Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center

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. :)
Jun 20th, 2023

I do not recommend this place if you need help in a timely manner. I was referred here by my doctor and it took 2 months to even have a consultation because I called multiple times to schedule an appointment and only reached voicemail. After the consultation I was put on a waitlist and told it could take 4 months. Well 6 months after the consultation I receive a call that I'm still on the waitlist and they haven't forgotten about me. I was told I would be on the waitlist at least another 4 months. Disappointing that waiting a year for help is considered acceptable by HCSATS.
Oct 7th, 2020

Beds and equipment don't work half the time. The Nursing staff is short handed. Although I understand the 1 vistor a day (which pretty much no Covid precautions are in place but mask), visitors are not allowed to eat or drink and are not allowed to go to the cafeteria to get anything and eat down there. Cannot leave the floor and if you do, you are denied re-entry even if you are FULLY VACCINATED. It takes forever to get help for a patient so your vistor is your best option to even be somewhat comfortable, help when the bed doesn't work, or help you to the bathroom. For a world class surgeon/ surgery facility, the after care/recovery is probably the worst in the Seattle and surrounding areas I have ever seen.
Sep 13th, 2020

I am currently in week 10 of the CPT program and its been life changing. Kayla is amazing. Its so emotionally and mentally exhausting, but when you reach the beautiful breakthroughs its all worth it.
Aug 18th, 2020

I underwent CPT for PTSD and learned a lot of great tools. The work is worth the relief, but you have to put the effort in yourself! Its very rewarding to see your progress.
Jan 1st, 2020