Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Therapy can be helpful no matter where we start. It can help us cope with stress and life transitions, heal from trauma, cultivate new skills, and build a life worth living. I enjoy supporting clients as they get to know different parts of themselves, and build friendlier relationships with these parts. Providing warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative support is at the core of my practice. My personal and professional experience as a multiracial person makes me passionate about supporting diverse clients. I enjoy working with clients varying in age, gender identity, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, health concerns, nationality, and religion. I have over 15 years of experience working with clients across a myriad of concerns. Some areas of focus include anxiety, trauma, depression, LGBTQIA+, couples therapy, gender affirming care, eating and body image concerns.

Many of the students I work best with are navigating big transitions—adjusting to college or grad school, balancing academics with athletics, managing relationships, or figuring out what comes next. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or unsure of how to move forward. Some students come to me struggling with stress, burnout, or motivation, while others are working through challenges like past trauma, substance use, or relationship patterns that no longer serve them. I have a particular interest in supporting student-athletes and individuals dealing with performance pressure, identity, and the unique demands of competitive environments. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in old patterns and want to create meaningful, lasting change. In our work together, I focus on creating a space where you can be open, honest, and fully yourself without judgment. Therapy with me is collaborative—we’ll work as a team to better understand what’s going on and develop practical tools that fit your life. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and equipped to handle challenges now and in the future.

We are mental health counselors eager to join you in your unique journey towards growth and healing. We believe that transformation occurs in relationship and therefore put our connection above anything else. We bring our humanness to our work and couple that with years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. We utilize a trauma-informed approach to healing including Brainspotting and EMDR. We blend a compassionate and client-centered approach with a willingness to offer you opportunities to expand and tap into previously unknown possibilities.

My office is a pleasant walk or bike ride from the University of Oregon. I help clients wanting support with relationship dynamics (conflict, boundaries, family-of-origin issues), self-worth challenges, trauma, OCD, chronic illness/pain management, performance anxiety, and men's issues. My approach is compassionate yet results-oriented. Feel free to reach out with questions about whether I might be a good fit for what you're dealing with.

I enjoy working with students at the collegiate level. It can be such an exciting time of life, but can also present unique challenges that create uncertainty and impact mental health. I am here to support this adjustment period, whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, or experiencing executive function challenges. I have the ability to see you via telehealth or in person, and am able to collaborate with your provider at home (if you're attending from out of state) to continue or adjust medications while in the state of Oregon.

I am here to remind you that you are already whole. My intention is to walk with you on your healing path and co-create a sacred space where we can tend to your body, mind, and spirit. My approach is heart-centered, non-pathologizing, and grounded in a humanistic lens. I value what evidence-based practices offer us, and hold reverence for the wisdom traditions, somatic knowing, and transpersonal experiences that live outside those frameworks. I also recognize that Western psychology is rooted in colonialism, and I am committed to an approach that honors lineages of healing that the dominant system has excluded. I feel especially called to sit with those navigating anxiety, grief, and religious deconstruction. I weave in mindfulness, somatics, parts work, expressive arts, nature therapy, and transpersonal exploration. I am certified in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR. I enjoy working with the queer community and Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)—both of which are part of the path I walk. As a solo practice, I do not have a team to provide 24/7 crisis support. Because of this, my practice is a good fit for those who feel steady enough to manage their safety between our weekly sessions. When you reach out, please let me know what about my practice resonates with what you are seeking, your insurance, and your availability.

The foundation of counseling is a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. My first goal is to create a safe and accepting relational space where my clients can be their true selves and explore their emotions and experiences. I tailor treatment to the needs of each client, drawing on several different approaches, including AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Depending on the goals of my clients, I help them process past trauma, work through difficult emotions, address anxiety, and arrive at what attitude they want to adopt towards their struggles. AEDP is my primary approach to counseling, and I receive ongoing training in it. It is particularly well suited to processing past trauma. It is attachment based, meaning we look at the impact of past childhood relationships. I am also helping my clients raise their awareness of their bodies and increase their ability to both access and regulate emotions. I earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University in February of 2024. I have been working at Empowering Choices Counseling and Consultation as a counseling associate since the summer of 2024. My previous professional experience includes working as a treatment aide with youth and men at a residential addiction treatment program and a nine-month counseling internship I did at Empowering Choices as part of my master’s program. I work with adults of all ages, specializing in helping people work through trauma, depression, and anxiety. Over time, the counseling journey can help you process difficult emotions, heal from trauma, find inner strength, and gain clarity on life. Like other vehicles of personal growth, counseling involves challenging yourself in new ways, but an empathetic, non-judgmental, and encouraging guide can provide the support and safety needed to navigate the challenges.

I have spent the last 6 years working with young adults in the community. Many are in a new place and dealing with transition in their lives. Living far away from home and having to "adult" can be overwhelming. Figuring out what you want to do after college can also be stressful. I would help to provide support during times. I am a playful therapist that has a genuine, person centered approach. I am not a blank faced therapist. I believe that the biggest intervention is the therapeutic alliance that is created between the therapist and client. Building trust, being approachable and connecting with my client's, these things are very important to me. I have lived experience of walking through this community as a Black queer women; this experience helps me connect and build rapport with BIPOC and queer folx. I have experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis and pre psychotic symptoms. I love supporting people with creating healthy relationships and boundaries, working on assertive and healthy communication. Please check out my website, there you can schedule a free 15 consultation. I would love to meet you to see if we would be a good fit!

College is a time of huge transitions, and it’s easy to feel anxious, stressed, or unsure where you stand. If you're struggling with overwhelming worry (anxiety), feeling stuck after a tough transition (like starting school or a breakup), grappling with past trauma, or just trying to figure out challenging relationships, you've come to the right place. Your Therapy, Your Tools My practice is built on the belief that you already have what you need within you (though it may not feel like it, right now) —we just need to clear out all the noise and find and focus on what actually works for you. We'll ease your mind: We use practical, science-backed strategies to help you unhook from negative thought spirals and calm that constant feeling of being "on edge." We'll discover and heal the root causes : We'll gently explore the "parts" of you that are feeling anxious, unclear, or worn out, and use powerful processing methods to reduce the intensity of recent or past trauma or fear (like EMDR and IFS). We'll help you adjust: Whether you're dealing with the stress of major life transitions or trying to set healthier boundaries in relationships, we'll create space for you to process the change and build a stronger sense of self. We'll get you grounded: I integrate the calming power of nature-based tools (in or out of the office) to help your nervous system slow down, allowing you to find a peaceful space even when deadlines are looming. We’ll work together, at your own pace, to move you from feeling overwhelmed to thriving on campus and beyond. Ready to take a breath and start building a college experience that feels authentic and manageable? Let's connect.

I am a licensed professional counselor dedicated to supporting college students through their unique journeys. I offer a warm, open, and accepting space where all parts of who you are are valued. Understanding that adjustments and transitions associated with higher education can be challenging, I am here to provide a supportive space to talk through the highs and lows of your experiences. Let’s navigate this journey together.

Currently accepting members for the Body Acceptance Group for Woman on Zoom. Our goal in group is to help you learn to connect with your body in a shame-free, loving, and enthusiastic way. I hope to help you achieve this through: *Critically evaluating the ways our negative view of bodies has been influenced by our upbringing, peers, and society *Deconstructing internalized body shame *Removing body-shame barriers that stop us from doing activities that bring us joy *Exploring what healthy looks like at every size *Exploring how we can see our bodies as more than objects *Becoming more mindful *Learning to have compassion for ourselves and others. ------- My goal is to help make counseling feel comfortable, safe, and at your pace. We will work collaboratively to help you find your strength, feel empowered and confident, and rediscover meaning and purpose in your life. Talking through past or present tough experiences or hurts can be difficult. It’s tempting to try and ignore them or minimize how they are impacting you. Therapy can be a safe space to help you take the time needed to address your feelings in a way that will help you truly heal from the hurt, and discover how to engage with yourself in a healthy way that enables you to move forward. Therapy with me is a nonjudgmental and collaborative space. I believe that the answers you are looking for are likely already within you, but therapy can help illuminate what those solutions could be. I work in session to address emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships, and use mindfulness and other tools that many people have found help them cope with challenging life circumstances. I also lead a group called Body Acceptance for Women, where you'll learn to connect with your body in a shame-free, loving, and enthusiastic way. I recognize that scheduling therapy for the first time can sometimes feel like an intimidating process. My hope is that you will trust that counseling can have a powerful and positive impact on your life. If you are bothered with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, body image issues, feeling unworthy, struggling with relationships, or any other challenge in life, let’s talk about it.

I believe that each person is resilient and has the ability to heal, change, and overcome various barriers. My goal in therapy is to offer effective tools to allow healthy coping and emotional growth while increasing self-esteem and independence. I take a holistic approach while also implementing evidence-based somatic tools healing. In treating PTSD, I focus on creating a supportive and empathetic environment where individuals feel safe to explore their experiences. I provide evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, psychoeducation, somatic and nervous system regulation.

Are you struggling or wondering about what is happening and going on inside of you? Struggling with connecting, communicating, how you see yourself, or feeling different when around others? Do you feel your values and morals have become different then your family or community due to life experiences or learned knowledge? Let us talk and explore for yourself and your life experiences to help calm your thoughts and body.

I am an LPC in Pennsylvania and Oregon and Oregon Board Approved Supervisor Candidate. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Exposure Response Prevention, and Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAGALA). I love helping my clients develop insight into patterns in their life and helping them to make shifts that can help them achieve their goals!

I have over 12 years of experience in the mental health field as a counselor, educator and clinical supervisor. 10 of those year have been in a college campus counseling center. I have extensive experience working with a variety of symptoms and presenting concerns. With authentic and accepting conversation, we can discover a path towards healing.

As a University of Oregon Graduate, I understand the challenges students can face. College can be presented as a fun experience where you meet new people and prepare for your future. While we all hope this is the case, sometimes life happens. The pressure of classes, grades, family, or personal challenges can get in the way of your experience. Having the right support system and tools to navigate life as a student is important, and I am here to help.

I believe that we make meaning of our lives through stories. We each have a story of who we are and why our lives unfold the way they do. Our work will explore how these stories influence your present experience and connection to the world. My own story includes themes of a rural upbringing, engaging in the punk and bike messenger scenes, leaning into my queer/trans identities, and learning how to utilize outdoor adventure and movement as a tool for growth and healing. I am interested in working with anyone interested in in nervous system regulation and reconnecting to nature. I am particularly passionate about working outdoor adventurers, athletes, college students, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. I use a nature based somatic approach that utilizes tools from narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, polyvagal theory, mindfulness practices, and parts work. I see all my work through a trauma-informed lens and I begin with nervous system regulation to set the foundation for growth and change. I provide therapy outdoors, in the office, or online. Please reach out to start your journey today and discover the power and strength within your story. I look forward to working with you.

Hi, I’m Alex Pelaez, an Associate Professional Counselor practicing under the clinical supervision of Hailey Halesworth, LPC, CADC II, and I’m glad you’re here. I work best with students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves—often while trying to look “fine” on the outside. Therapy takes true courage, and my goal is to create an empowering, compassionate environment where you can safely engage in self-discovery, build resilience, and offer yourself grace as you heal. Grounded in Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), we will explore your social and cultural connections to help you understand where disconnections may have caused pain, strengthen your voice, and develop practical coping skills. I also integrate creative and body-centered modalities—including music, artwork, and somatic experiences—to support holistic healing for both mind and body. You don’t need the perfect words to start; we’ll meet exactly where you are and move at a pace that feels safe and doable. If you’re looking for a grounded, supportive space focused on real change, I’d love to connect.

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 believe that every person is created in the image of God, is uniquely designed and can obtain optimum mental health if they are willing to put forth the effort. I utilize many methods of counseling including a client-centered talk therapy approach, family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR. I have been formally trained in S.A.F.E. EMDR through the Personal Transformation Institute and use EMDR to work with clients who have endured past trauma. I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, OCD, and depression as well as sexual and drug addictions. In addition to emerging adulthood, I also enjoy working with families and couples who want to work on their communication and improve their relationships.