Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected in your relationships? You don't have to navigate it alone, whether you're struggling with life transitions, the current political climate, complex emotions, or past experiences that continue to shape your present. Many people try to push through independently, seeking advice from friends, reading self-help books, or burying themselves in work—only to find that the same patterns keep repeating. When nothing seems helpful, therapy can offer lasting change. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, culturally sensitive space for individuals.

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.

My work with clients is centered around helping people to find the balance in their life. We take time to get to know each each other and to set up the goals that are important to you. You chose the pace at which we move, while I offer suggestions and share observations. Our sessions will provide a safe space for you to share as much or as little as you like. Through discussion and exercises we can get you to feel joy again.

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.

My passion lies in supporting people who may feel stuck, stagnant, or caught in repeating patterns, and who are ready to try something different. The journey forward isn’t always easy, but the support of a compassionate therapist can help you find your way. I strive to create a nurturing space where you can unpack your experiences, reflect deeply, and begin to explore, challenge, and redefine how you show up for yourself and in your life. I warmly welcome individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and orientations. My areas of expertise includes racial and cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges of navigating multicultural or bicultural worlds, or those living at the intersections of multiple identities. I practice from a social justice, multicultural, trauma informed, and anti-oppressive framework, ensuring that our work together is inclusive, affirming, and compassionate. I strive to create a space where all parts of you are seen, heard, and valued. A space that honors the depth, complexity, and richness of your lived experience. Please visit my website to learn more about me and to schedule a free consultation at www.growingwithinpnw.com.

ADHD. Depression. Anxiety. Social Anxiety. We love helping students thrive. This is what we do best! We are a warm, safe, welcoming small group on a mission to help you discover your ideal health. We offer primarily medication management and evaluation. We offer convenient scheduling (in-person and tele-health), direct communication with providers and sufficient time to discuss your needs. We consider the whole person when considering your care needs. We know that college brings all kinds of unique challenges-balancing family, school, friends, work and fun can create all kinds of chaos. We will work to help you figure out the balance. Fill out an intro form as the first step before a quick intro call.

Welcome! My name is Molly Sterling and I am an able bodied, White, cis woman. I provide individual, trauma-focused therapy to adults 18+. I work with adults in individual therapy focused on healing past trauma, developing effective coping strategies to manage anxiety or panic symptoms, or navigating a difficult life transition, such as new parenthood. I particularly enjoy working with perfectionists, people employed in the helping professions, and individuals who find it hard to "get out their heads". I would describe my therapeutic style as relational and eclectic, meaning I don’t adhere to one modality exclusively. I am trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused (SAFE) EMDR and also utilize modalities such as IFS/Parts Work, Mindfulness, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and expressive arts in my work with clients. I believe in the power of connection and curiosity, and I strive to meet clients with compassion, wherever they are on their healing journeys. I am committed to providing therapy that is collaborative, responsive, and affirming. Though I do not identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am an ally and am committed to understanding dynamics of privilege and oppression. I am neurodivergent affirming and Health at Every Size informed. I am currently seeing clients virtually on Thursdays from 9am to 6pm, with more availability coming soon! If you have a specific day/time that you prefer, please reach out to see if I can accommodate.

As a Person of Color, you’ve followed the rules, honored your culture, and shape-shifted to survive—but the pressure to get it all right is exhausting. You’ve kept it together for everyone else—but inside, you’re overwhelmed, second-guessing yourself, and craving peace. You’re always overthinking, carrying others’ emotions, and wondering who you actually are without the expectations of others. Family stuff is complicated, parenting feels heavy, and rest feels out of reach. You don’t have to hold it all. Let’s make space for you. Terapia en Español & Bilingual Services – I offer a space where all parts of your identity are honored. Together, we’ll build tools to manage stress, emotions, and relationships, while also exploring how past experiences and cultural messages shaped your feelings, response and the way you see yourself. This work supports deeper healing, clarity, and growth. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative. We’ll explore your goals and what brings you to therapy. As someone who's lived between cultures, I value feeling truly seen and respected. Safety makes deeper exploration possible—and with it, meaningful, lasting change. Visit my website for more detailed information.

Are you ready to explore a new path and navigate life’s challenges successfully? Develop a growth mindset and move towards success. Transform and become truly authentic. As your guide, I will spark your curiosity and ignite motivation. I will actively listen, offer empathetic and compassionate feedback, and encourage self-discovery through introspection. As you begin to value the process you will realize that the journey matters more than the destination. On this path you will develop a growth mindset, truly believing that you can become better and improve with time and practice. As you begin to live the life you want to live you will start embracing challenges. You might even find you enjoy them. As you start to harness the power of your mind, you’ll begin to get the results you want and move towards success. We will work together to identify your values and set incremental, and realistic goals that will lead to growth. We will develop a personalized set of tools and skills to help you better manage challenges. You will practice being comfortable making mistakes and being more open to criticism. It is often through making mistakes that we really learn. With dedication and effort you can increase self-awareness, positive thinking, and self-compassion. You will become more resilient and discover abilities you didn’t even know you possessed. Difficult experiences can lead to rich rewards. With Brainspotting and EMDR you can adaptively process trauma and emerge stronger. You will recognize your personal strength, and start to explore new possibilities. You will begin to improve your relationships, gain a greater appreciation for life, and grow spiritually. Happiness and contentment are attainable. It starts with one step.

I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 15 years experience in university settings. My work focuses on students with a range of concerns, including depression and anxiety, difficult life transitions, relationship problems or losses, trauma, and identity. I have specific expertise working with the common challenges experienced during college. I also enjoy working with individuals of diverse identities and backgrounds, which has been a focus in both my career and my ongoing education. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and relational. This allows us to explore your concerns together- providing support, identifying patterns, and processing past events, all with attention to working toward your personal goals and growth. I make space for what feels most important to you, while using my expertise to provide guidance. Our relationship is a priority in my work. I use warmth, humor, and honesty to create a safe space where you can be your most authentic self. Please contact me if you would like to connect for a 15 minute phone consultation.

Find a therapist you can connect with and relate to! If you are looking for support, we have 32 therapists with a variety of backgrounds and specialties here to help. We take most insurance. We are located in Portland and available for online therapy statewide in Oregon. Find our current openings on our home page and check out our team profiles at http://www.healthalliescounseling.com to find your perfect match.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who grew up in rural Northern California, where adequate mental health care was not accessible, and differences were not celebrated. I developed a passion for helping others after watching people I cared about struggle without support and going through my own challenges as an adolescent and young adult. After settling in the Portland Metro Area, I have developed a great love of our area's diverse populations and green landscapes, combining all the beauty the Willamette Valley has to offer with the convenience and luxury of inner-city resources and diversity. I have experience working in community mental health, hospice, and counseling with adults and teens ranging from late adolescents to the elderly. I especially enjoy working with those struggling with life transitions, trauma, chronic illnesses, depression, and anxiety. I believe that fostering safety and unconditional positive regard is the backbone of the therapeutic relationship. I use these core Rogerian principles and a strength-based approach along with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy to aid people in broadening their perspectives, changing behaviors that are not working for them, and developing practical tools they can use in their day-to-day lives. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and am variably directive in my approach depending on client needs. I am honored by those who share their brightest and darkest times with me. Time and time again, I am amazed by the strength and resilience of those who actively seek change. When I am not with clients, I can be found wrangling my two young children. I am a music, gardening, hiking, equine, and canine enthusiast. I also feel passionately about women supporting women and have enjoyed networking with other women in my local community.

I am a holistic, trauma-informed therapist with a background in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Feminist theory. I am well-versed in 12-step recovery programs including individuals and families dealing with addiction and alcoholism. I have worked in hospital, school, and community-based settings, which have challenged and shaped my knowledge and interests. Navigating big life transitions are my specialty; whether you are shifting careers, your identity, or your boundaries with others.

Accepting new clients! You are taking the time to make mental health a priority, and that is something to be proud of. I am honored to support you on your journey toward your goals. I approach your challenges from a holistic perspective, recognizing that every aspect of your life contributes to the present situation. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own story, and that you possess numerous strengths that will guide you in overcoming any roadblocks along the way. Together, we will uncover and build upon these strengths, enabling you to achieve the growth and fulfillment you deserve.

The ValueCore philosophy is that you have absolute value based on your intrinsic worth. This is how we see you; and the core from which we offer treatment. With you, we may utilize talk therapy, medication management, education, evaluation, encouragement, accountability, and self-discovery, which leads to insight, direction, and meaningful change. Together we work to foster the realization that happiness is the rule for you and not the exception. As you accept your personal value and implement the changes you need for yourself, we hope you will be free to grow, relax and recreate, socialize, work and serve others, educate, and live a fulfilling life. Now accepting new patients ages 5-64.

As a psychologist, Emily supports people to live richer, fuller lives aligned with their personal values. She views her clients as the experts on themselves and sees her role as their collaborator, working together to help bring forward their greatest potential. Emily works with a diverse set of individuals, and with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, interpersonal relationship challenges, overcoming barriers to goals, and other issues her clients strive to work through. She utilizes an assortment of therapeutic modalities, often blending these approaches, including mindfulness, Jungian analysis, Behavioral Modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Ecopsychology, and relaxation training, always with a focus on the individual needs of the client. Emily believes that an integrated approach to overall well-being is important, including aspects of nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene, with an understanding of how these interact with and impact psychological well-being. Over the years, Emily has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and not-so-young adults, each seeking help with a range of concerns, problem behaviors, and disorders. Emily also enjoys working with couples as they address problematic areas in their relationship, and as they find ways to improve and reconnect with each other. When she works with children, she is also working to make sure parents are appropriately involved, and helping to implement therapeutic assignments beyond the counseling environment and at home. This is especially important as we impart positive parenting approaches to reinforce certain behaviors, and to help a child feel secure as they learn to cope with trauma, anxiety, or depression. Emily completed her Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Biopsychology and Ecology and Evolution at University of California, Santa Barbara, later earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology, and a second PhD in Wildlands and Wildlife Conservation at Brigham Young University. When Emily is not engaging with her clients in psychotherapy, she teaches psychology undergraduate college courses, and enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, connecting with nature, and cooking.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working in mental health for non-profit agencies, the VA, and other organizations. Through my own experiences in the military, I experienced first-hand Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression. After leaving the Navy, I sought therapy to help process what I experienced. While completing my education, I worked at Veterans' Affairs, helping combat Veterans who experienced PTSD and other challenges, including drug and alcohol addiction. I bring this experience to working with you in processing trauma and other issues you may be experiencing. During our therapeutic sessions I primarily utilize CBT, DBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) but will also use other approaches as needed. I work from a client centered, integrative approach and believe in working collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their goals, improve coping, and reduce symptoms. Finding a path to live the life you want to lead is a goal of the work I do. I practice a resilience-based approach while working primarily with adults, veterans and their families in individual and couples counseling sessions. I also bring, Kayleigh, a therapy dog in sessions.

My professional philosophy is based on individual coaching. In other words I approach my therapy work with you without preconceptions or an agenda about what it means to “heal.” I place an emphasis on communication. I focus on bringing an individual's personal core values to the forefront of their lives. In this respect, I see myself as a your personal life facilitator. I will actively help you build your own resources by using life’s challenges as opportunities for learning, healing and becoming stronger in whatever way is most appropriate for you.

*I am licensed in both Oregon and California, and can work with students who often travel between these two states.* When the difficult experiences from your past are still impacting you, it is hard to know what to do. You don’t feel like yourself anymore, and the people in your life are starting to notice. It’s coming out at school, in your relationships, in your mood. You might be thinking “I just want to move on with my life. Why can’t I just get over it already?” But no matter how many times you try to move on, you still feel stuck. You are not alone. I help people who have been through difficult childhood, sexual, and relationship experiences look at how their experiences have shaped them, and explore how to take back their lives from the memories that have burdened them for so long. Together, we will build a trusting relationship where you can feel safe enough to explore what happened in your life, the ways you have survived, and how to get unstuck so you can move toward a life that is ruled by you, and not by the past. I know reaching out to begin therapy can be an overwhelming experience. I offer a free 15-20 minute consultation, where you can share a bit about what you would like to work on, ask me any questions you may have, and we can determine whether I might be a good fit for your needs. Please feel free to visit my website to learn more and schedule a consultation. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

I am a social worker, musician, and expressive arts therapist. I believe everyone is innately creative, and each person has within them what they need to heal and change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon and Louisiana, and a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT). I use a multi-arts, or intermodal, approach in individual and group therapy and facilitating. This means I use movement, visual art, music, writing, and mindfulness as therapeutic tools to initiate healing and change. Since this work is based on the creative process and not the resulting product, no background or training in the arts is required to benefit.