Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work dynamically and intuitively with a focus on mind body awareness. I combine my knowledge from natural medicine, energy healing, authentic relating, social justice work, ecofeminism, conscious philosophy, yoga, meditation, nonviolent communication, to serve in a holistic and transpersonal approach. I believe that we are all whole and complete. I believe learning is remembering. I believe that each person deserves to be seen, heard, held and loved. I have worked intimately with the concepts of being and belonging. I take into account systemic issues and intersectionality with every client I work with. Some of these populations include: LGBTQI+, BIPOC, Buddhist contemplative, kink/sex positive, body positive communities. I have also worked intimately with survivors of domestic abuse, those dealing with codependent tendencies, eating disorders, chronic illness/pain, developmental trauma and grief. Overall, I work best with those who are curious about being more in their bodies and are dedicated to the growth and learning process.

My goal is to support your growth and well-being through a collaborative, compassionate counseling relationship. Together, we’ll identify challenges, explore thought and emotional patterns, and work toward meaningful goals. My approach is practical, affirming, and values-based. I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and work with concerns including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, life transitions, burnout, and relationships. I enjoy helping clients build coping skills, improve communication, and navigate identity, grief, stress, and women’s health. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My approach is shaped by specialized training in trauma-informed practices, emphasizing trust, choice, and connection. In addition, I’m trained in clinical supervision and writing WPATH letters for gender-affirming surgery. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we’ll create a supportive space to explore what matters to you and find practical ways to move forward. Your feelings are valid, and I’m here to help you discover the strength and clarity within yourself.

Anxiety, worry, and intrusive thoughts are incredibly isolating and I am passionate about joining my clients in their journey toward reclaiming their lives and conquering their fears. You don’t need to do this alone anymore! My clients are often high schoolers, college students, and/or adults that are overwhelmed by perfectionism, high expectations, anxiety, and/or OCD’s rules about how to live their lives. They may also be going through major life transitions or struggling with looming uncertainties. Finally, my clients courageously lean into discomfort and learn new skills to ride the waves of uncertainty impacting their lives. My therapeutic approach includes the following evidence-based treatments: Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness strategies and Motivational Interviewing. I collaborate with my clients to determine the best approach for their individual needs and goals. If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already taken a very big step forward in your wellness journey. I encourage you to reach out to me and schedule a consultation to discuss if my approach may be a fit for what you’re looking for. Regardless, I’m wishing you all the best in your journey and am honored to have crossed your path.

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/ _______________________________________________________

My work is guided by the belief that mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and personalized. With a background in community mental health and primary care behavioral health, I offer an integrative, culturally responsive, and values-based approach to therapy. I believe therapy is most effective when it goes beyond symptoms—when we explore your values, goals, and passions together. Through this lens, we co-create a foundation rooted in curiosity, connection, and emotional safety, opening space for healing and growth. I’ve had the privilege of expanding gender-affirming care at a community health system in Seattle and helped develop a behavioral health department embedded within a community center—where I facilitated programming focused on emotional wellness and connection. These experiences have shaped my commitment to making therapy accessible, affirming, and grounded in real-world community values. My value of community and connection continues to be nourished at Aspire Psychology.

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 work with adolescents, emerging adults, and the people who support their life transitions: college and leaving home, gender identity, and serious relationships. I create clear boundaries, and treat with authenticity and humor. Body positive, action-oriented, culturally responsive, compassionate realism. I provide a free 20 minute consultation to make sure we’re a good fit. Let's talk!

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 specialize in working with college students, graduate students and early career professionals who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, depression, burn out and more. If you're asking yourself "how am I supposed to balance school/work, having a social life, eating healthy, exercising, having hobbies and taking care of my mental health?!" you are not alone. Adulting is hard, especially when you still feel like you're new to it. You might feel like your thoughts are always negative or spiraling out of control or you're always tense or can't seem to stay in the moment for things that are "supposed" to be fun. My approach to therapy focuses on helping you learn to relax, reduce the impact of negative thoughts, savor the joyful things in life, and live in alignment with your values. In therapy with me you will learn concrete strategies to improve your life while also having time to just "talk it out" in a warm and supportive environment. I offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation prior to scheduling our first session to determine if I am the best fit for your care. Please call, text or email now to schedule a consultation. Looking forward to speaking with you!

I have always had a passion for giving back to my community and supporting the creation of positive change in ways that are meaningful and respectful to the unique beliefs, needs, and cultures of others. As a therapist I strive to fulfill this passion by helping folks feel empowered to heal, grow, and live authentically. My work is grounded in the belief of the inherent strength of each person, and I am dedicated to helping clients build resilience, self-compassion, and agency in their lives. The approach we decide is best for you will be tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, processing trauma, or exploring gender and sexual identity, I am here to provide a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space—with just a touch of humor. Together, we’ll identify meaningful strategies to help you build the skills and confidence to move forward in ways that align with your values and goals. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University (2017) before moving to Portland. In 2022, I completed my Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver, with an emphasis on trauma and social justice, and have since had the privilege of providing therapy at a local community mental health agency, serving a wide range of folks struggling with complex generational trauma, major life transitions, relationship issues, grief, and gender/sexual identity exploration. Through this experience, I had the privilege of further developing skills specific to LGBTQIA+ folks, a group of individuals near to my heart, which has allowed me to more meaningfully connect with, and help, my community. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me running around the city or Forest Park training for the next half-marathon, at the coast or a hiking with my two wiener dogs, and most importantly spending time with my friends and loved ones. How I Can Help If you're looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Portland or support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that empowers you to create meaningful change. Whether you're seeking CBT for anxiety, trauma therapy, or support navigating gender identity, I offer a collaborative, affirming, and client-centered approach to help you move forward. I offer both in-person and telehealth therapy, making it easier to access care in a way that fits your needs. Education & Licenses MSW, University of Denver (Trauma & Social Justice Focus) Clinical Social Worker, OR License #L30027

College can feel like a lot to manage at once. Classes, friendships, dating, family expectations, and trying to figure out who you are and what you’re doing with your life. I work with students who are dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, and relationship stress. A lot of the people I see are functioning well on the outside, but internally feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like they’re constantly overthinking everything. Therapy can help you quiet the mental noise, understand your emotions without getting taken over by them, and feel more grounded in your decisions and relationships. You get to slow down, sort through what’s actually going on, and focus on what matters to you. My approach is practical and collaborative. We start with your goals and what’s not working right now, then build clear, research-based strategies to help you feel better. I also pay attention to patterns, like overthinking, people-pleasing, or relationship dynamics that keep repeating, so you can understand them and shift them long-term. You know your life better than anyone. My role is to help you make sense of it and move forward in a way that feels right to you. I provide out of pocket sessions at a reduced rate with limited pro bono sessions available. If you’re curious about working together, you can reach out for a quick consultation and see if it feels like a good fit.

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.

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.

Thanks for taking a moment to learn a bit more about me. If you're seeking therapy, I applaud you! Seeking support to navigate chaotic moments in life is not often easy and is also a wonderful gift to give your self. As a therapist, I use a dynamic blend of modalities to support you in a “body first” approach to healing. My style is collaborative and validating. We may integrate art, movement, play therapy, and expressive sand tray work into sessions depending on your comfort. Building our relationship on a basis of shared respect is a huge part of my practice. If you think we’d be a good fit, let's connect!

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 am a Queer Neurodivergent (AuDHD) mental health, sex, and relationship therapist with over 20 years of experience working in the behavioral health field. I work with teens, adults, and relationships. I help clients work through issues around trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse, gender issues, relationship problems, religious trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, ENM/Poly, and sex therapy! I utilize various modalities to help you on your journey, including CBT, EMDR, DBT, Mindfulness, ACT, Jungian Dream Analysis, parts work/IFS, and TF-CBT.

Brave Hope Counseling offers experienced, inclusive and compassionate Mental Health Counseling in Oregon and Washington. Please visit our website for more information. www.BraveHopeCounseling.com