Elstad provides therapy in English.
Where is Diana Elstad located?
Diana Elstad is located in Washington.
How can I work with Diana Elstad as my therapist?
You can work with Diana Elstad through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and scheduling.
Does Diana Elstad work with international clients?
No. Diana Elstad does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Diana Elstad cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Practical Online Therapy with Evidence-Informed Approaches
Diana Elstad integrates several established approaches to help clients work through concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma-related experiences, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, respectful relationship where the client sets the pace and priorities, which can be especially helpful when someone wants to feel heard and understood while sorting through complex emotions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then practicing concrete strategies to shift unhelpful cycles. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful when emotions feel intense or difficult to manage in relationships and everyday life.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Diana works collaboratively with clients to understand what they are facing and what they want to change, then tailors sessions to fit their goals, preferences, and pace over time.
Online therapy can make it easier to stay consistent with care. Clients can connect with Diana through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing flexibility for busy schedules, changing routines, or times when in-person appointments are not practical.