PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

SK Portrait of Susan Kates
Online therapist

Susan Kates

Family-focused therapist with practical tools

Explore online therapy options
Credentials
LMFT
Experience
30 years
Licensed in
Wyoming
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Susan

Susan Kates is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps families and parents facing stress, parenting challenges, addiction, trauma, and mood concerns. She draws on 30 years of practice in Wyoming to offer steady, practical support when life feels overwhelming. Susan keeps language simple and sessions focused on what matters most to each family.

She uses straightforward methods that parents can try between sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for example, helps people spot unhelpful thinking patterns and try new responses.

Background and approach

Solution-Focused Therapy narrows attention to immediate goals and small steps that build momentum. Trauma-Focused work addresses past harms and how they affect current family dynamics. Susan has worked in hospitals and outpatient settings and with people who were homeless, giving her varied real-world experience.

She has also worked with children who have experienced trauma and with those facing chemical dependency. That background shapes a practical approach to everyday family problems. In sessions she aims to make space for honest conversation without judgment.

Parents and caregivers can expect a collaborative tone and concrete strategies for communication, behavior, and stress management. The goal is clearer interactions at home and tools that fit a family’s routine. Her credential is LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Susan offers several online formats to fit busy schedules and different comfort levels. She helps families set achievable steps and track progress over time.

How Susan uses evidence-based approaches online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each family’s perspective. The therapist follows the family’s concerns, helping parents and caregivers talk through feelings and priorities so sessions match what matters to them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. In online sessions this means identifying unhelpful thoughts, trying small behavior changes, and practicing new ways of responding to stress and mood problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Susan will discuss options and collaborate with the family to pick methods that fit their goals and comfort level. That choice can shift over time as needs change.

Online formats make it easier for busy families to get help. Video calls let therapists and family members meet face to face from different locations. Phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging offer shorter or more flexible ways to check in or work through specific problems. These options allow practice of skills in real-life moments and can reduce travel and scheduling barriers, helping therapy fit into a family’s routine.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Susan help with?
Susan works with a range of family and parenting issues including addictions, trauma and abuse, stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, grief, parenting challenges, anger, mood disorders, and more.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses a practical, collaborative style that focuses on clear steps families can try between sessions. Conversations are straightforward and oriented toward solving immediate problems.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has 30 years of professional experience, including work in hospital settings, outpatient care, and with people who were homeless and children affected by trauma.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMFT, licensed in Wyoming with the registration WY LMFT LMFT-074, and practices from Wyoming.
Which languages or regions are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be held by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps start the process with this therapist?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
30 years
Licensed
Wyoming
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Susan

  • Takes a few minutes to look through
  • Nothing to set up just to read
  • Stop at any point
Explore online therapy options