Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

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

Each member of our collaborative practice operates through a trauma-informed, intersectional lens. We bring different specialties to our work that can help you process trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and offer the support you need in a way that helps you move toward living the life you want.

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 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

My goal as your therapist is to provide you with a secure and receptive space for free expression so you can open up and embrace your most authentic self. Together, we will work through obstacles, discover your strengths, and empower you to embrace a more fulfilling life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

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.

UpWell Psychiatry was founded with the intention of giving a more human, personal touch to psychiatry. In a world of 15 minute med checks, our practice seeks to truly meet you where you are at and to understand your symptoms in the context of your life story, not just as check-boxes in a diagnosis list. We believe in working together to come up with a plan that works just for you. Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP specializes in Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar and loves working with young adults. Megan Sapp, PMHNP, CNM, FNP is a triple certified nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner and psychiatric NP who is exceptional at treating pregnant or post-partum folks, folx working with hormone replacement, as well as those struggling with significant illness, injury, or big life transitions.

I provide online therapy for individuals and couples in Oregon and Washington, and in person therapy in the Hood River area. Therapy is an opportunity to engage with someone authentically and without judgement. Someone who cares about you though is not attached to the choices you make as a friend or family member might be. Someone with many years of experience and training in mental health, who is actively engaged in their own personal growth journey as well. I provide therapy that is relational, present focused, grounded in experience, and centered in the therapeutic alliance. The relationship between myself and my client(s) is the foundation of the work and is built on trust and a genuine connection. Though the work emerges out of the here and now experience between client(s) and therapist, it also investigates how the past shapes our character, choices, and life in the present. I am a Gestalt therapist and utilize concepts such as compassion, acceptance, and mindfulness to guide the work. I often incorporate EMDR and IFS approaches. I value and respect difference and work with clients from all backgrounds, orientations, and cultures. My goal in the work is to raise awareness so that the client has more agency in their life. Clients’ goals typically include feeling better, gaining insight, or managing life more skillfully. Common presenting issues are depression, anxiety, trauma responses, difficulty navigating relationships, managing emotions, and more. The work can be long term and in depth, and/or it can be shorter term and focused on tangible change. I am happy to offer a free brief phone consultation so we can decide if we are a good fit.

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.

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.

Are you caught in an unending cycle of feeling insufficient, regardless of your achievements or efforts? As you navigate various roles in your life – partner, friend, caregiver, parent/child, coworker, or manager do you constantly feel like you're falling short, despite your best efforts? Anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, and fear can be an overwhelming experience. You are “fine” and you’re waiting for that other shoe to drop. I specialize in helping adults struggling with trauma, grief, and life transitions by navigating intense emotions, finding peace, and rebuilding connections with themselves and others. As a multiracial therapist, I am deeply committed to supporting BIPOC individuals, particularly in addressing family of origin and ethnic identity/cultural concerns. I also enjoy working with military families. My approach is grounded in scientific principles, tailored to help you break free from a cycle that keeps you from the life you want. Whether stemming from past trauma, intricate learning histories, or the pressures of daily life, these challenges may make you feel like you're merely existing rather than truly living. If you're ready to move beyond survival mode and embrace a life that aligns with your true self, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

College can be a lot to juggle, not only are you balancing your classes and course work, but also relationships and expectations. All while trying to figure out what you actually want for yourself. As a first-generation child of immigrants, I understand the pressure that can come with balancing your own goals while staying connected to where you come from. I work with college students who are dealing with anxiety, burnout, identity questions, and major life transitions. You might notice overthinking, procrastination, people pleasing, or feeling like you have to show up differently depending on the space you’re in. A lot of my clients are used to pushing through, even when they feel overwhelmed or unsure of themselves. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive. I help you make sense of your emotions, understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build tools that actually work in your everyday life. Whether we’re talking through stress, working on anxiety, or exploring identity and relationships, we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.

Do you beat yourself up? Do you have a hard time feeling like everything is okay, even when nothing particularly bad is going on? I have specialized training in helping people with their self-attack. You will have more understanding about why you do this to yourself and more freedom to be develop as a person in all areas of your life.

ADHD. Anxiety. Performance Anxiety. Depression. Low Energy. This is what I do best! My mission is to create a safe, confidential space for those seeking clarity, focus, and optimal mental health. (medication management). My communication style is direct, honest, and authentic with some humor thrown in. I offer primarily video psychiatry visits in CO, FL, NY, AZ, OR, VA and WA. Limited in-person visits in Portland and Colorado Springs. Tele-psychiatry- ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Stress for students (age 18+). I offer treatment for students with ADHD if testing already done. I have found that traditional medicine does not always consider the root cause of symptoms, and I use evidence to understanding how inflammation, nutrition, lifestyle, gut health, hormones and stress impact physical and mental health. I prescribe both medications and nutraceuticals as needed to help you achieve your best health. The next step? Please fill out an Interest Form at the bottom of the home page at www.clarityhealthnow.com. Let's make sure it is the right fit! Please note: I do not currently see anyone with persistent severe mental health diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar 1, psychosis, recent hospitalization or severe depression with active suicidality. These conditions are best suited to local, in-person care. As a rule, we do not treat women during pregnancy or anyone with substance use disorder (including alcohol use disorder) or offer evaluations for court or legal proceedings.

Being in college right now is tough. Personal struggles, family issues, and the pressure to keep it all together, plus the chaos of everything going on in the world, it makes sense that you're feeling overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with difficult past experiences, family stress, or just the daily pressure of trying to stay afloat, you don’t have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping people process tough emotions, navigate life transitions, and manage stress in healthy ways. I’ve worked with folks navigating trauma, family dynamics, and anxiety—and I use tools like EMDR and IFS to help you work through what’s weighing you down. Therapy is about giving you the space to deal with what’s hard and find practical ways forward, so you can feel more in control and less stuck. I’m passionate about working with women, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ folks. No judgment. Just real, down-to-earth support to help you move forward.

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 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.

Do you often feel misunderstood and hurt? Do you feel as though your emotions are controlling you and you don’t know what to do to change that? Does it leave you feeling anxious and depressed? I know what that feels like and I can help with that. My Approach to Helping I believe that people are doing the best they can with the information and skills they currently have. I also believe that they can grow and create better lives for themselves with the appropriate support. My approach to helping clients develop the skills to effectively identify, regulate and communicate their emotions, needs and boundaries to others is validating and skills-based. Therapy with me is relational, non-judgmental, body positive, sex positive and LGBTQ+ and poly competent. My Personal Beliefs and Interests I'm a psychologist and certified alcohol and drug counselor. I have a background in research (on behavior change) and loved working in academia for a long time, before transitioning to working in community mental health for a few years. I love being a therapist. I am also a mother and an immigrant with strong progressive values and I bring that to the table as well. I believe that Black Lives Matter and that community action is more powerful than waiting for government to act in our best interest. I bring this perspective to my work.