Richard Sclafani, MA, LMHCA

Works with Adolescents, Individuals, Marriage & Couples, and Teletherapy
WA License #MC61630169

My approach to counseling

Since 2006, I’ve worked primarily with adults, couples, and teens in many different capacities. My approach is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and deep listening. It’s always relational, client-centered, and grounded in psychodynamic insight with a sacred respect for each person’s unique story.

Whether you’re struggling with grief, loss, anxiety, relational conflict, depression, addiction, or a general sense of “stuckness,” I believe that therapy can be a powerful path toward healing and wholeness. Our work will focus on your present concerns, be it mental, physical, social, or spiritual, while also exploring how past experiences may still be shaping your current patterns.

I’m a trained facilitator with Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS), Better Love, and Prepare-Enrich and have 20 years of experience working with couples for premarital and marriage counseling.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood, as I believe our struggles don’t have to isolate us — rather they can become the starting place for growth, connection, and flourishing. That’s my hope and goal in developing a therapeutic relationship with you and I’d be honored to join with you in this transformational process.

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
Leadership In The New Parish Certificate – The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
Extended Theology Training – Cascade Bible College
Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication – University of Washington
Trained Prepare-Enrich Facilitator
Trained SYMBS & Better Love Facilitator

Professional Experience

Pastor & Counselor, 1993 – Present
Professional Wedding Officiant & Pre-Marital Counselor – 2005 – Present
Adjunct Professor, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology – 2018 – Present
Private Practice, 2005-2010
High School Counselor, Eastside Academy – 2004 – 2005

Insurance Accepted

This therapist does not bill any insurance companies as an in-network provider. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be eligible for partial out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend that you call your insurance company directly to verify whether out-of-network reimbursement is a possibility.

Make an Appointment

Samaritan Center uses an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system developed by Valant for client intake and subsequent health records management. To set up your account and schedule your appointment, follow these steps, as directed by your therapist and prompted by Valant:

1. To begin the process, first contact the therapist by email or phone (listed on this page above) to schedule an initial conversation about fit.
2. When prompted by an email from Valant, set up your patient portal account using a validation code provided by your therapist.
3. Fill out your demographic/insurance information in Valant. Let your therapist know when this is complete.
4. When prompted by an email from Valant, complete our eSignature intake packet.

NOTE: All the above steps must be completed before your first session with your therapist.

Having trouble? Read Valant's detailed instructions for setting up and using your patient portal.
For additional assistance, email patientportalhelp@samaritanps.org.
Existing client? After your patient portal is set up, you can log in here.
First telehealth session? Read Valant's detailed instructions for Teletherapy.