Mark Best (He/him)

MSW, LICSW, LCSW, CCTP
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My name is Mark D. Best. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

Clinical Social Worker in Vancouver, WA

About My Clients

I have historically worked with young people, particularly young men ages 11-25. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, self-harm, LGBTQ+ issues, spirituality, and substance abuse. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as my framework and draw on other practices as well such as narrative therapy, DBT and play therapy. I have worked with sex offenders, clients with personality disorders and those who have criminal justice histories.

My Background and Approach

The type of therapy that I practice is a very active form of therapy, meaning that the client is asked to take action in some form or another during treatment. ACT (pronounced "act") involves a commitment on the part of the client to establish guiding values, to set goals based on those values and to pursue those goals. This is the commitment portion of ACT. The acceptance portion of ACT involves learning to maintain the commitment while your brain is using negative thoughts and emotions to derail your efforts. ACT is based on the premise that people tend to be happy when they are living their life according to their values and they tend to feel lousy when they are deterring from their values. ACT involves mindfulness exercises including meditation. I incorporate spirituality into the therapy whenever appropriate.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe in the absolute dignity and value of every human being. I believe that it is my duty as a member of the human race and as a servant of beliefs that are greater than myself to alleviate suffering in the world as best as I am able. I believe that every individual has the right to define their own gender identity and expression and to be in charge of their own body. I believe in the healing power of yoga and meditation; of social service, devotion, and gratitude. I believe in compassionate nonviolence and restorative justice. I believe in challenging toxic masculinity and oppressive forms of authority. I believe in the immense power of Art. I believe that I see God in everyone around me.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • BridgeSpan
  • First Choice Health
  • LifeWise
  • Optum
  • PacificSource
  • TRICARE
  • United Behavioral Health (UBH)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Regence Blue Shield
  • Premera Blue Cross
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Atheism
  • Baha'i
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
  • Hinduism
  • Islam
  • Jainism
  • Judaism
  • Sikhism
  • Taoism
  • Wicca/Paganism
  • Interfaith
  • Multifaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 8 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $200 - 250/session

Info

360-558-7730 Email Mark
5115 NE 94th Ave
Suite D
Vancouver, WA 98662

Reach out to Mark