Therapists for college students near Portland State University

You might react more quickly than you want, shut down in parenting, or show up in relationships in ways that don’t match who you know yourself to be. Using EMDR and parts-based (IFS-informed) therapy, I help adults and parents process past experiences so you can break automatic cycles, heal trauma, and feel more grounded. I provide therapy for adults and parents seeking a specialized, deep approach. Together, we’ll get to the root of these patterns to create meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, grounded, and intuitive with an easygoing style and room for humor. Since 2011, I have helped clients navigate the complex intersection of trauma and relationships. Using a parts-based approach refined over 15 years of practice, I help you bridge the gap between your past experiences and your current reactions as a partner and a parent. As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, we’ll move at a pace that works for you, without pressure, while staying focused on what will help things shift. I offer online therapy to clients anywhere across Oregon. I also offer free consultations to see if we’re a good fit or if you need guidance on where to go next.

The therapeutic relationship is the key to my approach. Together we will build strong therapeutic relationship through mutual trust and understanding. This creates a safe environment for self-exploration, growth and development. I believe that if we work collaboratively we can identify problems and personalize treatment direction. My goal is to help you cope with your daily struggles, improve resiliency and create lasting change. With the right skills, each individual has the capacity to accomplish their goals. I specialize in effective therapy for individuals who are suffering from depression, anxiety, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, low self-esteem and assertiveness issues as well as survivors of trauma, and domestic violence.

Making Sense of Your Experiences Over nearly three decades of working with clients, I've come to appreciate how resilient people really are. I've learned that meaningful change often begins when we better understand what has shaped the way we think, feel and behave. Therapy can offer a place to make sense of those influences, recognize patterns that may no longer be working and develop new ways of approaching life that feel more effective and sustainable. Many of the clients I work with are gaining a deeper understanding of how early relationships and experiences continue to affect the way they see themselves, relate to others and respond to challenges in the present. Some have spent years feeling on edge, different, misunderstood or unsure of themselves. Others find that the ways they have learned to cope or connect with others are no longer serving them well, leaving them feeling disconnected, stuck or unsure of what comes next. Therapy can help create greater clarity around these experiences and what you'd like to be different going forward. Understanding How You’re Wired A significant focus of my practice is working with adults with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence, including those diagnosed later in life. For many, discovering they have ADHD in adulthood brings both relief and grief, as years of experiences begin to make sense through a different lens. With that understanding, many begin to see their past experiences, struggles and strengths in a new light. Together, we can explore what helps you function at your best, build on your strengths, quiet self-doubt and help you feel more at ease and confident in yourself. How I Approach Therapy I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual. No two people bring the same history, strengths, needs or way of seeing the world. My approach is warm, collaborative and practical, with plenty of room for curiosity, reflection and real-life problem solving. We’ll work together in a way that feels intentional, useful and genuinely suited to you. No matter what brings you here, my hope is that therapy helps you understand yourself with greater clarity, self-compassion and confidence.

As a first generation immigrant, Vivien understands the pain of feeling stuck and not knowing where to start, when there is so much you want to achieve – whether it’s developing more rewarding relationships, making academic and career progression, healing from complex trauma, or gaining a sense of calm, confidence, and fulfillment as you navigate life in a complicated world. Vivien is a clinical psychologist who specializes in providing culturally responsive psychotherapy to adults, with a particular passion for supporting Asian American folks and folks with minoritized identities, college students and early career professionals aged 18 - 35. With Vivien, you are invited to enter a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental and collaborative space to more clearly understand yourself and how personal experiences and societal contexts have shaped you as you embark on a journey of growth and healing. Please e-mail or call to set up a free 15-minute consultation to get started.

As your therapist, we will work together as I guide you towards an open mind and a more positive outcome. With compassion and empathy, you will find comfort and relief that you have met your goals and have new tools to face life’s challenges.

*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 believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to foster understanding of their own mental health and create insight into what is needed to build healthy, personalized approaches to self-care and coping. Building this type of self-awareness and reaching the point of implementing these skills is often daunting, so connecting with a therapist to support you in processing these experiences will help lead to genuine change. My focus is to work with adult individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and high sensitivity (HSPs). My approach incorporates person-centered, psychodynamic, and relational modalities that allow us to explore lifelong, underlying patterns of thinking and behavior in a safe and connected environment. I have experience in providing therapy for young to middle-aged adults from various backgrounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and SES. I am currently accepting new clients! Please contact me for a phone consultation where we will determine whether my therapy services and availability fit your needs.

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.

I work with clients from all walks of life—whoever you are, wherever you are on your path, I welcome you just as you are. I connect well with clients who are curious about themselves & the world, have a sense of humor, and are motivated to engage in the process of therapy. I particularly enjoy working with folks who are new to therapy and those who are motivated to roll their sleeves up and get to work.

Are you tired of being tired? Have you ever wonder if there is more to life than just mere survival? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, stress or relationship problems and not sure how therapy can help? You are not alone. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 11 years and have assisted many clients from diverse backgrounds with some, at the root, very fundamental issues of existence including meaning, isolation and choice. Psychotherapy is not only meaningful work for me, but a craft that necessitates continuous personal and professional growth. I look forward to hearing from you and working together

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.

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.

Have you ever had a moment, conversation, or even a look that gave made you feel felt? That felt sense of connection is what Resonance, LLC is based on. Too often, we are forced to stay on the surface level or simply don't know how to connect on a more meaningful level--perhaps because we were taught to; perhaps because of trauma; or maybe because we are afraid someone will abandon/make fun of/misunderstand us. Resonance is about feeling accompanied, being seen, heard, and mostly, felt, throughout the healing process.

I work with those who are committed to the long-term work of healing complex trauma and attachment wounding through experiential work. I specialize in working with activists, artists and healers, and particularly those who are ready for deep transformative healing, so they can better do their work in the world, from a place of clarity and internal peace.

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.

I help college students cope with mental health challenges that get in the way of school and relationships. Having too much self-control, or overcontrol, makes it hard to enjoy life and connect meaningfully with others. It’s exhausting to feel like you’re always ‘on’, performing, or wearing a mask. Overcontrol can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and intimacy avoidance. You don’t have to struggle alone–I’ve been a therapist working with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other overcontrolled folks for over 10 years. Together, we can get you unstuck. Using practical (and fun!) research-validated strategies, you’ll learn to harness your self-control as a strength and break free from patterns that burn you out. Finding a therapist who gets you can be stressful. Let’s make this process easier for you: email me, call me, or visit waveways.org, and we’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your hopes and needs.

Whether you are struggling with feelings such as sadness, guilt, anger, grief, disappointment, loneliness, or inner-conflict, as your therapist, I will collaborate with you using an authentic, kind, and skilled approach. We will start with a comprehensive evaluation of your needs and discuss what brings you to therapy. Together, we will establish goals and develop a plan that will support your strengths, resources, and encourage a path toward success. The therapeutic relationship can provide a safe space to increase self-awareness and recognize behaviors and relationship patterns that can make you feel stuck. Together, we will address your concerns from a holistic perspective with the intention of fostering resilience, empowerment, and positive change.

Hi! I'm glad you found me here in a sea of so many qualified therapists. What sets me apart from many other providers is the guiding principle that effective therapy is much more art than science. Research has consistently shown that the most influential common factor in effective therapy is a comfortable working relationship with your therapist (as opposed to a specialized treatment protocol or even years of experience). As such, I treat the quality and trust within our therapeutic relationship as the number one priority. I strive to provide a space in which we can engage collaboratively, to gain greater understanding through curiosity and exploration, ultimately working to address the root causes of your struggles. Developing an awareness and insight into your thoughts and decision making is key to attaining greater fulfillment and life satisfaction. You are more than what brings you into therapy and I recognize that the sum total of your lived experience is what makes you 'you'. Therapy allows you to be completely open and honest without fear of judgment, ultimately providing you the capacity to live authentically. I offer a free 15-minute consult; contact me or schedule via my website to see if I'm a good fit for you!

Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!

Do you feel like the person everyone counts on--the friend who always has advice, the one who never misses a deadline, the kid your family calls when something goes wrong--while inside you're running on fumes? Between classes, jobs, relationships, and the pressure to have your whole future figured out, it's easy to end up exhausted and still saying yes to one more thing. I work with college students on anxiety, boundaries, and the transitions that come with this stage of life--moving away from home for the first time, figuring out who you are outside your family's expectations, navigating friendships and relationships that are more complicated than anyone warned you about. I also love career and major counseling: helping you sort through the "what am I even doing with my life" spiral with some actual structure instead of just more overwhelm. Sessions are collaborative. We'll start by talking through what's actually going on for you--not just the symptoms, but the patterns underneath them--and build a plan from there using tools that fit your life, not a one-size-fits-all script. I bring warmth, a sense of humor, and real engagement to our work together; you won't get a therapist who just nods and takes notes. I keep a limited number of sliding scale spots open for students who need them. Sessions are normally $230 ($330 for the intake), with reduced rates depending on your circumstances. You pick the tier that fits; no explanation or paperwork required. Cost shouldn't be the reason you don't get support. Sessions are virtual, so you can meet from your dorm, apartment, or wherever you're staying in Oregon. I'm a licensed psychologist (Psy.D.) with over a decade of experience, and I'd love to help you find a little more balance in the middle of all of this. Schedule your free consultation to see if we're a fit.