Therapists for college students near Portland State University

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience. She earned her Masters Degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and eventually moved to Portland where she began a career focusing on helping individuals and families learn to heal and thrive. With experience working in healthcare and public education, Michelle understands the complexities and demands that so many members of our community experience. She is committed to addressing cultural issues around bias, racism, equity, and injustices for communities of color and those with diverse backgrounds. Her engagement with anti-racism learning is active, ongoing, and explicit. Michelle is collaborative, encouraging, and playful. She focuses on helping clients to identify their resilience and strength to overcome obstacles, and she offers a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. She has experience working with children and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, women’s health issues, infertility and pregnancy, post-partum, life transitions, parenting issues, and addiction. Michelle approaches therapy with a trauma-informed lens and relies on her background and education in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Michelle believes it is a true privilege to be able to work in this field and to share space with people during some of their hardest and most vulnerable moments. She remains continuously grateful for the opportunity her clients give her, and she is committed to continuing to grow and learn. When Michelle is not practicing, she can be found with her spouse, dog, and their two young children - exploring outdoors, skiing, paddle boarding, enjoying good food, and following that beautiful and often scarce PNW sunshine.

I provide online therapy for individuals and couples in Oregon and Washington, and in person therapy in the Hood River area. Therapy is an opportunity to engage with someone authentically and without judgement. Someone who cares about you though is not attached to the choices you make as a friend or family member might be. Someone with many years of experience and training in mental health, who is actively engaged in their own personal growth journey as well. I provide therapy that is relational, present focused, grounded in experience, and centered in the therapeutic alliance. The relationship between myself and my client(s) is the foundation of the work and is built on trust and a genuine connection. Though the work emerges out of the here and now experience between client(s) and therapist, it also investigates how the past shapes our character, choices, and life in the present. I am a Gestalt therapist and utilize concepts such as compassion, acceptance, and mindfulness to guide the work. I often incorporate EMDR and IFS approaches. I value and respect difference and work with clients from all backgrounds, orientations, and cultures. My goal in the work is to raise awareness so that the client has more agency in their life. Clients’ goals typically include feeling better, gaining insight, or managing life more skillfully. Common presenting issues are depression, anxiety, trauma responses, difficulty navigating relationships, managing emotions, and more. The work can be long term and in depth, and/or it can be shorter term and focused on tangible change. I am happy to offer a free brief phone consultation so we can decide if we are a good fit.

With over a decade of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Rachel has seen firsthand the profound transformation that compassionate care can bring. Her mission is to empower clients with strategies to unlock their most confident, courageous, and authentic selves. She is honored to guide others as insight from their work together enables them to navigate challenges and build resilience. Rachel deeply appreciates the courage it takes to try something different. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Pacific University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. Her clinical experience includes working with children and adults in medical settings, with over ten years at a Portland-based children's hospital. Most recently, she has supported children and families navigating chronic illness. Rachel takes an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs. Throughout her career, she has worked as a group facilitator, crisis worker, case manager, and trauma responder, providing compassionate, evidence-based care in complex situations. Rachel lives in Oregon with her spouse, daughter, and their Golden Irish, Yoshi. As a family, they value balance and time outdoors—you’ll often find them rock climbing, hiking, or camping in the Pacific Northwest.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Well Coast Medical offers psychiatric evaluations and treatment, including both psychotherapy and medication management. We provide ADHD assessments and treatment. We also specialize in anxiety, panic, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and trauma / PTSD. Both in-person and convenient videoconference appointments are available. Evening appointments are available by request. ***Clients can self-schedule online with the provider of their choice at https://www.wellcoastmedical.com by clicking "Find a Provider" at the top of the website. *** We accept most PPO insurances, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna / Evernorth, MODA, Optum / United Healthcare, Providence and Regence. We also accept Tricare, Tri-West VA CCN and Medicare. Our providers are LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families by compassionately serving their mental health needs, while empowering their everyday lives through education and community support.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Jon Haley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He was born and raised in Michigan and received bachelors degrees in Spanish Language and Political Science from Alma College, and his Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nevada, Reno. Jon has work experience in the government, non-profit sector, child welfare, in-patient, and outpatient mental health. Jon enjoys working with, adolescents, adults, and couples. His specialties include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-informed), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy and providing mental health support for the LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. Jon has experience working with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. His therapeutic framework is person-centered and environment focused. When outside of the office, Jon likes to spend time in the outdoors, take care of his plants, walk his miniature poodle Harvey Milk and listen to NPR. A message from Jon: “Thank you for reading my profile. It’s truly a privilege to be allowed into my client’s lives. I believe that everyone is trying the best they can with the resources available to them. I help my clients balance between acceptance of their current situation, and implementing change strategies to build the “life worth living” that they want and deserve. This is the essence of DBT - engaging in the dialectic, the balance of two opposite ideals. Taking that first step in seeking out help is often the hardest, but can also be the most rewarding. I look forward to working with you.” “You cannot think yourself into a new way of acting, you can only act yourself into a new way of thinking.” –Marsh Linehan

I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence based treatment for specific challenges like OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and depression. This requires a collaborative and supportive process tailored to each individual. With the right treatment it is possible to see significant changes in symptoms so you can spend more time pursing what is most important to you. I am offering primarily telehealth based appointments within Oregon and in-person appointments within the Portland area as needed. Treatment is focused on creating behavioral changes, starting with areas where symptoms have had the most significant, and negative life-impacts. Focusing on one small change at a time can lead to greater freedom from symptoms, and more time spent actively pursuing what is most important in your life.

At Willamette Wellness Center (WWC), we know college life can be exciting, overwhelming, and stressful all at once. Many students face anxiety about being away from home for the first time, the pressure of managing classes, jobs, and relationships, and the challenge of navigating life independently without the constant support of family. Others carry the weight of crushingly high expectations or the stress of perfectionism. These struggles are common, and you don’t have to face them alone. WWC is proud to be known in our Portland, Oregon community for providing trauma-informed, evidence-based, and compassionate mental health therapy. Our group practice serves clients across Oregon and Washington through secure telehealth sessions and our in-person office in Milwaukie, making therapy accessible whether you’re on campus, back home, or anywhere in between. Our team of 45+ master’s level clinicians brings expertise in advanced trauma-focused modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, and art therapy. These approaches help students manage stress, improve executive functioning, build healthy coping strategies, and move from surviving to thriving. We provide care for teens (14+), college students, adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges, such as: Stress and anxiety about academics, transitions, or being away from home Executive functioning struggles like time management and balancing independence Depression, mood swings, or burnout Family or relationship pressures, including the pressure to overperform Body image concerns or disordered eating Grief, loss, or big life changes PTSD and trauma recovery Sexual identity/gender identity/sexuality Domestic violence/Dating/Relationships Substance use and dependence At WWC, inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of our mission. We affirm and welcome BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, first-generation college students, and all who seek support. Every story is valued here, and we create safe spaces where students can process struggles without judgment. As an insurance-based practice, we are in-network with Kaiser, OHP/Medicaid CCOs, Aetna, Providence, BlueCross BlueShield, MODA, PacificSource, United, and many other major insurers. We also accept private pay to ensure flexibility and access. Our mission is simple: to offer a place of safety, connection, and growth where students (and all clients) can find the support they need to thrive in school and in life. This stage of your life is important, and so are you!

I am a registered LPC and Clinical Art Therapist. I use art and talk therapy to support healing and positive change. I love working with individuals who are processing life challenges that are impacting their quality of existence, whether they are internal feeling or body states and/or external experiences impacting growth and functioning. I provide support so that they can move through and begin to heal; or increase their own skills while moving towards living their best life. I support individuals to see themselves through the light of their strengths and how they can take those strengths out into the world. I use neuroscientific brain science techniques mixed with art to manage/decrease anxiety and depression and symbolic narrative techniques with art to process trauma and other impactful/stressful life experiences to support integration of self, nervous system regulation and increase positive mood.

I work with people around adult adhd and anxiety. I also focus on women’s reproductive health, often related to fertility, planned and unplanned pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. I meet with clients online or in NE Portland in person.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

kztherapy.com/meet-the-team Life is hard sometimes. Our goal is to support our clients through the hard sometimes and to heal, learn, grow, and adapt. We offer in-person and virtual options for individual, couples, and family therapy. Our sincere hope is to help you find ways to heal and learn from the past, find peace and contentment in the present, and embrace the future with optimism. Our team's diverse training and experience uniquely position us to work with clients from many walks of life searching for a better way forward. To find out more about the team at KZ Therapy, see actual pictures of us (that's Pippa, one of our office's emotional support dogs, in the picture), and to determine the best therapeutic fit for you, please visit us at kztherapy.com/meet-the-team. We look forward to hearing from you!

With over 14 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, Marilyn is a thoughtful listener who uses a trauma-focused, collaborative approach. She works to foster a resilient therapeutic relationship and empower her clients to take an active role in treatment. Marilyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacific University in Hillsboro, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University. She incorporates a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy and Schema Therapy. Marilyn works with clients from age 18 to 80, across a broad range of adult needs and life circumstances. She works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with self-esteem, attachment problems, discrimination, domestic violence, relationship problems, oppression, childhood abuse and mood disorders. Marilyn grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has a passion for experiencing life in different countries. She is a US Army veteran, and enjoys listening to jazz music.

Matthew is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Oregon. He provides counseling to individual adults, couples and geriatric clients. He is a certified geriatric and dementia expert (U. of Michigan). Matthew utilizes the Rogerian approach to therapy, empowering patients by leaning on nonjudgmental, positive regard, building strong rapport and trust with patients. Matthew incorporates strength-based approaches of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. He wants the patient to explore their strengths and examine their challenges through a self-reflective lens so the patient can recognize why they struggle in certain areas of life. He sees patients that are facing difficulties with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, grief and loss and relationship issues with marriage and parenting. He also has experience with crisis training to help military and first responders. Matthew employs several interventions including challenging negative thought patterns, relaxation training, sleep hygiene, and exposure therapy. Matthew earned his Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. He is a native of New Orleans, has a wife, five children and three dogs. He is an avid walker, fisherman and sports enthusiast.

Hello! I am an Expressive Arts Therapist based in Portland, OR. In my practice I use art, crafts and sensory tools to support our work when words and verbal processing feel challenging. If you are a verbal processor, you're also welcome here! I usually work with folks who are queer and/or neurodivergent. I tend to work best with introverts or ambiverts, creative folks and those who identify as sensitive.

I work primarily with queer and neurodivergent clients. My ideal client is someone experiencing disconnection from their authentic self or is trying to unmask. They might be experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional triggers related to past traumas with which they are struggling. Perhaps they are interested in understanding more about their neurodivergence and ways to build supportive systems to address symptoms. I am honored to help with navigating questions of identity, gender, sexuality, and building relationships with oneself and others. I offer a collaborative, client-centered approach incorporating elements of Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, mindfulness techniques, and creativity to find a framework for therapy that works for each client. We will work together to find meaningful goals for you, and then work together to achieve them. For whatever reason, we all may feel like an Awkward Turtle sometimes and retreat into our shells. Underneath the weight of all of the expectations placed on us, however, we are all unique in our own beautiful ways. I created Awkward Turtle Therapy to help others learn to explore and love the parts of themselves they have felt compelled to hide.

Welcome. I'm so glad you're here. I view therapy as a means of achieving personal transformation and a way to navigate the challenges of life. So often, we come to counseling not because we don't know what we "should” or “could" do differently, but because we feel stuck. I am committed to walking alongside you and providing opportunities for you to move through challenges, to heal, and to connect with your inner resilience. My theoretical approach is rooted in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral and somatic focused therapy. I approach my work through a trauma-informed lens, which means that I prioritize a sense of safety and compassion when I work with clients. I have specialized experience and training in perinatal mental health, meaning your mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy, birth and postpartum stages. I am a certified EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapist and have completed training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, both are body-centered ways to process emotions and experiences. I am currently studying interpersonal neurobiology and enjoy deepening my understanding of mental health through neuroscience. I am also a registered yoga instructor and often call on the tools of yoga and mindfulness practices. Depending on your needs, we may use some or all of these strategies to achieve your goals. I come to private practice with a background in primary care medical clinics providing integrated behavioral health counseling, and have worked as a child and family therapist and with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I graduated from Portland State University in 2011 with a Masters in Social Work, during which time I completed internships with a refugee resettlement program and at OHSU’s Center for Women's Health. My work as a therapist is grounded in social justice and I am committed to making my practice welcoming as possible for everybody. I am a queer and trans affirming provider and work from an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens.

Hello, I imagine you are here because something isn’t quite right in your life, and you are seeking guidance to make positive changes. As you explore what therapy has to offer you, more clarity emerges that you are embarking on a journey into your inner life. Your inner world is comprised of images, fantasies, dreams, sensations, reflections, feelings – the entire content of your imagination. To know yourself, I encourage you to explore your feeling centers – like your heart and the gut. This brings forth the amazing potential of your life gifts and authentic Self into the world.

Change and healing are possible! It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and courage is a powerful strength! A little something you should know about me: I enjoy being a cheerleader in someone's journey and I love helping people dig deep to grow and heal. I have been serving in the mental health field for over 20 years, and offer support through a compassion, strengths, and goal focused approach to help you create the change you seek. I'm available for sessions both in person and via video conference to better meet your needs.