Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

I specialize in effective therapy for adults who are suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and assertiveness issues. I enjoy working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and other minority populations. I have seven years of experience in working with college and university students. This has sparked my interest in working on topics such as life transition, career exploration, and examinations of one's identities. Many clients have expressed appreciation for my authenticity, warmth, and caring nature.

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.

College is a lot. Classes, deadlines, friends, jobs, family, figuring out your future—it can feel overwhelming. If you’re stressed, anxious, struggling with food and body image, or just not feeling like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. As a therapist, I create a supportive space where you can talk things out, learn tools to handle stress, and feel more grounded. Therapy is about helping you rise from the tough stuff and thrive in this season of your life.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I value creating a space where people feel supported, connected, and empowered. I’m excited to help you explore your values, deepen your self-understanding, and identify the shifts you want to make in your life. With seven years of experience in the field, I work with diverse clients and have developed a particular focus on college students and LGBTQIA+ young adults.

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.

I provide individual therapy to people ages 18 and up. I specialize in working with queer and trans people, pot-stirrers, and outsiders. I enjoy working with people who are confronting major identity shifts, people who are navigating issues with their families of origin, and people who are trying to envision a future they never imagined themselves in (What is middle age? What is aging in queer spaces? How can I live meaningfully in late stage capitalism?).

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

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

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.

EMDR and Trauma Informed Therapy provider, via Telehealth, in Oregon and Washington.

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.

We are a group of therapists and medication management providers that specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, and LGBTQ concerns. We are dedicated to providing patient and family-centered care. We are also dedicated to providing individualized care, as we recognize that every person has a unique need. We ensure patients are active participants in treatment. You can expect to learn about different treatment options and formulate a plan with which you are comfortable. We have a diverse clinical background that has enabled me to manage a wide variety of mental health conditions. We have trained and worked in various mental health treatment settings to include inpatient and outpatient facilities. We recognize the impact that mental health conditions can have on daily life. We work with clients who feel overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, panic, worry, fatigue, and disconnection from others. We provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere to explore symptoms. We empower clients with tools to manage their emotions, track their moods, and gain insight.

Quimson Behavioral Health provides in-person and tele-health mental health services to patients located throughout Oregon. Our office is located on the westside of Portland, in Bethany Village. We are also close to Beaverton and Hillsboro. ​ We employ a balanced treatment approach which can include medications, education and talk therapy or psychotherapy. ​ Our current providers include board-certified psychiatrist Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO and certified physician assistant Cayley Mesterheide PA-C. About Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO: I am a board-certified psychiatrist; a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. I graduated from medical school in 2013 from Western University of Health Sciences in California. I completed my psychiatry residency training at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and pursued additional training in Forensic Psychiatry. My interests include community and forensic psychiatry. I specialize in helping those with anxiety and depression to get to a better place. I also help others explore the impact of society, culture, and relationships on their mental health. I am a BIPOC/AAPI/Asian provider and identify as Filipina-American. ​ My philosophy is to provide a supportive environment to encourage self-care. I help you explore your thought patterns as it relates to your feelings and actions. At times, this may be difficult, but processing and accepting these emotions will move you forward toward healing and growth. Types of therapy I employ include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused, and Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic. About Cayley Mesterheide, PA-C: As a certified Physician Associate (PA-C) specializing in psychiatry, I have experience with evaluating, diagnosing and treating a wide variety of psychiatric disorders and enjoy working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. My passion for psychiatry began before I started PA school while working as a nursing assistant in the psychiatric unit of a hospital. While working at the hospital, I achieved my Bachelor of Science in BioHealth Sciences degree at Oregon State University. I then went on to pursue my Master’s in PA Studies at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. My approach to treating mental health is holistic and includes a focus on medication management while incorporating supportive therapy and lifestyle modifications. I strive to connect with each and every patient and make it my goal to ensure that they feel heard and understood. Helping patients to find the right therapeutic regimen that allows them to function best in life brings me fulfillment in my career. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with you to help you achieve your mental health goals.

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

Dr. Kittinger is passionate about entering into the depths and carving out an intentional space that cultivates curiosity and authentic connection. As a relational psychodynamic therapist, Dr. Kittinger’s approach to therapy focuses on transformational change through the context of relationship. She engages her patients with a balance of acknowledging suffering and challenging difficult patterns to facilitate each persons own unique healing. Dr. Kittinger prioritizes the authenticity of the moment, attending to and unlocking conscious and unconscious patterns of how we relate to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. She utilizes a soft but direct approach to explore with each patient what it means to increase awareness into their own needs, wants, and to increase agency in their own lives. Wherever you are at in your process, her hope is to co-create a space open to deep and thoughtful self-reflection established gradually with trust and safety to take steps toward healing, transformation, and personal fulfillment. Dr. Kittinger meets with patients in-person and virtually and is licensed in Oregon and Washington.

Life comes with a lot of challenges and unexpected twists and turns. I enjoy helping people work through discovering themselves and exploring identity, as well as learning skills to cope with areas impacting everyday life. I provide a welcoming and low-pressure environment with a focus on building a good therapeutic relationship.

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.

Providers at Resonance can treat a variety of issues and clients, including adults who experienced abuse as children, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and Post Traumatic Growth, racial trauma, multiracial identity development, grief and loss, intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, and families impacted by severe and persistent mental health issues. All providers prioritize working with multiracial and monoracial people of color who are culturally dislocated. Our approach also focuses on the intersection of race with other identities, such as gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Resonance clinicians draw from a variety of modalities, including Anti-Oppressive Practice, Afrocentric Paradigms, Relational Cultural Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Ecotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Individual Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. Resonance is a two-way street; our liberation and healing is connected to yours. We center the therapeutic relationship as the primary intervention. Whether you're just starting therapy for the first time or already on your healing journey, we are glad you're here. Let's connect.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 15 years experience in the field. I earned my Masters in Counseling from George Fox University in 2010 and my Bachelors in Psychology from PSU in 1993. My clinical specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, addictions and burnout. I believe we all have our own inner wisdom and guidance, and therapy is a process of getting in touch with that. Insight is valuable and yet we often need more than that, including a compassionate witness, and skilled guidance through the change process. I value the therapeutic relationship and am an engaged therapist, doing my best to attune to where you are and what can best serve you in our work. I use evidence-based practices that are client-centered and Mind/Body/Spirit oriented. I have been trained in multiple modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am also currently enrolled in the IFS certification program after having completed Level 1 training. Outside of therapy I enjoy the great outdoors, especially hiking and trail running, caring for stray/feral cats, meditating, listening to music and connecting with friends/community. I welcome all races, all religions, all socio-economic status, all sexual orientations, all gender identities and expressions, all abilities, all ethnicities, all bodies, ALL PEOPLE.