Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

Sep 30th, 2024

I'm giving it a three star because the staff is so kind. But I waited over 12 hours to get a CT scan . Then another hour after that to get checked out.I realize they are THE major trauma department for five states. But that's a ridiculous amount of time for some imaging. If you cover five states you should be well prepared with plenty of equipment to handle imaging for everyone.
Aug 15th, 2024

Im giving two stars instead of one because during the intake with the social worker there, I was referred me to an excellent support group that Im continuing with, and I truly appreciate that part of my experience.Unfortunately, the therapy itself felt dismissive and unhelpful. As someone dealing with trauma and real-world safety issues, I needed support that was flexible, adaptive, and trauma-informed. Instead, I often felt like my therapist was defensive, self-centered, and focused on how difficult her job israther than how difficult it was for me to actually live through it.The approach was very cookie-cutter, with rigid expectations that didnt fit my needs. I often felt like I was being pushed to fit into a standard therapy mold instead of being met where I was at, and I was shamed for not doing things her way. It was emotionally draining and left me feeling judged, frustrated, and re-traumatized, rather than supported.When I called to cancel my future appointments, I politely asked if theyd like to know why I was choosing to switch to another provider. I was told, Nope. Only if youre looking to reschedule. That response made it clear that feedback and accountability are not priorities for this clinic.I was on a waitlist for weeks, and Im so disappointed that this wasnt worth the wait.If youre someone with lived trauma and complex experiences who needs thoughtful, compassionate, responsive care Id suggest exploring other options.
May 3rd, 2025

I asked Laurie at the front desk for her name so I could know who I was speaking to and she straight up said no. Why do you guys have extremely hostile people working at an abuse and trauma center? Im not required to tell you that Ive literally never spoke to this lady before. Whats alarming is she probably is so rude to patients that shes scared someone will report her. Not really sure who called before me that pissed her off. This is outrageous. Also have a complaint about Maria K. Shell take your social security number and wont follow through with what she needs it for Be very cautious. This place seems like a scam, not for those struggling.Couldnt even get my issue (the reason I called) resolved because I no longer felt like this was a place I need to be speaking to the people working there clearly hate their jobs, so why would I trust them with anything?
Oct 2nd, 2024

I was hesitant to leave a review, because that feels weird to do for a place I've gone to therapy! But then I saw some poor reviews for the therapist I've found helpful, and stopped caring about feeling weird. The reviews just didn't paint an accurate picture.For starters, trauma therapy isn't supposed to be unicorns and rainbows. If you go into it with that expectation, you're going to be let down. In reality, you're dealing with horrible things that happened to you, so it's supposed to be hard. It's supposed to push triggers and make you feel hard things - that's how you learn to cope, and how you process. It gets better overall if you do the full course of treatment (but dropping out partway is not recommended because it would leave you hanging). So keep that in mind.But anyway, Alison Sands is an exceptional mental health provider. I've seen plenty of therapists, and in a way, that's made it easy for me to BS my way through lots of therapy (rendering it ineffective). Ms. Sands, however, sees right through it. She seems REALLY experienced, because not a lot gets past her. She's able to tell when someone is faking their smile or seeming unbothered, and is able to address it with a compassion and realness that most people couldn't accomplish. She also seems to have worked with a wide variety of clients - I have a uniquely unusual trauma history, and often, therapists will have zero knowledge of what I've been through and/or be freaked out by it (both of which make it hard to talk about openly). Neither applies to Alison. She somehow gets it - I cannot tell you how validating that is. It gives me a lot of hope.I think I just want to post this because I'd hate for other folks to see the bad reviews, and decide not to go in for their first session. Trauma therapy is not easy, but I do know it's worth it. Not every therapist is the right fit for every person, and it might hurt to discuss your trauma before it starts to feel better - but hey, I think it's at least worth a shot. Feeling improvement eventually after hard work is better than always feeling a little horrible forever. Don't let google review warriors scare you away from getting help- give it a try and decide for yourself. :)
Feb 12th, 2024