Divorce Lifeline began in Seattle, Washington in 1968 as an informal offering of peer and pastoral support for adults who were experiencing separation or divorce. Rev. Neal Kuyper, Director of the Presbyterian Counseling Service, saw the need for the church and community to reach out with acceptance and support as divorce was a societal taboo. The goal was to “provide an environment of empathy and understanding. . . and to give hope, vitality , and self-esteem.” These goals continue to constitute the cornerstone of the program.

In 1975, Divorce Lifeline expanded services to Bellevue and Federal Way. The Children’s Program was established in 1980 to address the unique needs of children of divorce. In 1986, Divorce Lifeline merged with Lutheran Social Services of Washington and Idaho, which provided a more stable financial base as a part of a larger multi-service agency. With the merger, Divorce Lifeline became eligible for United Way funds, which allows services to be available to families from all income levels. Currently, group therapy is offered in Seattle, Bellevue and Lynnwood.