What is a mitigation specialist?
A blog series featuring the many faces of mental health.
After two decades in mental health I am still surprised by the different jobs my profession has. I also get asked often what therapy is, what kinds of therapy there are, what’s the difference between a counselor, a psychologist, a coach, a psychiatrist, a social worker, etc., what do mental health workers actually do, and where do mental health workers work?
I’ve held many different mental health jobs throughout my career, and now I’m going out and interviewing other mental health professionals to learn even more about what types of mental health care are out there so that you -whether you are seeking mental health services or are interested in a career in mental health- can get to know more about it, what resources are out there, and even get to know some of the amazing people doing this work
Lynlee Weber is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Olympia, WA
Meet Lynlee Weber, LICSW in Olympia, WA
What is your professional title and what is your business name? And how does it serve people in Washington state?
LICSW - Mighty Mitigation - As a mitigation specialist, I work with criminal legal teams to help individuals faced with criminal charges. I do this by researching a person's background and determining the relevant information that shows the court a more complete and nuanced version of the person charged with a crime, with the hope of receiving a reasonable and more just outcome.
Where do you provide services?
Primarily WA state, but I am happy to work cases in any state in the US.
What kind of services do you provide? Any special populations or certifications?
Mitigation and Case Consultation for criminal defense teams. I also provide private investigation services through my PI firm (Vivid Investigation) and individual therapy to members of the Olympia WA community (in person) and WA state (telehealth).
How does your service help people live mentally healthy lives?
This is a big question - People who have been charged with crimes and are (likely) in jail awaiting trial are faced with immeasurable stresses. As a mitigation specialist, I give them a safe person to talk to. Often these clients have a lot of unresolved trauma of their own and there is a lot of stigma about getting help, so often they don't until they enter the criminal legal system.
While I get a lot of job satisfaction working directly with the clients, I also provide support to their families. If you can imagine that your child or parent or spouse or sibling has been charged with murder or another serious crime - how would that impact your life? I give these family members and friends an outlet to process their feelings and grief while helping their loved one.
What kind of people do you love working with?
I don't have a favorite kind of client. Every person and every case is unique and I like the challenge of sorting out the details.
What led you to this as a career?
I came across this particular specialty by chance and was immediately drawn to it. I worked for a couple of years doing death penalty mitigation with a state defense team prior to moving to WA. I missed doing mitigation work, which is why I started my own practice.
What keeps you showing up for work every day?
Dedication to the client and the work. The relationships with the families/friends. Knowing this work matters and changes lives.
What do you wish people knew about services with you?
I wish attorneys, specifically, knew just how valuable mitigation can be to help their client's case. Information I have been able to uncover in past cases and led to significantly lesser sentences during pleas, the state dropping the death penalty and reduced charges. Additionally, I have been able to work with "difficult" clients (and family members/witnesses) when they have been resistant to working with the attorney. Repairing and strengthening those relationships is good for all parties involved.
What is your favorite way to take care of your mental health?
My coping skills are primarily hanging with my dogs, knitting and crocheting, and taking a walk - usually near water. Also, going to therapy!
How can people contact you to learn more about your services in Washington?
phone: 360-870-5767
Lynlee Weber graduated with her MSW from Wichita State University in 2014. She has extensive experience working in the fields of capital mitigation, crisis therapy, acute inpatient mental health care, human trafficking, and reproductive/sexual health. She also has a Bachelor degree in Women’s Studies, Psychology, and Health Professions with a minor in Sociology. She specializes in working with individuals with complex mental health disorders, including psychotic disorders, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lynlee created Mighty Mitigation because of her desire to advocate for the individuals charged with serious crimes - the people our society has given up on.If you are a mental health professional, or provide services that support mental health and wellbeing, and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out my contact form, or you can submit a form directly at: wellness-focused business or mental health practitioner.If you are looking for a mental health provider like the one featured above, or would like to start counseling services and connect with the message above, please reach out directly to the provider above.
If you are interested in trauma or relationship counseling for women in Tacoma, WA or online in Washington state, you can contact me, Katie Lorz, for a free 15-minute consultation. I will see if I can help, and if not, I will do my best to get you to someone who can. My goal is to help you find the mental health care you need to achieve your wellness goals.
