About

“We cannot solve our problems using the same thinking we used when we created them.” — Albert Einstein

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About Scotty Sonntag, LICSW, MHA, MPA

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Scotty Sonntag is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) who combines clinical expertise with a passion for creating accessible, high-quality mental health services. Currently serving as Vice President for GoHealth in the Northwest and California markets, Scotty dedicates his skills and insights to both leadership and clinical practice.

Scotty began his career at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute (now Huntsman Mental Health Institute), where he worked for 14 years in various clinical roles, focusing on youth inpatient care, behavioral therapy, parent coaching, and neurodiverse populations, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. During his time at the University, he led the Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment (CAT) Program, helping children and families navigate complex behavioral and emotional challenges.

In addition to his work with inpatient care, Scotty served as a school social worker at the Carmen B. Pingree School for Children impacted by Autism, providing social skills training and emotional support to students, their families, and siblings. His expertise expanded into higher education through his role at the University of Utah Counseling Center, where he offered therapy to college students and implemented specialized support groups, including an Autism group and a men’s issues group.

Scotty’s administrative experience includes completing an administrative fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where he led operations for Emergency Services and Urgent Care. His innovative work in developing the Integrated Behavioral Health Program for pediatric primary care settings across Washington further demonstrates his commitment to advancing mental health services.

After his time at Amazon Care, where he served as Senior Clinical Director of Behavioral Health, Scotty transitioned to GoHealth Urgent Care in 2022, focusing on expanding the behavioral health service line nationwide through collaborative care models.

While Scotty holds significant administrative responsibilities, he continues to offer therapy services through Sonntag Counseling, LLC, where he specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as other evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). His therapy practice is open to clients in Utah and Washington, with a focus on individual, family, and group therapy.

Licensure/State:

Washington State Department of Health, LICSW: LW 60764346

Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing, LCSW: 5390273-3501

Education:

Scotty received his undergraduate in Sociology from the University of Utah. He later earned 3 master degrees in Social Work, Public Administration, and Healthcare Administration. He is certified to practice in both Utah and Washington.

Therapeutic Approach:

Scotty utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as his preferred modality of therapy. In addition, he has knowledge in and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Person Centered Therapy. He incorporates mindfulness strategies and value driven goals with a behavioral approach in therapy. He is seasoned in individual, couple, group, and family therapy. For youth, Scotty prefers to include family in the therapeutic process when possible. Scotty feels engagement from parents is crucial for children to fully benefit from the therapeutic process.

Areas of Expertise and Experience:

Scotty has worked with diverse populations across the developmental spectrum ranging from children up through adulthood. He has experience treating a wide variety of issues, behaviors, and diagnoses stemming from his background in inpatient psychiatric treatment for 14 years. Areas of expertise and experience include:

Expertise

  • Diagnoses
    • Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Relationship Stress
    • Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Parent-Child Conflict
    • Neurodiverse Populations, Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Behaviors/Populations
    • Self harm, Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation/Attempts, Avoidance
    • Aggression, Violence, Defiance, Oppositionality, Risk Taking Behavior
    • Parent Coaching, Life Coaching, Social Skill Training
    • Relationship Stress, Self Worth, and Life Transitions
    • LGBTQ related issues, Identity Formation
    • Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups

Experience

  • Diagnoses and Populations
    • Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse (Victims, Perpetrators)
    • Attachment, Personality Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    • Substance Abuse, Addiction (technology, pornography), Disordered Eating
    • Failure to Launch, Neurodiverse populations
    • Grief and Loss
    • Psychosis

Personal:

Scotty enjoys spending time with his family, his dogs, and being in the outdoors. Scotty has many interests including sports, traveling, skiing, and golf. Yet his favorite passion is boating; waterskiing, and wakeboarding. He considers Lake Powell his second home.