Abby Kulkin, MA, SUDP, LMFT

In my therapy office you can expect me to be actively engaged, offering concrete tools to support you in reaching your goals. I enjoy bringing humor and metaphors into my office to help us wrap our heads around life's big questions. I believe the cornerstone to the therapeutic process is forging a relationship between myself and my clients. Through this genuine relationship we’ll collaborate to help you live a more meaningful life that aligns with your personal values and goals. 

what to expect

Though I use traditional talk therapy in my practice, I consider myself a highly engaged therapist. This means I not only listen attentively, but also probe to help you identify what’s truly important to you and what’s been getting in the way of you living the life you want to live. Some of the most common things I hear from new clients are:

• “I am chronically overwhelmed and disorganized. No matter how many self-help books I read, podcasts I listen to, or new systems I try to employ, I still feel burnt-out and exhausted”

• “I feel stuck in my life. I’ve tried many strategies to get rid of my anxiety and nothing seems to help”

• “I want to stop drinking but I’m afraid of feeling more anxious/depressed/unlovable”

• “I feel torn between all of the things I care about. Trying to be successful at work, be a good friend, and a good partner all at once feels impossible”

• “I care about making new friends or dating, but my anxiety stops me from going out and meeting people”

• “I want to share more openly with my partner but I’m so afraid of being judged that I keep it all in”

• “Difficult emotions from past trauma keep me from living a fulfilling life”

With all of the examples listed above I primarily use an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which means I’ll help you get connected to your values, learn how to be more present in the moment, and identify what actions you need to take to move towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life. As humans we often work hard to avoid uncomfortable and painful emotions. Though this is completely normal, just like avoiding physical pain, this avoidance can actually get in the way of us engaging in meaningful action and increase our suffering. In my practice I’ll compassionately help you move through difficult emotions so you can learn how to have your values, not anxiety and fear, become the compass that guides you.

It’s worth noting that I’m not only a therapist, but a human being. This means I show up to the office as a real person with my own challenges and imperfections. I have the utmost compassion and respect for the bravery of each person that takes the huge step to pick up the phone or type an e-mail reaching out for help. I know it’s not easy and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing how I can help.

EXPERIENCE

I am a dually licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) (LIC#MG60676922) and Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP). I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and hold a master’s degree from Antioch University. In addition to holding two licenses I also have extensive training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I’ve facilitated many trainings and workshops for fellow clinicians including a presentation for the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) on addiction and the adolescent brain.

I have over a decade of experience in a variety of clinical roles; in-patient and intensive outpatient treatment settings supporting children, adolescents, and families. My work in community mental health required me to deliver comprehensive substance use disorder assessments, facilitate groups for youth, and engage young adults experiencing homelessness in therapy services. In recent years I have primarily served adults, couples, and families.

My own learning journey did not end after graduate school, but has become more rich and focused through my engagement in ongoing individual and peer consultation, where I have refined my skills in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy.

Lastly, my own personal path with recovery adds to my special interest and expertise in helping those escape from the grip of drugs and alcohol. This interest includes support for families as they navigate the challenges of coping with a loved one struggling with substance abuse. 

Beyond Therapy

Outside of the therapy office I can be found climbing rocks, trail running, or making pottery in the studio. Though I spend many hours a week sitting in an office, I strongly identify as an athlete and lead a very active life enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Please click HERE for detailed information about working with an out-of-network mental health provider.

I am currently an in network with Lyra, a local EAP. Check with your employer to see if your company uses Lyra.

I am not contracted with any insurance companies, but can still offer you a receipt for services that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Every insurance plan has their own unique out of network coverage so I encourage all clients to call the customer service number on the back of their insurance card and ask the following questions:

1. Do I have any out of network coverage?
2. What is my out of network coverage for mental health services?
3. What is my out of network deductible? (Often insurance plans have separate out of network deductibles)
4. What service codes does my plan cover without pre-authorization? (most plans cover 50 minute session with my usual code 90837, though some only cover the code 90834, which is for 45 minutes, not a code I typically use)

If you do have out of network coverage then you can submit the special receipt I create as a courtesy and your insurance will send you reimbursement for our sessions together.

Rates:

No cost 15 minute phone consultation

$200 for ongoing 50 minute sessions with individuals

$230 for initial 50 minute evaluation (Includes after session summary with recommendations and appropriate referrals.)

$285 for 80 minute sessions (recommended, but not required for couples, families, or any systems therapy intake)

$230 for on-going couples*, family, and conjoint (more than one person in the room) therapy sessions.
(Note that therapy with more than one person includes after session write-ups, ongoing homework assignment, and collaborative treatment planning. I’ve found that tracking, for all parties, is much more challenging when multiple people are involved, and thus offering more in-between session support and scaffolding, is very helpful.)

*I use the word “couple” as a billing descriptor, but I’d like you to know that I welcome all relationship structures, including romantic partnerships that include more than two people. I also welcome platonic relationships, such as friends, colleagues, siblings, caregivers, etc.

Making high quality care accessible is important to me. For this reason I offer five reduced fee slots based on need. Please shoot me an e-mail to learn more. abby@abbykulkintherapy.com

Kara Kellison
kara@olypsych.com
https://www.olypsych.com/kara-bio
Couples & Individual Therapy
ACT, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy

Alexandra Dafcik
allie@hiveandhoneycomb.org
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexandra-dafcik-seattle-wa/705019
Couples & Individual Therapy
Areas of Specialty: trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues

Ryan Chambers
ryan@ryanchambers.com
www.ryanchambers.com
Individual Therapy only
Areas of Specialty:Training in EMDR, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal Patterns

Jenny Cooke Malstrom
Jenny@NavigateFamilyTherapy.com
https://navigatefamilytherapy.com/staff/jenny-cooke-malstrom-ms-lmfta/
Couples & Individual Therapy
Areas of Specialty: Sexuality, drugs, and parenthood
Trained in DBT and CRAFT

Anne Grisham-Pleas
anne@annepleas.com
www.annepleas.com
Individual Therapy Only
Areas of Specialty: Trauma, Substance use
EMDR trained

Dorian Hunter & Tacoma DBT
https://www.dbtcenteroftacoma.com/dorian-hunter
dorian@dorianhunterphd.com
Areas of speciality: Substance use, DBT, parent support, family support, group therapy.

Beth McCarty
bethmccartycounseling@gmail.com
bethmccartycounseling.com
Other Areas of Specialty: Trauma, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, partners of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Somatics, EMDR, Lifespan Integration, TRM, ImTT, Somatic Transformation

Kirsten "Kiki" Byrnes
bloomtherapypllc@gmail.com
www.bloomtherapypllc.com
Other Areas of Specialty: Grief/loss, life changes or transitions, stress, anxiety, disordered eating

Jessica Brand PhD
drbrand@hawthornseattle.com
www.hawthornseattle.com
Other Areas of Specialty: psychosis, adjustment to major stressors (e.g., medical diagnosis, end of life, traumatic event)

Jenny Cooke Malstrom
Jenny@NavigateFamilyTherapy.com
https://navigatefamilytherapy.com/staff/jenny-cooke-malstrom-ms-lmfta/
Other Areas of Specialty: Sexuality, and parenthood
Trained in DBT and CRAFT

Sara Eagan
eagan@summitpsych.org
www.summitpsych.org
Couples & Individual Therapy
Other Areas of Specialty: Anxiety Disorders including eco-anxiety and health anxiety

Seattle Area Group Practices or Communities of Clinicians

The Seattle Clinic
Areas of Specialty: Varied, substance use, families, couples, eating disorders, group therapy, DBT
www.theseattleclinic.com

Cadence Child and Adolescent Therapy
https://cadencechat.com

Associates in Behavioral Health
http://abhseattle.com

Evidence Based Treatment Centers Of Seattle
Areas of Specialty: DBT, groups, BPD, young adults
https://ebtseattle.com/

Seattle Psychology
https://www.seattlepsychology.com/

Greenlake Therapy Group
Areas of Specialty: Adults, couples, teens, ACT, DBT
https://www.greenlaketherapygroup.com/

Envision Counseling
Areas of Specialty: Variety- Couples, families, adults
https://envisioncounseling.net

Northwest Relationships
Areas of Specialty: couples, relational issues
https://www.northwestrelationships.com/meet-our-therapists.html

Clinicians Who Primarily Use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or Similar Modalities

Justin Hoo
jswhoo@turnthepagecounseling.com
www.turnthepagecounseling.com
Areas of Specialty: Creatives, minority stress, identity conflicts, career therapy

Fred Ingham
fred@congruencehealth.com
www.congruencehealth.com
Areas of Specialty: Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior and Sex Addiction, 12-step support, group therapy

Jessica Brand PhD
drbrand@hawthornseattle.com
www.hawthornseattle.com
Areas of Specialty: Spectrum of MH challenges, including psychosis, as well as adjustment to major stressors (e.g., medical diagnosis, end of life, traumatic event)

Emily Jacobson
emily@theseattleclinic.com
http://www.theseattleclinic.com/emily-jacobson-phd
adults with anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship problems

Sara Eagan
eagan@summitpsych.org
www.summitpsych.org
Anxiety Disorders including eco-anxiety and health anxiety

Couples Therapists and Couples Focused Group Practices

• https://www.northwestrelationships.com/

• https://www.pnwsextherapycollective.com/

• https://www.amirawhitehill.com/

• https://www.emilyjacobsonphd.com/coaching-1

• https://www.lkscounseling.com/

• https://www.theseattleclinic.com/andrew-fleming-phd

• http://www.drerinmiga.com/