Sara Smucker Barnwell, PhD
CONTACT:
Address: 1700 Westlake Ave N, Suite 400 | Seattle, WA 98109
My Practice
Dr. Sara Smucker Barnwell earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Southern California, following graduate study at Harvard University and her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System’s Center for Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education.
Sara is currently accepting new clients. She serves adults and older adolescents (15 years and older) across a range of concerns, with particular expertise in anxiety, trauma, work-related stress, and substance use. She is an evidence-based practitioner who draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and diverse exposure-based therapy protocols. Above all, Sara tailors care to each individual client, balancing her understanding of research with real world practicality. She is licensed to provide care in 43 states across the United States via telepsychology.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Smucker Barnwell is a nationally recognized author and speaker in behavioral telehealth. She has led teams in the development of large-scale telehealth programs, served on national guidelines and policy initiatives, and provides consultation and training to healthcare organizations, companies, and clinicians across the country. She is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the American Insurance Trust, and serves on the Board of Directors for other organizations.
New Client Inquiry:
Life can be demanding, and it’s easy to feel pulled in too many directions. Work, family, and personal goals often compete for your time and energy, leaving little space for clarity or calm. Many clients begin therapy because they want to handle stress more effectively, feel more balanced, and reconnect with what matters most to them.
My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored to you. I possess specialty in the treatment of anxiety spectrum concerns, trauma, and transition. I draw on therapies rooted in scientific theory to help you recognize patterns, build resilience, and move toward lasting change.
With over 20 years of clinical experience and leadership roles in both healthcare and corporate settings, I bring a practical understanding of stress, pressure, and life transitions. At the same time, I offer a supportive, compassionate space where you can step back, sort through challenges, and move forward with intention.
I am grateful for the opportunity to know my clients’ lives, and to navigate their challenges together. I believe that therapy is hard work, but should also enjoy levity when possible. My aim is to connect with clients in a way that feels supportive, kind, and constructive – advancing your goals with a trusted advisor in your corner.
Please also feel free to reach out to other providers at The Seattle Clinic who may be of interest to you or other behavioral health specialists listed below:
Evidence Based Treatment Centers Of Seattle
Cadence Child and Adolescent Therapy