Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Is being away at school a little trickier than you had expected? Maybe you're a bit lonely even though there's always loads of people around. So many challenges and expectations--it can be overwhelming even while it's gratifying and fun. We all need support at times. Together we work toward cultivating the inner strength, confidence and wisdom needed to fully and successfully transition into a meaningful and autonomous adulthood. Anything that is causing distress is welcome: grief, confusion, difficult relationships. I'd like to help.

Abri, based in Portland, Oregon, is one of the first psychotherapy clinics worldwide to specialize solely in Radically Open DBT for disorders of over-control - which includes treatment resistant anxiety and depression and restrictive eating disorder. RO DBT can be particularly helpful with students struggling with academic anxiety and crippling perfectionism. Abri has a diverse and dynamic team of 7 clinicians and a registered dietician. Please see our website for clinician bios and sub-specialties.

Helping Young Adults Feel Safe, Seen, and Understood You may be here because something just doesn’t feel right. Maybe your child is behaving in ways you don’t fully understand—or withdrawing in ways that concern you. Maybe your teen is struggling with anxiety, school pressure, or big emotions that feel too heavy for their age. Or maybe you’re a young adult trying to make sense of everything you’ve been through while figuring out who you are and where you’re headed. If any of that sounds familiar, I want you to know: it’s okay to ask for support, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

While I’ve worked with clients from all different kinds of communities, I’m particularly passionate about supporting young adults who are working through sexual shame, sexual trauma, social anxiety, neurodivergence, ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify as queer/BIPOC and/or men. I focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strengths-based and healing focus & Narrative Therapy. Because pain and trauma are realities of our world, our past selves often inform our present relationships, even when we don’t want them to. Together we’ll work to help you understand and identify what parts of yourself show up in your life today. We’ll unpack your history and upbringing to discern how they’re potentially impacting your current relationships. We often feel like we’re “missing the mark” in our relationships - that despite all our efforts, we’re still falling short. Effectively communicating with your partner or other people in your life is a skill I’ll help you develop. Generally, my style of work is a mixture of collaborating with clients, while also challenging them to dig deeper. But above all, I approach my clients with gentleness, compassion, and I will always keep our focus on healing. I was raised in a conservative Christian environment where sex, sexuality, and gender were defined by my religion. This in turn created internalized feelings of shame about who I was. Since then, I’ve done a lot of educating and relearning to shape my identity into who I am today. As a black, brown, and queer woman, my identities inform my work and the way I show up for my clients and community. My desire is for you to feel empowered to be your authentic self and transform your relationship with sex and sexuality into a positive one. Cultivating a relationship built on trust with the people I collaborate with is something I value deeply. Having the ability to trust your therapist allows you to bring more of your true self to the table, which directly affects the quality of the work we’ll do together. I’ll work with you to build a mutual and trusting relationship, because a therapeutic relationship models relationships out in the world.

The world is extra stressful right now and your plate may feel way past full. You know it's time for a change. Together we can work on overcoming stressors, calming anxiety, building self-compassion and breaking free of the cycle of worry.

I consider it a privilege to sit with individuals who feel driven to take on the challenge of personal growth. It’s hard to face the messiest parts of ourselves. We tend to avoid this at every cost, often with behaviors and habits that keep us distracted and numb. But therapy is about waking up. It’s about committing to the work of undoing old patterns that no longer serve us so we can show up more fully in our lives. I specialize in working with adults and teens (16+) who struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and/or body image concerns. There isn’t one approach that works for everyone. I enjoy getting creative and finding a framework that best serves each client.

I specialize in working with college students experiencing anxiety and depression, but I also see clients for a wide variety of challenges, including perfectionism, procrastination, family and relationship concerns, self-esteem and shame. Additionally, I often work with clients with a diverse range of sexual orientations and gender identities, and with those in non-monogamous relationships. I aim to create a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment for you to experience and explore your feelings and all parts of yourself. Together we can find ways to help you feel better and live more fully, consciously, and comfortably. I will explore with you the impact of your past on your present, and help you to choose the future you want. By seeking therapy, you are already taking a courageous first step towards better living. Please contact me with any questions you have about my practice, or to request a free phone consultation to find out if therapy with me is a good fit for you.

Are you struggling with irritability, anxiety, low mood, poor focus, substance use, or lack of motivation that is impairing your relationships, your career, or your overall quality of life? Have you perhaps tried therapy, but found that your problems persisted? Have you tried medications, but found that psychiatric appointments were too impersonal or that your concerns about possible side effects or worsening symptoms were met with indifference? I provide evidence-based mental health treatment via telemedicine to residents of Oregon. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment for clients. I offer a free ten-minute initial phone consultation to determine if we are a good fit for each other.

You feel alone, prioritize the needs of others, and wonder if things will change, asking: "What am I protecting? Who am I trying to be? What do I want?" Relationships (breakups, separation, dating, divorce) can bring up anxiety, regret, fear and self-judgment. These effect the relationship we have with ourselves. Resentments, anger, and guilt - toward others and within ourselves make us feel disconnected and alone. As a therapist, my aim is to help you reconnect with your SELF. Everyone is different. Our expectations and ideals are influenced by family history, surrounding cultural expectations, and unique experiences. Our therapy sessions help you develop tools to define relationships you want, conquer anxiety, past regrets, self doubt, negative self-image, and slowly dispose of the negative loud inner-monologue (which comes up frequently, when you are trying to navigate your road ahead.) I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist using Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) tools to develop a solid foundation of self - (via telehealth, online) in both Oregon and Washington State. Specialties: Individuals dealing with sleep issues/insomnia, difficulty with focus (ADHD); folks going through separation/divorce to develop purpose, motivation and intention; individuals in relationships cultivate/improve connection; single individuals build a sense of self (aligned with values) which can be applied toward dating and future relationships. __________________________________________ Interested in seeing if we connect? Feel free to text me/call me at 503-498-6879 for free consultation. Want to learn more about me? Check out my website: https://heatherackles.com/ _______________________________________________________

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.

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.

Whatever your reasons for seeking therapy or counseling, I assure you when you step into my office, you will be treated with respect, compassion, & validation. I believe everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. And that is typically where we start the therapy process - with acceptance of where you are now. The work I do with my clients is collaborative - we create a treatment plan together, with goals you want to work on. We achieve these goals by building skills, improving understanding & insight into how these behaviors got started in the first place, & increasing resources in your life. I'm a licensed professional counselor, practicing since 2003. I'm trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, & use Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, and Stages of Change strategies in my practice, as well as some somatic strategies, if needed. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, past trauma & PTSD, alcohol & drug problems, relational issues, life transitions, grief, anger, confidence problems. I love this work! I use these strategies in my own life and will share what I've learned, through my own experiences. Most of my clients appreciate this and don't feel so alone in their struggles. We all struggle! Through acceptance, and a bit of humor, we can achieve change.

UpWell Psychiatry was founded with the intention of giving a more human, personal touch to psychiatry. In a world of 15 minute med checks, our practice seeks to truly meet you where you are at and to understand your symptoms in the context of your life story, not just as check-boxes in a diagnosis list. We believe in working together to come up with a plan that works just for you. Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP specializes in Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar and loves working with young adults. Megan Sapp, PMHNP, CNM, FNP is a triple certified nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner and psychiatric NP who is exceptional at treating pregnant or post-partum folks, folx working with hormone replacement, as well as those struggling with significant illness, injury, or big life transitions.

Therapy is completely different for each individual because everyone is going through different issues and have personalized goals. From a strengths-based perspective, I work to empower clients to gain the skills necessary to address and resolve problems, change behaviors, improve relationships and navigate and cope with stressors. During your session, we will explore your thoughts, feelings, habits, and experiences to gain a better understanding of yourself and to develop coping skills to achieve goals and improve your well-being. I place a strong emphasis on developing insight and empathy within a non-judgmental and compassionate environment. I have over 14 years of experience practicing as a nurse and working within social services providing counseling and care coordination to adolescents, adults, and families. My therapeutic background is rooted in medical and health psychology, assisting individuals and families coping with normal or unwanted transitions, chronic illness, end of life issues, and those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. ​ I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers and I am an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

My counseling style is warm, compassionate, casual and accepting. I want you to know you are seen and heard, and I am curious about what it’s like to be you in the world. I strongly believe that you are the expert on you and that, once given a little time to breathe in a safe space, you will begin to connect to important parts of yourself that will foster healing and growth. I will be your partner in this process, helping you to gain fresh insight, feel self-compassion, and see your strengths.

I work with people who are seeking to decrease suffering, increase authenticity, build community, and pursue a life that aligns with their values. I also have a special interest in working with artists and creative types whose mental health is interfering with their full expression. I strive to be anti-oppressive in my practice by supporting individuals creating social change in their communities.

I aim to create an environment that is respectful, supportive, and collaborative. My approach to therapy is primarily based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Thus, instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts, feelings, or emotions, I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. This type of approach places your values at the center of therapy. Using your values and existing strengths as a foundation, we will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns –whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender and sexuality. I have extensive training in working with transgender and gender diverse adults, youth, and families. Transgender clients seeking assessment or counseling services can expect a safe space, and respectful, non-pathologizing, collaborative care. If you are looking for someone to work with regarding gender identity and exploration, I can provide education, support, preparation, and, if indicated, reports/letters for surgery.

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 work with teens, college students, and adults of all ages who are navigating anxiety, ADHD, identity exploration, life transitions, and more. My clients often describe me as approachable, creative, and affirming. I proudly identify as queer, gender non-conforming, and neurodivergent — and I deeply value creating a space where folks feel seen, heard, and supported as their full selves. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years working in senior services, disability advocacy, and holistic health. In 2016, a turning point in my own mental health journey helped me realize how powerful compassionate, well-rounded care can be. That experience inspired me to return to school and become a therapist myself. While attending Portland State University, I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 42 — a moment that gave me greater insight and drive to support others on similar paths. In therapy, I integrate tools from DBT, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed care, and I love working with folks who are looking for something a little different than traditional talk therapy. With your consent as our foundation, we’ll work together to clarify your goals and build practical, meaningful strategies that support your growth. Please note: I don’t routinely offer initial consultation calls, except by special request. Feel free to check out my website at www.dynamic-therapy-alliance.com, and if you have questions or want to get a sense of fit, you’re always welcome to send me an email. I’d be honored to support you on your journey.