Julie Rathbun, LCSW

Julie Rathbun is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Arizona with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Western International University in 2000 and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University in 2003, and she is independently licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZ LCSW LCSW-12082).

Her career has been driven by a lifelong commitment to helping others, and she draws on that dedication to support clients through stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, depression, and life changes. She also works with clients on issues such as abandonment and attachment, body image, caregiver stress, communication and control challenges, divorce and separation, eating and food-related issues, family of origin concerns, forgiveness, guilt and shame, hospice and end-of-life matters, life purpose, men’s issues, and topics related to BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture. Julie provides affirming care for LGBT clients and integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person’s needs.

Raised in Arizona, she has lived in Tucson since 2000 and lives there with her husband and two English Springer Spaniels. Julie approaches therapy with the belief that people are capable of positive change, can develop more fulfilling relationships, can build effective coping skills, and can move toward greater self-acceptance and contentment.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Remote Support

Julie draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that emphasize practical skills and relational understanding. She uses skills-based coping strategies that teach concrete tools for managing stress, anxiety, and everyday demands, helping clients build routines and responses that reduce distress and improve functioning. She also offers attachment-informed work that explores relationship patterns, abandonment concerns, and communication issues to foster healthier connections and emotional regulation. In addition, she provides focused support for grief and loss, helping people process bereavement and life transitions with compassionate, goal-oriented guidance.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Julie collaborates with each client to determine what methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She works with clients to adjust techniques over time so the plan evolves with progress and changing priorities.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varied schedules and responsibilities. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals and therapists whether balancing work, caregiving, or mobility concerns, and they support continuity of treatment when in-person visits are not feasible.