Therapists for college students near Portland State University

Among all the uncertainties of life, making the choice to start therapy is yet another risky plunge into the unknown. Before you decide to give me a call I’d like to try and give you a sense of who I am and what it might be like for us to sit together. Although my title is doctor, my clients call me Sarah. I think of my role as one of accompaniment, you’re the lead and it’s my job to follow your pace, your volume, your moments of free expression. Together we get curious in a way that is, open, receptive, and non-judgmental. Sometimes this process is playful, and sometimes I encourage us to look deeper at the hard things. I am always holding your experience with profound respect and the certainty that you have been doing your best to survive in a world that challenges your flexibility. Whether you’re somewhere along the path of higher education or starting off your career, the challenges of young adult life are uniquely complex and ripe for psychological distress. At this stage in life, you may find yourself with more questions than answers and more pressures than solutions. Stressors and concerns may run the gamut from challenges in relationships, family conflict, financial/housing/food insecurity, or answering questions like, “Who am I” and “What do I want in life?” I can appreciate the need for a space to unpack it all, take a step back, and find more clarity.

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.

I’m passionate about and dedicated to helping people achieve meaningful and sustainable changes that align with their core values and aspirations. I deeply enjoy working with adolescents, college students, and young adults. I have a lot of experience supporting the LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities. I believe therapy is most successful when we find the path that truly supports the growth you’re seeking. In our work together, we will find an approach that fits your unique needs, drawing from my experience with a range of therapeutic orientations, including trauma-informed therapy, CBT, Mindfulness, and relational approaches. When I’m not working, I enjoy skiing, traveling, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. I also love curling up with a good book, watching a great movie or TV show, and most of all, I cherish spending time with friends and loved ones. If you are interested in working with me, please navigate to Aspire Psychology's website and click "Schedule an Appointment". Education & Licenses: MSW, Simmons University Clinical Social Worker, OR #L15328 | MA #123176 EMDR Certification (In Progress)

I love working with college students as it is such a formative time as a young adult. College can be challenging as you navigate your way along the path while figuring out your direction in life. I work best with those who are not afraid to do the work that comes along with being in therapy. You get out of it what you put into it, basically. It is important for me that my clients feel comfortable and that they can be themselves around me. I like to check in with my clients on occasion to make sure we are on the right track to achieving your therapy goals. I mostly do talk therapy and have been trained in EMDR, which is a modality that is used to resolve traumatic memories and events.

Many of my clients come in feeling weighed down by anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness, eating and body image concerns, and patterns like perfectionism and people-pleasing that feel hard to break. I also work with trauma, relationship patterns, and stress related to school, work, or life transitions. This includes teens and young adults navigating growing independence, or those experiencing family stress such as divorce or major changes at home. I take a relational, collaborative approach to therapy. I draw from CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and person-centered therapy in flexible, realistic ways that fit your life. As someone who is neurodivergent and lives with chronic illness, I bring perspectives from both my clinical training and lived experience into our work. Therapy can be a space to slow down and make sense of what you are going through. My role is to help you better understand yourself by uncovering what gets in your way and what actually helps. If you are looking for support, I would be glad to connect and see if working together feels like a good fit.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual therapy for adolescents and adults, and family therapy for children (4-18 years old) and their caregivers. I have over a decade of experience working in healthcare, social services, and mental health treatment, and seek to create a peaceful, trauma-informed atmosphere where my clients can feel safe processing their emotions and experiences. I hold a Master of Social Work Degree from Portland State University, and have undergraduate education in public health, aging across the lifespan, and substance use counseling. I grew up in a large, diverse city and had the opportunity to interact with people of all different cultures, ages, and life paths. This has directly influenced my counseling perspective. I offer an eclectic approach, providing different therapy models and interventions to match the diversity of the client experience. What helps one person may not be ideal for another, and I am here to support each client as they explore the routes that inspire them. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, nondirective therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Jungian therapy, and others. I also offer psychoeducation and coaching in anger management, conflict resolution, and nonviolent communication. I offer play therapy, parent coaching, and collaborative problem solving for families with young children. I regularly attend seminars, trainings, and other forms of continuing education to better serve my clients and expand my treatment offering. Here are some of the challenges and symptoms I work with: -Anxiety -Trauma -Depression -Anger -Loneliness -Substance use disorders -Compulsive behaviors and process addictions -Grief and other major life losses and changes -Men’s issues -Romantic relationship difficulties -Eating disorders and body image challenges -Difficulty with finding meaning and self-actualization -ADHD -Sensory processing issues -Dissociation and dissociative identity disorder -Communication and conflict -Processing the return home after periods of incarceration -Stigma and prejudice -Chronic health diagnoses When I’m not working with clients, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and pets (two dogs and a cat!), playing chess, reading everything from Stephen King to historical nonfiction, playing guitar, and watching all types of films.

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.

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.

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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.”

At Counseling 360, we create a warm, supportive space where you can discover, heal, and grow. Under the guidance of our clinicians, we specialize in assisting children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families as they overcome life’s challenges by cultivating stronger, more meaningful relationships. Conveniently located in a comfortable and professional setting, Counseling 360 helps clients address concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, family stress, life transitions, and more. Let us guide you on your path to wellness. We have several clinicians who are trained as generalist to work with a number of presenting concerns. To learn more about our clinicians, visit our website. Dr. Mary Hacopian, PsyD Emily Yang, MS, NCC Monika Sammon, MA Kayla Davidson, MS Dr. Dylan Vas, PsyD Dr. Olivia Kimmel, PsyD, CMPC

Hi, I've been in the field since 2001. I have a master's degree in Buddhist psychology and use mindfulness throughout my work. I have a passion for working with college students. I have specialized in ADHD, trauma, and substance use and work with identifying the underlying issues related to these conditions. Being a part of the LGBT community I have a passion for gender-affirming care and addressing relationship issues. I also have experience with eating disorders, fitness, nutrition, and health related issues.

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.

Liberation Institute is a community mental health clinic that offers therapeutic services on a sliding scale. It first opened its doors on October 7, 2008, in San Francisco, then expanded to Portland in June 2020. Between the two locations, Liberation Institute helps 600 individuals, couples, and families a week by a staff of therapists, supervisors, artists, activists, meditation teachers and others who are committed to serving the community together.

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At Willamette Wellness Center (WWC), we know college life can be exciting, overwhelming, and stressful all at once. Many students face anxiety about being away from home for the first time, the pressure of managing classes, jobs, and relationships, and the challenge of navigating life independently without the constant support of family. Others carry the weight of crushingly high expectations or the stress of perfectionism. These struggles are common, and you don’t have to face them alone. WWC is proud to be known in our Portland, Oregon community for providing trauma-informed, evidence-based, and compassionate mental health therapy. Our group practice serves clients across Oregon and Washington through secure telehealth sessions and our in-person office in Milwaukie, making therapy accessible whether you’re on campus, back home, or anywhere in between. Our team of 45+ master’s level clinicians brings expertise in advanced trauma-focused modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, and art therapy. These approaches help students manage stress, improve executive functioning, build healthy coping strategies, and move from surviving to thriving. We provide care for teens (14+), college students, adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges, such as: Stress and anxiety about academics, transitions, or being away from home Executive functioning struggles like time management and balancing independence Depression, mood swings, or burnout Family or relationship pressures, including the pressure to overperform Body image concerns or disordered eating Grief, loss, or big life changes PTSD and trauma recovery Sexual identity/gender identity/sexuality Domestic violence/Dating/Relationships Substance use and dependence At WWC, inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of our mission. We affirm and welcome BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, first-generation college students, and all who seek support. Every story is valued here, and we create safe spaces where students can process struggles without judgment. As an insurance-based practice, we are in-network with Kaiser, OHP/Medicaid CCOs, Aetna, Providence, BlueCross BlueShield, MODA, PacificSource, United, and many other major insurers. We also accept private pay to ensure flexibility and access. Our mission is simple: to offer a place of safety, connection, and growth where students (and all clients) can find the support they need to thrive in school and in life. This stage of your life is important, and so are you!

My practice is guided by the belief that every person strives to do the best they can. The individual or family system may need assistance in developing necessary skills and guidance in solving problems. Working collaboratively with clients I help them to narrate new ways of interacting with their environment. I work with several young adults / young professionals as they navigate major life transitions (college, grad school, careers, families and parenting) and the accompanying challenges (ie: depression, anxiety, ADHD, isolation, imposter syndrome, challenging relationships, perfectionism). A major part of my practice is helping clients with trauma - esp developmental trauma.

I work with people around adult adhd and anxiety. I also focus on women’s reproductive health, often related to fertility, planned and unplanned pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. I meet with clients online or in NE Portland in person.

As a Person of Color, you’ve followed the rules, honored your culture, and shape-shifted to survive—but the pressure to get it all right is exhausting. You’ve kept it together for everyone else—but inside, you’re overwhelmed, second-guessing yourself, and craving peace. You’re always overthinking, carrying others’ emotions, and wondering who you actually are without the expectations of others. Family stuff is complicated, parenting feels heavy, and rest feels out of reach. You don’t have to hold it all. Let’s make space for you. Terapia en Español & Bilingual Services – I offer a space where all parts of your identity are honored. Together, we’ll build tools to manage stress, emotions, and relationships, while also exploring how past experiences and cultural messages shaped your feelings, response and the way you see yourself. This work supports deeper healing, clarity, and growth. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative. We’ll explore your goals and what brings you to therapy. As someone who's lived between cultures, I value feeling truly seen and respected. Safety makes deeper exploration possible—and with it, meaningful, lasting change. Visit my website for more detailed information.

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