Sonia Hossain, MSW, LSWAIC
(she/her)
DBT Fellow
Sonia Hossain is a Licensed Social Worker Associate and DBT Fellow at DBT Center of Tacoma, specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for all ages (adolescents 13+ through adults) with emotion dysregulation, self-harm, chronic suicidality, and co-occurring concerns including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Sonia provides care in-person in Ruston, WA and via telehealth across Washington state.
Ages served: Adolescents (13–17) and Adults (18-80)
Format: In-person and Telehealth
Accepting new clients: Yes
Insurance: Out-of-network with superbills
Who I work with:
Adolescents (13-17)
Adults (18+)
BIPOC Individuals
Immigrants
LGBTQIA+ Clients
Neurodivergent Clients
Individuals with disabilities
Concerns I treat:
Borderline personality disorder (BPD): emotional intensity, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment
Body image concerns
ADHD
Chronic pain and chronic illness
Gender identity exploration and gender-affirming care
Treatments I provide:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
I have completed DBT Foundational Training through Psychwire and Advanced Topics in DBT through the DBT Center of Tacoma & STAAR Training Collaborative. I also completed a specialized class in DBT through the University of Washington School of Social Work, with Carson Robinson.
Trauma-Focused Treatments
I have completed training in the DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol for DBT clients with PTSD and/or complex trauma. I also have prior experience in the Trauma-Focused CBT Protocol for adolescents with PTSD.
Motivational Interviewing
I have training and prior clinical experience providing motivational interviewing, an evidence-based intervention for substance use and other addictive behaviors.
Exposure Therapy
I have training and prior clinical experience providing exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. I use exposure throughout my work providing DBT, as is relevant to help clients reduce unwanted emotions.
Self-Compassion
I use mindful self-compassion and compassion-focused treatment techniques to help clients reduce their shame.
Education and Training
2025 - MA in Social Work, University of Washington
2025 - DBT Foundational Training
2020 - BA in Psychology, New York University
2025 - Licensed Social Worker Associate — Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) in Washington state, License #SC61689103
Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Certified Yoga Teacher
About Me
My focus is compassionate, patient-driven and connection-centered work with a variety of clients, especially multicultural youth. My practice is shaped by my values of social justice and anti-oppression, and I dedicate myself to creating a therapeutic space that is both inclusive and uplifting. My goal is to empower people from diverse backgrounds to make the changes they want to see in themselves and connect with their communities.
I am also a certified EMT and yoga teacher, which helps inform my practice and teaching of mindfulness. I love to go out in nature and enjoy the fresh air, but sometimes I also just love to curl up at home with a good book or game. In the wild you can find me snowboarding, practicing martial arts, and helping coach kids in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Frequently Asked Questions
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YES — I have openings for adolescents and adults for both in-person and telehealth treatment. Contact our intake team to schedule a consultation.
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No, but we can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
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Yes. I can see clients via telehealth anywhere in Washington. In-person sessions are held at our Ruston, WA office.
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We would start with an initial 90-minute intake appointment. This gives us time to orient you to our clinic and the treatments we provide, and start to get to know you as a person and the challenges you’re wanting help with. The first appointment typically includes a lot of assessment questions that are important for understanding your history, but we aim to make this conversational.
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DBT works best for individuals who are able to identify ways in which they want their life to change, but who have struggled to make that happen because of their intense emotions or uncertainty about how to cope or navigate challenges. DBT is skills-focused and structured - many people who are otherwise uncomfortable with therapy respond well to a more structured approach like DBT. I particularly love working with BIPOC clients who need a space to feel seen and understood.
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I work with clients ages 13+, including adolescents (13-17) and adults 18+.
Ready to get started?
If you're considering working with Sarah, the first step is a consultation with our intake team. We'll talk about what you're looking for, whether Sarah is a good fit, and answer any questions about scheduling, insurance, or how DBT works.