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Our team
Each clinician is an independent private provider business, providing services and operating completely independent from any control or liability of each other. Each provider carries their own business licenses, Department of Health mental health license and liability insurance. Each provider has their own business practices and policies. The Attachment and Trauma Specialists website serves solely as a tool to help client find providers of therapy services and is not a therapy or healthcare service itself.
In loving memory of Rebecca Perbix Mallos, MSW, LCSW
With deep gratitude and profound respect, we honor the life and legacy of Rebecca Perbix Mallos, the founder of Attachment and Trauma Specialists. A visionary leader in the field of attachment and trauma therapy, Rebecca dedicated over 30 years to helping children and families heal from the profound impacts of early childhood trauma, adoption challenges, and attachment disruptions.
Rebecca’s passion for this work was more than professional—it was a lifelong calling. She began her journey with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 1990 and went on to become a trusted expert, educator, and advocate for children and families worldwide. As the former Executive Director of the Attachment Disorder Institute and Director of the Adoption Resource Center at Children’s Home Society of Washington, Rebecca played a crucial role in advancing education, awareness, and support for families navigating complex attachment issues.
Beyond her leadership roles, Rebecca was an esteemed international speaker, educator, and clinical trainer, helping shape the practice of professionals across the globe. She presented on the effects and treatment of early childhood trauma and worked tirelessly to educate therapists, social workers, and adoptive families on best practices for supporting children with histories of abuse, neglect, and institutionalization. As a board member of ATTACh and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, as well as a founding board member of the Kinship Alliance, she contributed to shaping policies and advancing research in the field of trauma-informed care.
Her commitment extended beyond children and families—Rebecca also held a post-graduate certificate in Geriatric Behavioral Health and assisted families in making informed decisions about elder care. She was a Certified Behavioral Health and Aging Specialist, a Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and an Expert Witness for attachment and trauma in children, ensuring that individuals of all ages received the support and advocacy they deserved.
Rebecca’s contributions to academia were equally significant. She served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work, a Practicum Field Instructor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor, mentoring the next generation of clinicians dedicated to this critical work.
Above all, Rebecca’s impact was deeply personal. She was a parent by birth, adoption, and foster care, giving her a unique, heartfelt perspective on the challenges and triumphs of attachment-focused parenting. Her profound empathy and dedication shone through in her words:
"Attachment and trauma work is fascinating; I learn a great deal from my client families about commitment, trust, and recovery as they work so hard to build secure family relationships. Children with backgrounds of abuse, neglect, and institutionalization are remarkable in their ability to take the necessary leap of faith to trust their adoptive parents. Their bravery is amazing; I am grateful to be able to work with these children and their families."
Rebecca passed away in December 2024, but her influence endures. Her vision, passion, and commitment to healing continue to inspire the work we do every day at Attachment and Trauma Specialists. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in the countless children, families, and professionals she guided and the profound impact she made in the field of trauma and attachment.
We will forever honor her dedication, wisdom, and compassion as we carry forward her mission of healing, connection, and hope.
THERAPY, CONUSLATION, TRAINING
Mia Sa, MSW, LCSW
Mia attended the University of Washington where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in social work.
Mia has co-presented at attachment conferences on issues of adoption, foster care, attachment, child development, and the unrecognized trauma of abandonment. She has developed and facilitated social skills groups for children who are adopted and in foster care, and who are experiencing emotional and social challenges with family relationships, peer friendships, self esteem, and in forming a healthy identity.
Mia brings a unique, personal perspective and advocacy to her work and draws upon her experiences as an adoptee. Adopted from South Korea as a toddler, she was subsequently raised in a multicultural family. As a teen, Mia and her family received therapy through ATS.
She has experienced first-hand the emotional struggles, sense of displacement, fear of abandonment, and search for identity, culture and belonging that are so much a part of the lives of many of the children with whom she works.
Through her experiences, she has developed an intense understanding of the significant role of culture and self identity, and the benefit of family attachment therapy in the development of successful relationships.
Mia is an in-network provider for the following insurance companies:
Premera
Regence
Blue Cross Blue Shield
You can contact Mia at:
(206) 457-7313
THERAPY, CONSULTATION, TRAINING
Linda Smith, MA, LMHC
(My practice is currently full)
Linda is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who provides in-person sessions in her Lynnwood, WA office and online sessions to clients in Washington State. She has been working in social service since 2003, working with families and adolescents in drug treatment programs, youth shelters and housing service programs as well as an adolescent residential mental health program.
Several years ago, she decided to go back to school, first to study chemical dependency counseling followed by an undergrad degree in psychology and a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy - with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Family Therapy.
Linda completed a rigorous internship at Attachment and Trauma Specialists, specializing in treating kids with attachment disorders, oppositional defiant disorder and other behavioral issues. She holds additional certifications as a Crisis Intervention Specialist and Certified Anger Management Specialist through the National Anger Management Association.
Linda has two biological children and one adopted child who are now all adults and she understands the complex issues related to attachment disorders and the struggle to find competent help.
In Linda's words:
“I enjoy working with families who are dealing with issues related to their child’s adoption and trauma history. I know what it is like to be looking for good counseling help and how hard it is to find. Through education, training and work experience, I developed specific interests in parent/teen relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, attachment disorders and autism spectrum disorders.
My approach with children and teens is one that seeks to include the parents in the counseling. My goal is to strengthen the connection between you and your child while we work on the issues your child is facing.”
Linda is an in-network provider for the following insurance companies:
Aetna
United (commercial plans)
Kaiser
Premera
Anthem
Lifewise