Therapists for college students near Portland State University

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.

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.

I work with teens, college students, and adults of all ages who are navigating anxiety, ADHD, identity exploration, life transitions, and more. My clients often describe me as approachable, creative, and affirming. I proudly identify as queer, gender non-conforming, and neurodivergent — and I deeply value creating a space where folks feel seen, heard, and supported as their full selves. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years working in senior services, disability advocacy, and holistic health. In 2016, a turning point in my own mental health journey helped me realize how powerful compassionate, well-rounded care can be. That experience inspired me to return to school and become a therapist myself. While attending Portland State University, I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 42 — a moment that gave me greater insight and drive to support others on similar paths. In therapy, I integrate tools from DBT, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed care, and I love working with folks who are looking for something a little different than traditional talk therapy. With your consent as our foundation, we’ll work together to clarify your goals and build practical, meaningful strategies that support your growth. Please note: I don’t routinely offer initial consultation calls, except by special request. Feel free to check out my website at www.dynamic-therapy-alliance.com, and if you have questions or want to get a sense of fit, you’re always welcome to send me an email. I’d be honored to support you on your journey.

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.

Hi, I'm glad you're here. My name is Gabby Hancher (they/them). I’m a white, trans nonbinary, and queer associate therapist who has lived experience with chronic illness. I currently reside on the traditional homelands of the Clackamas, Cowlitz, and Multnomah Indigenous peoples known as Portland, OR. I am currently working towards licensure and under the clinical supervision of Quinn Rivenburgh and Selin Strait. As a young person, I often felt very different from my peers. I was highly sensitive, creative, and attuned to much of the suffering around me. The overwhelming chaos of my childhood led me to my own healing path and eventually communities who accepted me for my contemplative nature. By embracing the truth of my experiences, I found healing modalities such as Hakomi which allowed me the space to make deep internal shifts towards being my whole self. I hope to offer this same experience to you. As a therapist, I bring a playful and emotionally attuned approach with an orientation towards mindful, experiential theories such as Hakomi. Our time together will always be collaborative and informed by the wisdom of your own lived experience. Together we can explore the deep inner knowing that your body holds in order to help you thrive. In a typical session, we will slow down and listen to the wisdom of your body. Together, we can discover what it is that you need to process in order to experience more integration in your life. We may work to support your own innate resilience by developing a felt sense of safety based on your own true sense of that or use the therapeutic relationship as a container to explore attachment wounding patterns through our present moment relationship. All of these experiences can offer fundamental shifts in your overall mood, the way you show up in the world, or even in your relationships. Whether you are experiencing difficulty with grief, relationships, anxiety or any number of concerns, together we can help you orient towards your inner knowing and personal agency. I approach all of my work through a social justice lens and believe deeply that when we transform on an interpersonal level, social change ripples outwards. Accessibility, embodied experience, and trauma-informed care are important pillars of my practice. Persons of all races & ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities are welcome. I am also affirming of kink, non-traditional relationship structures such as polyamory and non-monogamy, and sex work. Some of my identities hold varying levels of privilege which I always invite conversation around in session. If you are interested in utilizing the insurances I accept, please email me at: gabby@bridgestg.com. If you are interested in private pay, please message me through my linked website. Outside of session, I can be found practicing magic in nature, reading comics under a cozy blanket, or making strange artistic creations for my loved ones. ~~~~~~~ I work best with: *Collaborative individuals *Folks who are curious about mindfulness *Folks who are creative and/or highly sensitive *Folks who identify as care-givers *Activists looking to process and integrate their experiences *Adult parentified children *Perfectionists *Queer folks who want to explore their identity more deeply *Neurodivergent individuals *Folks who feel they've gotten what they can from talk therapy and need something else *Folks who want a better relationship with their body *Folks who are committed to long-term therapeutic work At this time, I am not able to treat or assist with the following: *Couples *Disordered Eating *Substance Use/Addiction Disorders *Personality Disorders *Folks with Severe & Persistant mental health challenges *OCD and Phobias *Folks who are in high levels of crisis/instability and may need team-based care *Folks who are looking for exclusively talk therapy

Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon. She chose social work as a second career, after having spent 20 years as manager and mentor in various government agencies. It was her own therapeutic journey, providing the insight and understanding to help her find grace in navigating the journey of life, which led her to further her education and complete her Masters of Social Work program. “I learned why I made decisions and choices in the past and how to use this knowledge to accept myself and move on. This is why I became a therapist, and this is the support I hope to offer you as my client. I have experienced the delicate balance of having a career, raising a teenager, taking care of elder parents and trying to identify what I needed for self-care.” After earning her degree, Kim worked for several years in a hospital behavioral health unit. Her approach is non-judgmental, person-centered and strength-based, incorporating evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamics, Family Systems Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy. Kim has lived most of her life in Oregon and, as a single mom, adopted her now young-adult daughter from Guatemala. She has since added a loving husband, a huge Newfoundland dog and two rescue cats. Her interests include gardening, cooking, traveling and yoga. “My intention is to use my life and clinical experience to offer you a safe, trauma-informed space to help you discover you, and to help you find your path. I will listen and be supportive, helping you identify and untangle what gets in the way of you living life to the fullest. Life can be tricky, and its challenges sometimes seem overwhelming.” “It would be my privilege to help you in this journey.”

Are you struggling with burnout, feeling stressed and overwhelmed by big decisions in your life? Do you dream about living a more wholehearted, vibrant, and meaningful life? I support folks on a path towards developing more nourishing relationships, a better understanding their emotions, and living a life aligned with their values. My clients are people who are dealing with burnout, anxiety, depression, or are facing big life transitions. I look forward to supporting you in developing skills and insight to lead a fulfilling life.

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 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.

Hi, I’m Kate (she/her) and I’m all about creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and free to be yourself. I specialize in supporting young adults, helping them navigate life’s ups and downs. My approach is LGBTQ+ affirming and grounded in anti-oppressive practices, so you can show up as your true self. Whether you’re exploring who you are, how to feel stronger, or how to deal with adversity, I’m here to help you figure it out in a way that works for you.

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.

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.

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.

I believe in the unique resilience of each individual and tailor my treatment through a collaborative process with each person I work with. I offer a warm, non-judgmental and supportive space where we can develop a trusting relationship to allow you to explore yourself in the context of your world. Drawing from numerous treatment modalities and utilizing a trauma-informed lens, we can work together to help you meet your therapy goals. My favorite patient group is college students. I have worked in college mental health at Reed College for over 5 years and have developed expertise in working with people during this transitional age of their life. I have additional experience as a medical social worker at OHSU hospital. In my private practice, I see patients for individual therapy, and I also offer psychological evaluation for aid in immigration court cases.

I treat anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma, with specialized experience in helping survivors heal from sexual abuse. I enjoy working with people who are exploring their wants and needs, their role within their family, developing boundaries and effective communication within relationships, and the mind-body connection. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space for people to process challenges they are facing in the present, traumas from the past, and anxieties about the future. I am a licensed art therapist, which can be a great fit for those wanting to process thoughts and feelings using creative means. I also offer EFT Tapping and Brainspotting, effective techniques with less of a focus on verbal processing.

Whatever your reasons for seeking therapy or counseling, I assure you when you step into my office, you will be treated with respect, compassion, & validation. I believe everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. And that is typically where we start the therapy process - with acceptance of where you are now. The work I do with my clients is collaborative - we create a treatment plan together, with goals you want to work on. We achieve these goals by building skills, improving understanding & insight into how these behaviors got started in the first place, & increasing resources in your life. I'm a licensed professional counselor, practicing since 2003. I'm trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, & use Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, and Stages of Change strategies in my practice, as well as some somatic strategies, if needed. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, past trauma & PTSD, alcohol & drug problems, relational issues, life transitions, grief, anger, confidence problems. I love this work! I use these strategies in my own life and will share what I've learned, through my own experiences. Most of my clients appreciate this and don't feel so alone in their struggles. We all struggle! Through acceptance, and a bit of humor, we can achieve change.

Our ideal clients often feel like they don’t quite fit in- like they’re too much, not enough, or just misunderstood. They may be kids with big emotions, teens exploring identity, or adults navigating anxiety, trauma, or disconnection. Many are neurodivergent or highly sensitive. Adults often seek therapy to unlearn shame and move toward self-acceptance. All are seeking safety, understanding, and meaningful connections. We offer trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming therapy for children, teens, adults, and families. Using play, nature-based, and relational approaches, we help clients build emotional regulation, process trauma, and strengthen relationships- all in a space that is creative, compassionate, and deeply supportive. We know reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. Whether you're navigating big emotions, family stress, or just need a place to feel heard, you're not alone. We're here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. If you're ready to begin or just curious about what therapy could look like, we’d be honored to 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.

Do you ever feel like you’re trying to meet everyone else's expectations while quietly struggling yourself? I work with teens, adults, and couples in unpacking childhood trauma, navigating infidelity, tackling life transitions, and motivation struggles. Whether you’re an overwhelmed overachiever, or feeling stuck in a “failure-to-launch” phase, I help clients gain clarity, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence. If you're looking for a therapist who will support and challenge you through grace, humor, an honesty, I look forward to working with you! :) My approach is rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, we’ll explore how past and present relationships shape your patterns, emotions, and sense of self—so you can better understand yourself, reduce shame, build confidence, break unhelpful cycles, and create lasting change. Life is full of taboos. The self-doubts, the drama, the ‘I-probably-shouldn’t-say-this’ thoughts. In my office, nothing is too weird or too heavy, and we’ll sort through it together. My hope is that you leave each session feeling a little more seen, a little less alone, and more connected to the parts of yourself you’ve been carrying quietly for too long.

Our therapists love working with college students because they are at such an important time in their lives and it’s a rich time for growth and deeper self understanding. The clients we help the most are committed to the process of self awareness and change, even if it’s hard. Going to college can be scary and bring up a lot of challenges. It can be hard to live separately from your family for the first time. There can be so many difficulties at college that you didn’t expect. We are here to help. Our therapists are relatable and effective in their work. We welcome you!