Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

We here at Brave Acorn help people in the greater Portland area align body, mind, and emotions in their daily lives. We are trauma-trained, take a Health at Every Size approach to food and weight issues, and encourage people to work with their body and emotions as allies (rather than enemies) on their journey towards growth and healing.

Are you struggling to engage or enjoy activities you once used to, or to make healthy friendships, connect, stay focused on studies? Perhaps you are noticing that acute or past traumas are getting in the way of feeling safe in your own body and coping is or has become very difficult. I specialize in working with emerging, young adults who battle anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex childhood trauma, addiction, suicidal thoughts and more. Counseling with me will be a warm, authentic and safe experience where together, we can gently process the thoughts, fears and doubts that keep you feeling stuck and perhaps miserable. Therapy may involve processing trauma, helping you develop increased awareness, exploring thought processes, relationships and behavior patterns, as well as learning new skills to manage your symptoms and relationships.

When people can feel safe being their most vulnerable and authentic selves, it is such a privilege to witness. I enjoy working with people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences who are curious about themselves and willing to be open to the therapeutic process. We start by getting to know each other and ideally we move forward to identify and build upon your strengths and work in learning more about patterns that may be holding you back. We work on what we can change, what we must accept, and what we want to challenge in ourselves. We move at a pace that will suit you and I will provide feedback or listen more as you need. We work collaboratively.

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 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.

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.

After working in the mental health field for nearly 15 years, specifically in crisis intervention, I set out on a new path to work with people before life becomes unbearable. Most recently, I served as a high school mental health counselor. Flexibility and openness are two of my core values. Do you know what you value? Understanding what we care about most and what brings meaning to our lives is essential to living with intention and living well. I believe therapy is about exploring these values along with memories, current circumstances, and feelings in order to help the present-self move forward. Too often we drift through our days without asking for the support we need because it can feel as though we are not worthy of that focus. Please know that you are worthy of that focus because once you do, positive change and growth are not only possible, but inevitable. My passion is to center each person I work with and learn how they experience the world around them. My background thus far has been working with youth and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, identity issues, self-harm, and school frustration. I hold a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a masters in social work (MSW) from Portland State University. Outside of my work, I love to run, play video games, and have always been into playing/watching sports. There is no song I wouldn't try to karaoke even though I'm, like, an objectively bad singer.

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.

Welcome! I specialize in parts work, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I can help you heal your nervous system, expand your emotional capacity, and relate more effectively. I work with adults who feel stuck in thoughts, emotions, or relationship patterns that just aren’t working. I also work with those struggling with a sudden stressor or those who want to work through past events. This can include things like trauma, depression, a challenging transition or the loss of a loved one, or low self-esteem and persistent self-criticism or doubt. You might feel the impact at work or in school, in your close relationships, or in your relationship with yourself. My collaborative approach integrates evidence-based therapy methods with compassion, humor, and attuned listening. I am directive as needed, provide structure, and welcome long silences, fast-paced intensity, and everything in between. Together, we will explore past experiences, patterns, and what is happening in the here and now to foster clarity, cultivate change, and increase satisfaction in your life and relationships. We will also practice concrete skills such as assertive communication, boundary setting, and emotion regulation. I find that most people who come to see me are ultimately longing for a sense of inner peace, personal agency, and meaningful connections. Change is possible. Let’s work towards it together. I offer a free 15-20 minute initial consultation call to go over questions and see if we might be a good fit.

Many students come to therapy feeling stressed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that hold them back. Balancing school, relationships, and life changes can feel overwhelming. Therapy provides a supportive space to pause, reflect, and explore your experiences. I work with students to navigate emotions, stress, and relationship challenges while building coping skills and self-understanding. Together, we focus on what matters most to you and make meaningful changes in a supportive, relational space. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and I honor that courage. You’ll have a gentle, safe space to process challenges, reflect on your experiences, and build confidence as you move through school and life.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My heart's work is connecting with people, holding space for their hurt, and empowering them to reach towards a connected, integrated life. My ideal client is someone who is curious about WHY troubling symptoms exist in the first place; someone who is ready to either step into therapy for the first time (hurrah!) or to step away from traditional talk therapy and begin deeper, more profound healing from the bottom up instead of the top down; someone who is wanting to feel more connected to themselves and others, and to feel more joy. I specialize in treating trauma, dissociative disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and life disturbances of all kinds. I have obtained extensive advanced training in EMDR, dissociative disorders, preverbal trauma, and somatic experiencing. I use EMDR psychotherapy as the framework for my practice and have witnessed amazing results. Jung said "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul." I will create and hold space for you to just be, and you will find me a warm, experienced, intuitive presence. We will work together to move you towards a more connected, joyful, playful life. I can't wait to meet you!

I support adults navigating anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, grief, and life transitions. Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, tension in the body, difficulty resting, or a persistent sense that something is wrong even when life looks fine on the outside. You do not have to manage this alone.

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.

Are you feeling anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed? Do questions around identity, trauma, or relationships leave you feeling stuck or unseen? I’m here to help. My approach is warm, queer-informed, and collaborative, creating a space where you feel safe to explore and heal. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and together, we’ll work to untangle the challenges you face while building on your strengths. Whether you’re navigating questions of gender, sexual orientation, or systemic pressures, I’m committed to helping you find clarity, connection, and empowerment on your journey. With training in various therapy modalities, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, focusing on what works best for their system. This is where we collaborate to discover what feels right for you. Additionally, I offer pre-surgical assessments for individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery. Finding the right therapist is important, and I’d love to help you determine if we’re a good fit. Our initial 15-minute consultation is free, a chance for you to share your needs and get a feel for my approach. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to schedule through my website.

Hi, I'm Erin and I am currently accepting new clients for in-person and tele-health. As a part of the Kelle DeBruin Counseling team, I work with individuals across a variety of topics including depression, anxiety, identity exploration, trauma, stress, interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, perfectionism, and life transitions. I enjoy working with college students of all identities and backgrounds as they navigate unique challenges and stressors.

Are you experiencing a relational separation or burdened with grief, loss, or trauma? Are you having difficulty with ADHD, depression, or anxiety? You don’t need to suffer in silence or alone. We specialize in individual, couples, and family counseling, and we are ready and available to support you in the healing process.

Jonathan holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in health psychology and community mental health. Jonathan believes that everyone deserves to thrive mentally, physically, and socially in ways that are meaningful to themselves. He is trained in several evidence-based psychotherapies and is currently utilizing trauma- and attachment-informed narrative therapy, Lifespan Integration, EMDR for adults and children. Jonathan has experience working with children, adults, older adults, and families. He works with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, attention deficits and hyperactivity, parent-child conflicts, and serious mental illness. Jonathan additionally has a background in clinical research. He began as an undergraduate research assistant for the Director at the University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Traumatic Stress Program examining the interplay of PTSD, psychiatric interventions, and brain imaging. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, listening to audiobooks, exploring the nature of the Pacific Northwest and volunteering for the Holocaust Survivor Services.

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.