Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed by emotions, or unsure how to move forward. Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or the weight of past trauma, and you’re ready to find a way through it. You want to feel more confident, improve your relationships, and better understand yourself. You may be searching for someone who truly listens, helps you make sense of what’s going on, and works with you to create a path toward the life you envision. If this resonates with you, therapy can be a supportive space where we work together to uncover your strengths and achieve the change you’re looking for. I help you navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions by creating a space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, explore what’s holding you back, and work toward meaningful change with tools and strategies tailored to your needs. Let’s work together to help you build the life you want. Taking the step to seek therapy can feel uncertain. I’m here to help you explore your emotions and experiences without judgment, offering compassion and guidance as you navigate challenges. You don’t have to face this alone—healing and growth are possible, and I’d be honored to support you on this journey. Schedule an appointment with me today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome to my practice! I am a psychotherapist who provides counseling services for individuals, couples and families navigating myriad challenges including relationship concerns, academic stressors, feelings of anxiety and depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, identity, self-esteem, illness, and others. My goal is to provide a trustworthy, authentic, consistent and loving space which honors the many complexities of our shared humanity. If you have questions, or would like to set up an initial complementary consultation, you may contact me at 503-705-8489, or head to my online booking page. Feel free to browse my website for more detailed information. My study of medicine and counseling continues to awaken my awe and sensitivity to the challenges and wonders of being human. I offer a holistic, openhearted approach to therapy which welcomes all of who you are and rests on the belief that you hold trustworthy impulses for health, wholeness and Self-love. Our work together will be a safe and collaborative journey through which you lead the way through your life’s digestion process. A crucible for transformation, deep intimacy with oneself or another requires courage and authenticity. I embrace multicultural humility and affirm people of all genders, abilities, races, ethnicities, spiritualities, religions and other intersectional diversities I am both a physician and an individual, couple and family therapist intern. I obtained a MS from Portland State University while also immersing in a year-long internship at the M.E.T.A. Institute (Mindfulness Experiential Therapeutic Approaches) where I studied Hakomi and other mindfulness-based approaches, including Re-Creation of the Self and Attachment Therapy. I have also studied Richard Schwartz's Internal Family Systems (IFS) (Level 1 and 2 graduate, and Toni Herbine Blank's Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO ) (Level 1 graduate), Diana Fosha's attachment-based Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), (Level 1 graduate), and Les Greenberg's Emotion Focused and Susan Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), (level 1 externship), and Emotion Focused Therapy with Dr. Charles Edwards and Jaime Lynn Edwards. I have studied PolyVagal Theory with Deb Dana, Re-Creation of the Self with Jon Eisman, Fierce Love with Dr. SueAnne Piliero and the AEDP Institute, and Attachment Theory with META Institute. I also hold a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Chicago. I completed a Radiology Residency at the University of Chicago and a Body-Imaging Fellowship at the University of Chicago. I was a faculty member at the University of Washington School of Medicine Department of Radiology prior to transitioning to private practice.

Do you overthink things or ever feel burnt out? What about after an issue happens, do you fixate on it, obsess over it, or think about the worst possible outcomes? How difficult is it to concentrate and stay focused on what needs to get done? What about your patience, has it run thin enough that you’re finding yourself more easily annoyed or frustrated by things? Managing anxiety is no easy feat, especially when anxiety symptoms can show up in so many different ways. How do you work through anxiety? Do you try not to think about it? When faced with anxiety symptoms, the tendency to avoid, control, or suppress is automatic, as these are the coping strategies that make the most sense. After all, why would you want to feel frustrated or worried. Although these forms of coping may work, they are often only effective for a short while—I’d venture to say you’ve already discovered this. You may have also noticed these forms of coping have created additional problems, such as poor sleep quality, social isolation, performance issues at work or school, or excessive use of social media—the list goes on. With an effective, evidence-based approach to managing anxiety, you’ll feel more at ease and be better able to work through the obstacles of life—paving a path for you to achieve your goals.

***Currently serving individuals in California and Oregon*** Hello! My name is Carlota, and I am a social justice advocate; a believer in science; a fierce and overly-obsessed dog mom to two wacky pups; an immigrant; and steadfast in my conviction that we have a fundamental obligation to help one another if we have the means and capacity to do so. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and have been in practice since 2013. I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley in 2008, and received my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2013 from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. I embrace evidence-based and research-supported therapies, while also honoring the power of the therapeutic relationship and process. I specialize in trauma and PTSD, depression, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety and panic, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, and life transitions. I am a trained teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and am certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT-D). I also have extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for Bipolar Disorder, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for the treatment of PTSD in children and teens. Why might I be a good fit for you? Because I get it, and I am whole-heartedly with you on this journey. I know that coming to therapy is a profound undertaking, and that what I will ask of you in this process is not easy. Introspection, change, and confronting avoidance are hard, and so I strive to provide a safe, authentic, and collaborative environment that honors your story, experience, and identity with compassion and without judgment; I strive to be worthy of bearing witness to your story. ***Sirviendo a personas ubicadas en California y Oregón*** ¡Hola! Mi nombre es Carlota, y soy amante de la justicia social; una creyente en la ciencia; una mamá de dos perritos excéntricos; una inmigrante; y firme en mi convicción de que tenemos la obligación de ayudarnos unos a otros si tenemos los medios y la capacidad para hacerlo. Soy una trabajadora social, y he estado en práctica desde 2013. Me gradué de UC Berkeley en el 2008, y recibí mi Maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW) en el 2013 de la Universidad de Washington en San Louis. Acepto las terapias basadas en la evidencia y respaldadas por la investigación, al mismo tiempo que honro el poder de la relación y el proceso terapéutico. Me especializo en trauma, depresión, el trastorno bipolar, ansiedad y pánico, duelo y pérdida, dificultades interpersonales, y transiciones de vida. Soy una maestra capacitada en Reducción del Estrés Basado en Mindfulness (MBSR), y estoy certificada en Terapia de Procesamiento Cognitivo (CPT) para el trastorno de estrés postraumático y Psicoterapia Interpersonal para la Depresión (IPT-D). También tengo una amplia entrenamiento en Terapia Dialéctica Conductual (DBT), Terapia Interpersonal y de Ritmo Social (IPSRT) para el trastorno bipolar, y Terapia Cognitiva Conductual Centrada en el Trauma (TF-CBT) para el tratamiento del trastorno de estrés postraumático en niños y adolescentes. ¿Por qué podría ser una buena opción para ti? Porque pongo todo mi corazón para estar contigo en este viaje. Sé que venir a terapia es una empresa profunda y que lo que te voy a pedir en este proceso no es fácil. La introspección, el cambio, y la confrontación de la evitación son difíciles, y espero proveer un entorno seguro, auténtico, y colaborativo que honre su historia, experiencia, e identidad con compasión y sin juzgar; me esfuerzo por ser digno de ser testigo de tu historia.

I hope to support you on your journey toward healing. I believe people have strength to endure life's challenges, and hold the wisdom within to nurture wounds and thrive. I bring over a decade of experience working with children, adults and families, where I served people with needs including anxiety, depression, exposure to trauma, life transitions and more. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My therapy style is strengths-based, collaborative and compassionate, with a sense of humor and creativity. I desire to nurture strong attachments, support individual goals for wellness, and enhance meaningful connections. I am certified in foster and adoptive family therapy, trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, family systems work, and more. I specialize in treating PTSD and other traumatic stress. Feel free to contact me for a free consult to see if we are a fit.

Are you feeling anxious or struggling to cope with your worries? Have you experienced trauma in your life & noticing it affecting your life today? Are you wanting to improve your relationship with food and/or your body? Maybe you are wanting to discover more about yourself and how you navigate the world. I believe it’s important to allow time to process experiences, learn about coping skills and also how to find healing in a way that aligns with you and your values. We'll also explore how different parts of yourself can impact you in different life experiences. My practice is culturally sensitive, gender affirming and welcoming to all body sizes. I work through a holistic approach where I believe in including your whole self in therapy, which includes the mind-body connection, your background, values, beliefs, identity and any other important aspects that make up who you are. Therapy can offer you a safe space to process these experiences, discover more about yourself and how you navigate the world. I do my best to meet people where they are. I understand if it’s someone’s first time in therapy or if someone is feeling nervous or hesitant about it, that it takes time to build trust with someone to eventually share your story.

Welcome, I’m glad you’re here! Starting therapy or finding a new therapist is a courageous step. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, a big life transition, questions of identity or the deep waves of grief I offer a compassionate space where you can feel seen and heard. I’ve supported many clients moving through anxiety, relationship issues with partners and family members and have supported young people moving through life stages.

I provide a safe, supportive space where we can explore challenges you’re facing, discover what matters most to you, and create meaningful change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs—whether you’re navigating stress, relationship difficulties, uncertainty about the future, or just seeking personal growth. I believe in your resilience and capacity for healing, and I’m here to help you align your life with your values and goals. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to support you on your journey.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience treating adolescents and adults. My approach to psychotherapy is warm, empathic, and compassionate. I treat each individual professionally and with respect. I appreciate the uniqueness of each patient and emphasize listening closely and thoughtfully, as we all possess the ability to tell our story regarding our strengths and our challenges, even when we sometimes do not realize it. I strive to create a safe environment where you can feel open to express and explore your feelings and experiences, without judgment or emphasis on what is “right” or “wrong.” I believe that therapy is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and to express our feelings freely, in an effort to learn new methods of dealing with problems, being in relationships, and pursuing our dreams. My private practice is largely informed by modern psychoanalytic theory. I provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy. I integrate themes of social justice throughout my practice, and am particularly thoughtful about the role that various cultural identifications, and their intersection, play in mental health and treatment. I also provide education, consultation, and training to professionals and students. A central aspect of my clinical thinking focuses on the role of power, privilege, and cultural dominance. Knowledge, concepts, and meaning are not developed on a solely individual basis, but rather are created through coordination and communication with others. Language is fundamentally important – it is the most essential way in which we construct reality. Our psychological experiences, including emotions, thoughts, somatic/bodily sensations, are subsequently developed within this context. I view problems in living, therefore, as relational, contextual, interpretive, and situated within the dominant discourse, expression, response, and cultural norms.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with folks who want to connect with their emotional worlds and nurture relationships both with themselves and others. As a cis-gender male, I have often had the thought that it seems like everyone else got the guide-book to relationships except me. I, like many of you, am someone who was raised as in a context that did not prize or promote emotional self-inquiry, self-connection and direct communication. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, anger, shame or dissatisfaction with your life, there is space for you here. I practice mindfulness-based therapy, which means that in our work together I may invite you to pause or slow down so that we can bring curiosity to your inner world. Your experience is important and, if we work together, I commit to walking along side you in what is an act of courage not acknowledged enough: reconnecting with and honoring ourselves. Perhaps you are longing for a more satisfying way of existing in this world. Not to fret, this has been the case for many of us and the path back home to an aligned state of being has been tread by many before you. I have helped many like you and would be delighted to explore working together.

I am a licensed psychologist with strong specialties in treating folks with eating disorders and anxiety. I also have extensive experience working with people with depression and relationship concerns. I am a compassionate, direct therapist. I work collaboratively with my patients to set and achieve their goals. These goals often include increased self-acceptance, as well as changes in mood, thought patterns, and behaviors. My therapy is rooted in empirically based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic theory, and neuroscience research. I develop customized strategies to help my patients manage painful thoughts and emotions, change unhelpful behaviors, and increase motivation. I also help cultivate self-compassion and self-understanding. Self-understanding promotes self-acceptance. When you allow yourself to be who you are, your inner critic has no leverage, and you move more easily toward a meaningful and fulfilling life. For most of my patients, this is the ultimate goal. Please go to my website for more information. My blog describes many of the concepts and strategies I use.

I identify as a queer woman and specialize with LGBT folks. Poly and kink friendly! I may be a good fit for you if you want a therapist who is genuine, transparent, warm, and friendly, who sees you as a unique individual and tailors our work to identify and meet your needs. I bring a social justice lens and understanding of systems of oppression into therapeutic work. I will tell you what I am thinking, will challenge you intellectually, and actively engage with you. I will be open and honest in answering your questions, work collaboratively with you, describe our options, and check in often. Clients often tell me that our work has helped them to sort through their thoughts and feelings to gain clarity, to grow, to learn about themselves, to develop confidence, and to feel empowered to make important decisions. I employ a flexible approach tailored to the needs of each client. I also provide assessments/letters for gender affirming surgery. It is difficult to find the right therapist based on a short profile! Feel free to contact me with any questions. I am currently accepting clients for telehealth only. I accept Aetna, GEHA, Pacific Source, and Meritain insurance and out of network insurance benefits.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We all deserve lives full of joy, opportunity and love. Too often though, we find ourselves in places or periods where these basic needs feel scarce. They may even feel blocked all together, sometimes in ways or for reasons that are outside of our control. Working from a stance of curiosity, compassion, and non-judgment, my hope is to partner with you in building the skills and tools to navigate whatever life throws at you. Through our work together, I will aim to support you in fostering the vulnerability to love yourself and others, the strength to approach pain, and the flexibility to touch meaning and passion even on your hardest days. I ground my practice in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and other mindfulness-based practices. While I’m excited to work with clients navigating a wide variety of issues, I specialize in supporting clients who are navigating experiences of hopelessness or powerlessness to build out lives with more meaning, space, and joy. This includes those struggling with self-harm and suicidality, trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as those looking to increase self-compassion. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for you, give me a call or a text! We can schedule a consultation and talk through what you’re looking for. Alternatively, if you would like to know more about me, my background, or training before reaching out, feel free to check out my website.

I work with people who feel like they don’t belong. Together, we’ll find ways to reconnect you to your inner strengths and capacities, to community and nourishing relationships, and to the world at large. There’s many reasons people might feel like misfits, weirdos, or exiles. Many of us can’t or won’t fit into our socially proscribed boxes. I have particular experience working with queer and non-binary folks, with people on the autism spectrum, with multiracial and/or bicultural folks, with creatives, innovators, and activists working on the edge of social change, and with survivors of trauma. And I’m open to working with anyone who feels drawn to my approach, so feel free to reach out!

I have lived in Oregon since 2006. As an active person and outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy hiking, yoga, kickboxing, cycling, and paddle sports. I spend my time relaxing with my husband, friends, family, and 7-year-old adorable black Labrador mix. I enjoy traveling and have been able to explore Africa, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Don’t worry…Australia and Antarctica are on the list! I have been practicing therapy since 2009 and working in mental health services since 2001. I received my Master’s in Applied Psychology in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in 2009 and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2003. I have worked in a variety of therapeutic environments including a sub-acute hospital for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, a residential treatment program for adolescents, treatment foster care for children and youth, community-based services for families in crisis, foster care settings for children, youth, and young adults, outpatient mental health for adults, and in clinical research for youth and young adults struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oregon. My license is registered under my maiden name: Kristen Semelsberger. License number is C5039.

Often our first response to misfortune is to fight against it. While we may have skillful ways of doing this, our efforts nevertheless become futile and disconnect us from others. Our energy gets bound up, we get stuck in elusive cycles. However, our truths are complex and deserve to be recognized. I provide a focused and understanding space that supports you opening to your own aliveness and your voice. I bring my full attention, my honest feeling, and I will share what I see will help you. In a setting of mutual respect and trust, and with your active participation, I will encourage and challenge you to take risks to be more honest and vulnerable with yourself and in your relationships. The result is often a more comfortable, effective and empowered sense of self from which one can thrive. I offer individual therapy to adults who are interested in exploring one's relationship with oneself, including through dreams and creative process. I have a special interest in working with anxiety, depression, grief and self-esteem.