About Karin Taifour & ACCS

Please note, links to forms are at the bottom of this page. 

Counselor Name and Practice:   
Karin E. Taifour, MA LMHC GMHS
Owner and Principal
Aging Care Consultation Services  
Washington and City of Seattle Business Licenses

Licensure:   
Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, #LH00010799. In good standing since 2006.

Specialty Credentials:   
• Geriatric Mental Health Specialist (DSHS certified)   
• Approved Counseling Supervisor (DSHS certified)

Education:   
• Certificate in Geriatric Mental Health, University of Washington, 2008.
• Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences -- Systems Counseling, Bastyr University/LIOS, 2004.
• Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, Georgetown University, 1993.
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Oregon State University, 1991.

Experience:  
• Crisis Case Manager, Geriatric Regional Assessment Team, EvergreenHealth, January 2009 through May 2017.  
• Care Coordinator, Affiliated Mental Health Programs, June 2005 to December 2008.  
• Testimony at guardianship proceedings, criminal financial exploitation trials, administrative hearings, and mental health involuntary treatment court.
• Presentations at state and local conferences and community events.
• Over 12 years working in mental health and with geriatric clients.
• Over 3 years teaching as adjunct faculty and student clinic supervisor.
• Over 15 years in organizational development and administration with non-profit institutions, corporations, and management consulting firms.

Professional Memberships:  
• American Mental Health Counselors Association  
• Washington State Mental Health Counselors Association
• Aging Life Care Association (formerly National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers)
• Washington State Health Advocates Association
• NW LGBT Senior Care Providers Network

Orientation and Treatment Modalities Used:
• My work is consultative in nature, typically over a few days or weeks, not months or years.  
• Comprehensive evaluations and psycho-social-functional-cognitive assessments are performed using various clinically-researched testing tools and evidence-based practices.
• Care planning consultation and family meeting facilitation services are provided using best practices and evidence-based protocols along with principles of family systems theory, dyadic and group processing, and reflective listening.  
• Typically a combination of modalities or approaches are used based on the situation. These may include appreciative inquiry, Motivational Interviewing, Screening-Brief Intervention-Referral-Treatment (SBIRT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.

Working Together:
• The consent form outlines your rights and confidentiality, and must be signed by all parties at the start of working together.  Fees are not incurred until this is done.
• It is asked that all parties respect each other's time by cancelling or rescheduling at least 24 hours in advance.
• Rates vary based on service.  
• Payment is due at time of service or upon receipt of invoice.  
• Detailed statements appropriate for submission to insurance or health care flexible spending account can be provided upon request after payment is received.

Communication is Key: "I actively seek feedback from clients as to what is working and what is not helpful.  It is only by your willingness to share your experience that I can best serve not only you, but also others I work with in the future. I welcome you to say 'stop the clock' at any time to discuss how I can better meet your needs."