Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Hi! I believe everyone is capable of healing, growth and positive change. I bring compassion, humor and authenticity to our counseling relationship. My work reflects my values and is strengths-focused, trauma-informed, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA-affirming. During our most difficult times, we develop coping strategies that serve us and keep us safe. I work with people to examine which strategies still benefit them and which they want to adjust or let go. People often enter therapy caught in shame or the belief they are somehow broken. We can work together to find skills that benefit you and build on strengths you already possess. My approach is client-centered and integrative and includes techniques from mindfulness-based awareness, CBT, Internal Family Systems, DBT, and EMDR among others. As a cancer survivor, I also bring an intimate and personal awareness of the struggles and growth that can occur through treatment and healing. My work offers a safe and welcoming space for you to explore, grow, and heal. It takes courage and vulnerability to start counseling. Please call or email me if you think I might be able to help. I wish you well on your journey.

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck? You’re not alone. College can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of pressure—academic stress, anxiety, depression, trouble focusing, or feeling like your emotions are out of control. Maybe you’re struggling with motivation, relationships, or anger that seems to come out of nowhere. If ADHD makes it hard to keep up with deadlines or stay organized, you might feel frustrated and exhausted. I specialize in helping students manage stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and ADHD. My approach is supportive, down-to-earth, and practical—I help you understand what’s really going on and give you tools to feel more in control. Whether you need to untangle overwhelming emotions, get better at handling frustration, or build confidence in yourself, I’m here to help. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s work together to help you feel more balanced, focused, and in charge of your life.

You are enough. There is nothing wrong with your body. You have always been deserving of love, respect, and softness. Yes, even you! Whether it’s strengthening your relationship with yourself through developing more self-compassion, guiding you in how to communicate more effectively with your partner, or helping you navigate a rough conflict with your best friend, I am here to provide you with non-judgmental support every step of the way. My clients are often fat folks, queer besties, sex workers, and people experiencing chronic pain or chronic illness. This is a space for you to be seen, heard, and validated in your beauty and complexity. I will always be transparent with you about the ins and outs of the therapeutic process because I believe that collaboration and consent are vital to creating safety and trust in our time together. I view therapy as a potential cozy space for corrective, reparative experiences that can start to soften clients’ inner experiences. That’s the whole idea behind the name “Soft Spot”: melting away the hardness that our society or trauma forces unto us and, in place, deepening into more of the lovely softness that’s always been there. You get to delight in the pleasure of being you.

I'm a licensed psychologist and my experience includes over 15 years of working in university counseling centers at both large public and small private universities.

My goal is for my clients to describe me as fully present, warm, trustworthy, and welcoming of their entire selves. It is important for me to bring authenticity, compassion, and directness to my therapy relationships. I will work with you to develop a holistic understanding of yourself, your identities, your relationships, and your daily contexts to best understand and resolve the concerns you bring to therapy. I strive to provide safe and affirming therapy to individuals from all backgrounds and encourage dialogue on identity in therapy. I enjoy working with a range of concerns, and I employ a range of therapeutic modalities so that I may tailor the therapy experience to each person. I have extensive experience with depression and anxiety, trauma and complex trauma, interpersonal/relational concerns, and issues specific to those with LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized identities. The importance of having a good fit with your therapist cannot be overstated. I hope the information I have provided here assists you in deciding whether to reach out to me. I look forward to the opportunity to talk with you about whether I might be the right therapist for you at this time. Please feel welcome to get in touch to schedule a free consultation!

What is an Authentic Life Path? The question should really be What is YOUR Authentic Life Path? Often in the hustle and bustle of the “real world” we kind of just go with the flow and often lose ourselves. Sometimes it is scary to live our lives authentically. Living authentically means the person you feel you truly are on the inside. I started my career in the IT field, but realized I did not have a passion for it or enjoy it. I wanted to help others. I became a licensed marriage and family therapist, and am now living my authentic life path and want to help you find and live yours. I specialize in working with children, tweens, teens and adults who identify as transgender or genderqueer. I also specialize in the LGBTQIAA+ community. I work with all religions and spiritualities and all types of families no matter what the unique makeup. I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to explore yourself and grow into your most authentic self and find the path that is right for you. Give me a call or email if you have any questions.

It is important to me that when we meet, you feel like you are connecting with another human being who deeply cares about your emotional world and sincerely wants to understand the challenges you may be facing. Therapy is a space for you to slow down, pause, and reconnect with the strength that already resides within you. I combine my professional knowledge and experience with a genuine desire to create a warm, authentic environment that fosters trust and allows you to explore what matters most. I feel privileged to support you in your healing process, and I am committed to breaking down the traditional hierarchy that can sometimes exist between therapist and client. I have always been fascinated by the human experience—how we interact with others, ourselves, and the world around us. My own personal growth journey and how I have overcome adversity in my life, is a core part of who I am and have become, and it helps me show up for you in a meaningful, empathetic way. I am grateful to witness the growth and resilience of my clients, and I’m particularly passionate about helping those who may be held back by fear or shame. My goal is to support you in confidently stepping into your full potential, believing in yourself, and living authentically. I am also passionate about social justice, including anti-racism, intersectional feminism, LGBTQI rights, body and sex positivity, mindfulness, nature, and radical autonomy. I hold a Master’s in Education in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon and have been a licensed therapist since 2009. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Oregon, I look at the “systems” that influence our lives, whether cultural, familial, or relational, and how they shape the difficulties we experience. In my practice, I work with individuals, couples, and families, helping each person navigate their unique challenges and move towards the life they want to create. I specialize in a wide range of difficulties someone may be facing including pregnancy and postpartum challenges, relationship issues, women survivors, sexuality and personal identity and more. I also specialize in anxiety, stress, self-esteem/self-worth, life changes and transitions and trauma. I am a trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive therapist.

The Pacific Interprofessional Clinic (PIPC) is an interprofessional clinic located on Pacific University's College of Health Professions campus. As part of Pacific University's College of Health Professions, the PIPC serves as a clinical training site for healthcare students and fellows. All students practice under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Our healthcare providers include occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants (PA-C), and a licensed clinical psychologist. Our PA-Cs do provide medication management for some mental health conditions but they do not prescribe scheduled medications and we do not offer psychological testing (but our sister clinic, Pacific Psychology & Comprehensive Health Clinic, does provide affordable testing services). Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) services for patients include and are not limited to: -Chronic pain -Outpatient rehabilitation including injuries -Sports medicine -Vestibular/balance disorders -Work injuries By special appointment, we also offer hand therapy, pediatric, and women’s health services. Behavioral health (e.g., health and behavioral interventions) and mental health (e.g., psychotherapy) services for patients include and are not limited to: -Anxiety -Adjustment -Complex trauma (e.g., emotional, physical, sexual) -Depression -Health behaviors for medical conditions -Life transitions (e.g., career, family, gender, grief) -Medication consultations and prescribing -Substance use or addiction Our PA-C who specializes in the treatment behavioral and mental health (including medication management and medication consultations) frequently provides co-visits with our licensed clinical psychologist.

Finding Balance and Support in College College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing classes, relationships, future plans, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re struggling with focus, motivation, or perfectionism. Maybe you’re dealing with self-doubt, past experiences, or mental health challenges that make it hard to keep up. At Cura Meadows, I specialize in helping college students who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. Many of my clients are thoughtful, ambitious individuals who want to do well but feel weighed down by stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or burnout. Some are navigating family expectations or healing from past trauma, while others just need support in managing the pressures of college life. I offer therapy and medication management in a space where you can process what you’re going through and find real solutions. Whether it’s learning new coping strategies, addressing underlying patterns, or exploring whether medication could help with focus, mood, or anxiety, our work is personalized to fit your needs. You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. If you’re looking for support that meets you where you are, I’d love to help.

I specialize in helping young adult navigate their 20s. It isn't easy to navigate school, work, family, friendships and romantic relationships. Many young adults are experiencing anxiety, depression and confusion. I am here to help you gain clarity on who you are and what you want. In therapy we will work to identify what is working in your life and where you are struggling. I am here to help provide a friendly ear, a nonjudgmental space and help you acquire the skills you need to feel more relaxed, more clear and happier. Reach out, there is no need to do this alone.

Do you find yourself feeling stuck despite your best intentions? Do you criticize yourself, engage in self-defeating behaviors, or find yourself nursing old wounds despite your desire for personal growth and greater happiness. I can assist you to tap into your own natural capacity for healing and thriving. I have over twenty-five years of experience. I work with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, anger, relationship difficulties, addiction and other self-harming habits, trauma, dissociation, grief, life transitions and concerns related to physical health / pain, school, work, gender identification, spirituality / purpose, and family of origin. While affirming your uniqueness I assist you in disentangling from patterns that no longer serve you. At the same time I collaborate with you in strengthening essential parts of yourself that you may have forgotten but can help you move forward and engage life with a greater sense of purpose, strength and wholeness. I have advanced training and significant experience in Jungian psychology, EMDR, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy (body-centered work), family systems, addictions and narrative techniques.Together we will discover your inner wisdom and self-compassion enabling your to heal and refocus your life. My clients are diverse in terms of culture, gender identification, age, socio-economic background and beliefs.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping individuals and families navigate difficult life experiences and to lead happier, healthier lives. My work focuses on assisting adolescents, college students, young adults, adults, and families. Who experience mental health concerns, difficulty with substance abuse, and issues stemming from personal or intergenerational trauma. My approach to therapy encourages open and genuine dialogue through strengths based perspectives, leverages personal resourcefulness, and is oriented in identifying positive long lasting outcomes. I am passionate about making therapy approachable and accessible to those who may be intimidated or anxious about traditional talk therapy. As a first generation college student and a previous academic advisor at University of Oregon, I understand the unique stresses of college students. I am well equipped to guide college students and their families through the complexities of the college system as well as address personal mental health difficulties while in school.

My name is Kaci Schmitt (she/her). I am happy and honored to be able to offer counseling and therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, as well as throughout the states of Oregon and Washington for teletherapy. I truly enjoy working with clients who are looking to process various experiences, transitions, and challenges in their lives, as well as gain knowledge, trust, and compassion for themselves and deepen their capacity for mental and emotional wellness. There are times in life where we can use an empathic, nonjudgmental therapist who can be present with us as we explore our challenges and develop insight. In addition to deeply listening to you, I will hold space for your stories, history, and cultural experiences, as well as encourage you to hold compassion and curiosity for your unique challenges. I specialize in working with teens and adults with anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. Many of the clients I work with are highly sensitive persons (HSPs) and looking for ways to cultivate wellness in their lives. I also frequently work with people in the helping fields who are experiencing burnout and exhaustion, who are ready to explore ways to process vicarious and secondary trauma and prioritize true self-care. I truly love the work I do. I began my practice because I believe that we all have the capacity to grow, heal, and transform, and that we all have insight that we can develop and learn to trust. I also believe that working through our challenges with self-compassion and understanding can help us move from pain and frustration to peace and autonomy. We are all capable of creating meaningful lives of peace. I deeply believe that we all have an innate capacity to heal and that each person is their own best resource and source of wisdom, and that we often need a little help allowing ourselves to access and trust our intuition. We all have many possible selves, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, who others are, and how life works can help or hurt our chances at being the self we want to be. I also believe that there must be space in therapy to process the things about life that are hard, painful, exhausting, and often heartbreaking, all while cultivating a gentler, more compassionate, resilient way of being in this world. Therapy allows us the opportunity to develop self-awareness and explore action steps that we can take to improve our wellbeing. I respect the process it takes to discover new things about ourselves and integrate what we have learned into our lives, and I encourage my clients to do so with great care for themselves. I consider it a privilege to be a collaborative partner in the healing and transformation process.

Do you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or confused about your life? Are you trying to figure out who you want to be, what you want to do, or how to have better relationships and improved communication skills? I love working with students who are struggling with: anxiety, depression, career and job search, identity development, relationships, communication, fluctuating emotions, grief, balancing life, and life transitions. College is a wonderful and often life changing experience. It is also a time when so much change happens, that it can feel hard to hold it all together, and difficult to find the support you need to figure out what comes next. I'm here to listen, and here to help you figure out how to make the most of this part of your life. I hope you will reach out. I look forward to meeting you!

I am passionate about finding ways to help you discover a sense of calm. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, I draw from an anti-oppressive lens that welcomes and embraces people from all walks of life. My therapy style is warm, collaborative and practical. I have many years of experience working with individuals and families. I specialize in concerns regarding anxiety, trauma family conflict, self-esteem issues, transitions, relationship challenges, boundaries and life stresses. I utilize a variety of approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based practices. You may have goals such as healing from emotional pain, learning new coping strategies or improving your sense of self. Working from an eclectic approach helps me to focus on creating a therapeutic experience that is tailor-made to your individual needs. If you think we may be a good fit, please feel free to reach out. Insurance - If for some reason I do not accept your insurance, I am typically able to provide you with a receipt for services that you can submit to your insurance for possible partial reimbursement.

My clients are dedicated athletes grappling with eating disorders or OCD, facing the dual challenges of their mental health and a desire to perform at their peak. They are often overwhelmed by the demands of their sport, which can blur the lines between passion and harmful habits. Their primary goal is to reclaim their lives and their love for their sport, seeking not just recovery, but transformation—an opportunity to realign their beliefs and values towards a healthier, more balanced existence. They crave empowerment, resilience, and the ability to thrive both in their athletic pursuits and personal lives.

Welcome to a space where your mental health and well-being are the top priority. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for understanding and addressing your unique psychological needs. My journey in tele-psychiatry has equipped me to expertly conduct psychiatric evaluations, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your situation. I believe in the power of communication and collaboration, which is why I always strive to create a care plan that aligns with your health goals. My approach is grounded in professionalism, empathy, and respect for your confidentiality. With a strong foundation in technology, I utilize the latest electronic health record systems to maintain accurate and timely documentation of your progress. My proficiency in an array of software tools means that no matter where you are, you can count on efficient and secure care. My commitment to excellence in nursing and leadership is reflected in my affiliations with prestigious societies such as the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. As a lifelong learner, I continue to expand my knowledge and skills to serve you better. Let's work together towards a healthier mind and a happier life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

NAWC provides mental health counseling to adults, youth, children, couples & families. We serve the Mid-Willamette Valley in person and all of Oregon via telehealth. Treatment Areas ADHD Anger Management Anxiety/Panic Bipolar Disorder Body Image Chronic Medical Conditions Depression Grief and Loss LGBTQIA2S+ Issues OCD Perinatal Phobias Stress Management Trauma and PTSD/Anxiety

Virtual intensives and process groups in Oregon for people navigating existential overwhelm, relational disconnection, and (re)discovering what actually matters when the world is falling apart. It’s hard to feel connected to yourself and what really matters when the world is on fire. You try to focus on what feels most important to you, but that sometimes feels meaningless or impossible. It is exhausting being on-edge and feeling dissociated from yourself and others all the time! You want to understand yourself more, improve your relationships with others, and experience true meaning and purpose. Most importantly, you just want to feel like you're in control of your life again. As your therapist I combine my training in emotionally focused, interpersonal, and existential-humanistic approaches to support folks navigate issues of identity, existential overwhelm, anxiety and mood disorders, and relational concerns. I create a space where you can explore, navigate, and overcome your distress to feel more authentic in and in control of your life. It turns out living through the apocalypse can be pretty terrifying and overwhelming, but the good news is you do not have to do it alone. I look forward to hearing from folks motivated to explore what is most important to them, and what gets in the way of them pursuing it. I offer virtual individual intensives and group therapy.