Third Place Therapy Free 15-min consult

Therapy in Phoenix, AZ · in person or online · Trauma · Relationships · Grief

Your life looks good on paper, but it may not feel that way inside.

You feel like you have a lot to be proud of, but you may not feel the confidence or fulfillment you want. Instead you're overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck in thoughts about the past, or crippled by the "what-ifs" of your future.

Maybe you're here because you recently experienced a loss, or someone suggested you reach out. Or maybe you don't know what you need — you just know you don't want to keep feeling unsatisfied, disconnected, and at times angry with yourself for being here.

Life doesn't have to stay this way.

Ready to talk? Call or text 480-418-6414

4539 N 22nd St, Suite 203
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Online therapy anywhere in Arizona.

The idea behind the name

First place, second place — and a third.

Sociologists call home the first place and work the second. The third place is the one that belongs to neither: somewhere you're not performing a role, where you get to be a person. That's what this hour is for.

01

Home

Where you're needed, and where you hold everyone else together.

02

Work

Where you're capable, competent, and rarely allowed to be uncertain.

03

Here

Trauma-informed therapy where safety comes first and the question is "what happened to you?" — not "what's wrong with you?"

What we treat

Four places this work
most often starts.

01

Trauma

Process past pain and learn new ways of thinking to connect with yourself, so you can confidently navigate emotions and experience life with more ease and joy.

02

Anxiety

Learn to calm racing thoughts and ease constant worry with the right type of therapy and emotional support.

03

Relationships

Learn the tools to connect meaningfully, and feel confident setting boundaries, expressing needs, and getting the love you want.

04

Grief & transition

Restore a sense of peace, clarity and empowerment amidst change, loss or transition, with a therapist you can trust.

Modality

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — a trauma-informed approach that helps bridge the gap between mind and body, relieving distress from the past while restoring balance in the present.

Modality

Internal Family Systems

Parts work: getting to know the parts of you that learned to stay strong, perform, or put others first — and helping them feel less alone in the job they took on.

How it works

Three steps, no surprises.

01

Let's chat

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. One of our therapists will answer any questions so you can be sure we're a good fit.

02

Meet weekly or biweekly

50-minute sessions to work on your goals, in person in Phoenix or online anywhere in Arizona.

03

Reconnect

Coping skills and a restored sense of connection to yourself — so you can regain confidence, navigate emotions and connect meaningfully in relationships.

The team

Meet the therapists.

Online & in person in Arizona. Each therapist books separately — pick whoever sounds like the right fit, or ask us and we'll help you choose.

Elaine Evans, MS, LPC

Elaine Evans

MS, LPC · Founder

"I help people who have it within themselves to be healthy and thriving again, but just need the support and guidance to get there."

Trained in EMDR and IFS, Elaine helps clients find peace, confidence and joy — healing the pain of the past, tuning in to emotions, and engaging meaningfully in relationships.

Book with Elaine
Meredith Clark, LPC, MC, PhD

Meredith Clark

LPC, MC, PhD

For adults, couples, moms and dads who are thoughtful, capable and self-aware — yet tired of feeling stuck.

Anxiety, poor sleep, burnout, parenting stress, postpartum challenges, relationship conflict and the mental load of family life. Currently pursuing her PMH-C credential.

Book with Meredith
Alexis Lane, LAC

Alexis Lane

MS, LAC

"You've spent so much time being who you needed to be for everyone else that it's getting harder to answer a surprisingly complicated question: what do I actually want?"

Anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief and major life transitions. Integrates EMDR, attachment work, CBT, DBT and mindfulness.

Book with Alexis
Alba Vargas, Counseling Intern

Alba Vargas

Counseling Intern

"You love your baby, but your mind rarely shuts off."

Works with women navigating postpartum anxiety, motherhood, family stress, and the shift in identity after having a baby. Warm, nonjudgmental and trauma-informed.

Book with Alba

← scroll for more →

Fees

Session fees vary
by provider.

TherapistIndividualCouples
Elaine Evans, MS LPC$250 / hour$350 / hour
Meredith H. Clark, MC LPC PhD$200 / hour$250 / hour
Alexis Lane, MS LAC$200 / hour$250 / hour
Alba Vargas, Intern$85 / hour$100 / hour
Sliding scaleSliding scale spots available — please ask.
PaymentCash or card, including HSA. We don't bill insurance directly, but we can help you submit superbills via Thrizer for out-of-network reimbursement.
CancellationsThe full session fee is charged for cancellations made within 48 hours of the appointment.

FAQs

Questions about
working together.

How do I know if I need therapy?

It's common to wonder if what you're going through is "enough" to seek therapy. The truth is, you don't have to wait for a crisis or a diagnosis. If you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that don't serve you, therapy can help.

Many of our clients come to us simply because they want more ease, confidence, or support. If you're asking the question, it may already be the right time to reach out.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. We provide both in-person therapy in Phoenix and secure online sessions anywhere in Arizona. You'll receive an email just before your appointment with a link to a secure video chat — phone or laptop both work, though most people prefer a laptop.

For virtual appointments you'll want a private room, adequate lighting, and comfortable seating with a surface for your device.

Where is your office?

North Central Phoenix — 4539 N 22nd St, Suite 203, Phoenix, AZ 85016. There's visitor parking available. Grab a seat in the waiting room and we'll come out to get you at the time of your appointment.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

We'll meet for about 50 minutes and discuss your current situation and your goals for our work together. We'll also ask about relevant history — your upbringing, family, relationships, work, and cultural and spiritual influences.

At the end, we'll decide how frequently to meet. Typically clients begin weekly for the first month, then shift to biweekly.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

Great question — we wish there was a simple answer. Progress varies with life circumstances and current distress. Some clients find that committing to biweekly therapy for 6 months is a good start. From there we can determine whether more work is suitable, or we've arrived at a good stopping point.

Do you take insurance?

Like most specialty practices, we do not accept insurance. You'd pay out of pocket up front using a credit card, cash, or an HSA card.

We can help you submit superbills — like a fancy receipt for therapy — for potential reimbursement if your plan has out-of-network benefits. We partner with Thrizer, which verifies benefits, estimates reimbursement and submits superbills directly to your insurer.

What type of therapy do you offer?

Individual and couples therapy, tailored to your needs. Together we may use parts work (IFS) or EMDR, depending on what feels right for you. Sessions are always collaborative — we'll create a treatment plan that supports your goals.

Get in touch

Book your first appointment
or intro call.

We understand that therapy can feel like a big step — and it is. That's why we offer a free, confidential 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we're the right fit. Complete the form and we'll be in touch within 2 business days.

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email.

Please don't include sensitive clinical details — email isn't a secure channel.

Your message is ready

Your email app will open with everything filled in, addressed to elaine@thirdplacetherapy.com. If it doesn't open, copy the message or call instead.

Request appointment

Book online →

Free, confidential 15-minute consultation through the client portal

Call or text

480-418-6414

We're happy to answer questions first

Email

elaine@thirdplacetherapy.com

Response within 2 business days

Office

North Central Phoenix

4539 N 22nd St, Suite 203
Phoenix, AZ 85016 · visitor parking out front

Instagram

@thirdplacetherapy

Also @elaine.m.evans

Good Faith Estimate

Because we're a private-pay practice, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your care will cost — in writing, at least 1 business day before your service. You can also ask for one before you schedule.

If you receive a bill at least $400 more than your estimate, you can dispute it. Keep a copy. More at cms.gov/nosurprises or 800-985-3059.