
We are not our trauma.
Unprocessed trauma can feel like an integrated and defining aspect of our personal identity. It is possible for deep emotional pain to soften and inform positive purpose in our lives. With your strengths, courage, skill, and dedication, your healing journey is absolutely possible and achievable.
Dr. Shannon Frank-Richter
DHSc, LMFT, LPCC, LPC, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC
California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada
About Me
Professional Background
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Nevada, as well as a licensed mental health and professional clinical counselor in California, Oregon, and Washington. With a doctorate in health science, I am also board-certified as a National Clinical Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor by the NBCC. My career spans years of experience in nonprofit community health, where I have provided mental health services to underserved populations, including LGBTQIA individuals, court-ordered clients, BIPOC communities, veterans at the Palo Alto VA, and students through Project Rebound at San Francisco State University.
In 2022, I launched my private practice, Pacific Coast Therapist, Inc., with a strong commitment to supporting the neurodivergent community and their loved ones. I am particularly passionate about integrating nature immersion as a tool for wellness and mental well-being.
My Journey
Beyond my professional life, I embrace many roles—wife, mother, stepmother, fur-mom, ex-wife, friend, and advocate for individuals with autism and ADHD. My journey has been shaped by diverse experiences, including many years as a single working mother with sole custody of my children. This chapter of my life instilled resilience, deepened my empathy, and strengthened my commitment to supporting others through life’s challenges.
After remarrying, I pursued my long-held dream of returning to college after a 23-year hiatus. With determination and my husband’s unequivocal support, I earned four degrees with high honors, obtained two national board certifications, and secured five clinical licenses across four states. Being licensed in multiple states enables me to provide care for clients navigating unique and evolving circumstances—whether they’ve relocated due to extreme weather or rising living costs, need family counseling across state lines, or seek support as a couple while separated or traveling.
Why I Do What I Do
My personal experiences with counseling played a transformative role in my life, equipping me with the skills and perspective to overcome what once felt insurmountable. That journey inspired me to pursue this profession—not just as a career, but as a mission to help others navigate their own paths.
I believe that life’s ups and downs make it all the more meaningful, and no matter how complex the journey, there is always hope. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, offering compassion, insight, and a personalized approach to finding your own path to wellness.
If you're seeking a therapist who genuinely cares and understands the intricacies of life’s challenges, I’m here to help.
CA LMFT 132811 & CA LPCC 13267 & WA LMHC 61550035
OR LPC C8801
NV LMFT 4795-R
Qualifications
Education
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) - University of the Pacific (4.0)
Master’s Degree (MA), Counseling (CACREP) - Palo Alto University’s Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (4.0 Chi Sigma Iota)
Bachelor of Sciences Degree (BSc), Psychology & Social Action - Palo Alto University (Summa Cum Laude)
Associate of Arts Degree (AA), Liberal Arts - DeAnza College (Magna Cum Laude)
Licenses
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) #132811 - California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) #13267 - California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #C8801 - Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) #4795-R - Nevada Board of Marriage & Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) #61550035 - Washington State Department of Health
Publications
"Nature Healing Mental Stress: What U.S. Healthcare Can Learn from Other Nations"
Certificates/Certifications
Board-Certified National Clinical Counselor (NCC) #1731260 - National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Board-Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) #1731260 - National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Adult Autism Assessment for Master’s Level Therapists Certification - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Adult ADHD Assessment for Master’s Level Therapists Certification - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship - ICEEFT, San Francisco
Certified Ecotherapy Facilitator - Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC
Advanced Certification in Ecotherapy - Pacifica Graduate Institute
The Science of Well Being Certificate - Yale University
Memberships
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Climate Psychology Alliance - North America (CPA-NA)
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
California Association of Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC)
Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA)