About Me
Katie Gaskins, LICSW
I’m humbled to have a decade of experience, where every day I have fallen in love with my job all over again. I take great pride in identifying myself as a stigma fighting mental health advocate, a self care enthusiast, and a once patient - now clinician. I come to you with firsthand experience in the everlasting journey of mental health, chronic illness, and neuro-spicy parenthood. This personal insight, accompanied by my professional clinical training, allows me to connect with clients authentically, compassionately, and empathetically.
Background
I grew up as a millennial on the Southside of Atlanta; the second oldest of six children with up to 17 years between us. I now have three kids of my own, navigating their high school and college years. In 2017 my husband's career provided us with the opportunity to relocate to the Seattle area and it's been one of the best decisions we've made.
When I was young, I had always thought I would grow up to become an artist. To this day, I continue to have a passion for anything crafty or creative, but life had other plans for me. Early in my college career I began navigating medical and social services for my immediate and extended family. Social Work quickly became my calling, and ultimately led me here, as an advocate and professional in the field of mental health.
For years I struggled with my own mental health before finally deciding that I was truly invested in getting better. In embracing vulnerability as a strength, I have transformed my own struggles into a source of resilience, wisdom, and a profound connection with those who entrust me with their mental health. My journey has not only molded me into a better provider but also instilled in me an unwavering belief in the transformative power of empathy and human connection. These lived experiences have also fueled my commitment to destigmatize the conversation surrounding mental health.
Education
Years before migrating to the Pacific Northwest, I graduated on the Dean's List with my Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 2012 at Georgia State University. My undergraduate clinical practicum was through ChildKind Inc., working with medically fragile and developmentally delayed children in foster care. I obtained my Master of Social Work Degree one year later in 2013, through the Georgia State University Advanced Standing Program, having completed my practicum at McIntosh Trail Community Service Board under the clinical director for Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Addictive Disease Services.
Post graduation, I started my social work career working at a Domestic Violence Haven House; moving on to rapid rehousing and supportive services of homeless Veteran Families through United Way; then as the sole Social Worker for Mercy Heart, a free community clinic serving uninsured individuals with chronic healthcare conditions. In 2019, I applied for my LSWAIC in the state of Washington and transitioned my social work trajectory from crisis case management into clinical mental health services. Beginning at Sandbox Therapy Group, I provided in-home, in office, and community based behavioral and psychotherapy services for children and young adults. In 2022, I opened my own private practice, Mixtape Mental Health, PLLC, to provide behavioral and psychotherapy services to individuals ages 9+ and families. I gained full licensure in 2024, and now maintain a current caseload of roughly 20 clients, allowing me to provide an above standard level of care.