Consider our first session a “get to know you”. We will talk about what brought you to therapy, your goals, and whether we feel like a good fit. It's a space for you to ask questions and share what's on your mind.

Sessions are typically 50-53 minutes. Many clients start weekly, then adjust to every other week or monthly as they progress. We'll find a cadence that works for you.

I enjoy working with adults and teenagers 14+, and all identities are welcome in this space! I have a special interest in supporting BIPOC & SWANA folx, and I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, trauma, grief, and more.

I also support clients exploring cultural, religious, and immigrant experiences, including Arabic-speaking clients, Muslims, women of color, and individuals reflecting on their identity, spirituality, and sense of belonging. I work with people managing relationship challenges across romantic partnerships, friendships, family, or multi-ethnic/multi-cultural dynamics, helping them navigate these connections with understanding and growth.

I’ve worked for over 5 years with over 150 clients, across community mental health settings and group practice. My work is informed by both clinical experience and research publications in trauma, multicultural counseling, and social justice in therapy.

My publications include:

• Akef, Z., Poyrazli, S., & Quintero, I. (2024). An exploration of the lived experiences and psychological states of migrants and refugees. The Qualitative Report, 29(1), Article 4. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol29/iss1/4

• Black, S. W., Drinane, J. M., & Akef, Z. (2023). Detecting microaggressions toward a Muslim client in psychotherapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 54(6), 421–428. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000528

• Wilcox, M. M., Black, S. W., Drinane, J. M., Morales-Ramirez, I., & Akef, Z. (2022). A brief qualitative examination of multicultural orientation in clinical supervision. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 53(6), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000477

• Winkeljohn Black, S., Akef, Z., & Thomas, C. (2022). Using a consultation assignment to enhance trainees’ understanding and implementation of consultation and social justice in career counseling. Journal for Social Action in Counseling & Psychology, 14(1), 106–123. https://doi.org/10.33043/JSACP.14.1.106-123

Our standard rate is $150 per individual session (50-53 minutes), and $180 for couples (50-53 minutes). We also offer a limited number of sliding scale slots based on financial need. Please reach out to discuss options.

We are currently in network with Premera, Lifewise, and Aetna. We are considered out of network with all other insurances.

If we do not take your insurance, we can provide you with a superbill for our services. This means, you will pay the private pay rate, and then submit the superbill to your insurance to be reimbursed for your sessions.

Please reach out to your insurance company to find out more about out of network reimbursement benefits. Most insurance companies can reimburse between 40-80% of the therapy rate. 

Please note: We are private pay only for couples therapy sessions as most insurance companies will not reimburse clients for couples therapy sessions.

We offer both in-person and virtual sessions across Washington state. Our office is located in Kirkland, WA.

We utilize Simplepractice for secure video sessions.

Please provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations are charged the full session rate. This helps us offer the time to someone else who may need it.

In case of a crisis, please dial 911 for any medical or safety emergencies. If you or someone in your life is experiencing any mental health crises, please dial 1-844-493-8255 or 988.

We are currently serving WA residents only due to state regulations.

If you plan to travel or take a vacation, please inform us in advance so that we can adjust scheduling accordingly.