Therapists for college students near Portland State University

After working in the mental health field for nearly 15 years, specifically in crisis intervention, I set out on a new path to work with people before life becomes unbearable. Most recently, I served as a high school mental health counselor. Flexibility and openness are two of my core values. Do you know what you value? Understanding what we care about most and what brings meaning to our lives is essential to living with intention and living well. I believe therapy is about exploring these values along with memories, current circumstances, and feelings in order to help the present-self move forward. Too often we drift through our days without asking for the support we need because it can feel as though we are not worthy of that focus. Please know that you are worthy of that focus because once you do, positive change and growth are not only possible, but inevitable. My passion is to center each person I work with and learn how they experience the world around them. My background thus far has been working with youth and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, identity issues, self-harm, and school frustration. I hold a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a masters in social work (MSW) from Portland State University. Outside of my work, I love to run, play video games, and have always been into playing/watching sports. There is no song I wouldn't try to karaoke even though I'm, like, an objectively bad singer.

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!

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

Do you feel overwhelmed by that pile of laundry in the corner of your room, or that stack of dishes in the kitchen? Do you bounce your leg endlessly or fidget with anything within reach? Do you ever hyperfixate on something for hours and completely lose track of time? Are you easily distracted? Forgetful? Do you find yourself interrupting others? Are you motivated by challenge? What about urgency? If so, not to fret, you’re in the right place! I too have struggled with these same issues, but I have also learned to find the joy in my ADHD. Likewise, I would like to help you learn to harness your creativity, quick thinking, and unique perspective on life. Not only will we collaborate on discovering effective time management, emotional regulation, and organizational techniques that work for you. But we will go beyond that and bring to light the ways in which we can empower you in finding your ADHD “superpower”. Together we can explore topics such as diagnosis, medication, and accommodations. We may also discuss sensory issues, shame, relationships and whatever else you would like to bring into the room. If this sounds like a journey you’re ready to start, please reach out! I’d love to walk this path alongside you.

Real life is complicated and often times, it hurts. The struggles that we experience can take on a variety of forms, ranging from depression and anxiety, to trauma. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am dedicated to supporting my clients on their journey towards healing, empowerment and hope. I strive to offer a personalized and collaborative approach in therapy that focuses on developing strong, trusting relationships with my clients. I utilize a trauma-informed, humanistic, strength-based, non-judgmental style to provide a safe space for my clients to explore, heal and grow. I work with a wide variety of clients and work in depth with trauma/abuse, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, young adult/phase-of-life challenges, and childhood & relationship issues. I aspire to help my clients improve their coping skills, enhance relationships, increase self-esteem and build positive communication skills. I encourage potential clients to reach out to me in order to see how the two of us connect. I truly look forward to meeting you, and hope we can work together to find the growth and change that you are looking for.

If you are struggling to get through the day and need support, you're in the right place. Anxiety and depression can seem like the only voice of reason at times, and therapy is a great way to help sort through these confusing and distressing emotions. Understanding that change takes time and can be difficult is one of my core values as a person-centered therapist. I'm passionate about working with people from multicultural backgrounds, as well as those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I became a therapist because I enjoy helping people realize their true potential, and believe in the therapeutic process as a way to reach that. When outside of the office, I enjoy being outdoors and connecting with nature. I love to hike, ski, and go camping with my friends and family. Music is a big part of my life, and I enjoy playing the Ukulele. Life can be extremely difficult, and reaching out for help is the first step to healing. It's hard to go through symptoms alone. I'm currently taking on new clients ages 11 and up, both in person and via Telehealth.

I provide individual therapy to people ages 18 and up. I specialize in working with queer and trans people, pot-stirrers, and outsiders. I enjoy working with people who are confronting major identity shifts, people who are navigating issues with their families of origin, and people who are trying to envision a future they never imagined themselves in (What is middle age? What is aging in queer spaces? How can I live meaningfully in late stage capitalism?).

I work primarily with queer and neurodivergent clients. My ideal client is someone experiencing disconnection from their authentic self or is trying to unmask. They might be experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional triggers related to past traumas with which they are struggling. Perhaps they are interested in understanding more about their neurodivergence and ways to build supportive systems to address symptoms. I am honored to help with navigating questions of identity, gender, sexuality, and building relationships with oneself and others. I offer a collaborative, client-centered approach incorporating elements of Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, mindfulness techniques, and creativity to find a framework for therapy that works for each client. We will work together to find meaningful goals for you, and then work together to achieve them. For whatever reason, we all may feel like an Awkward Turtle sometimes and retreat into our shells. Underneath the weight of all of the expectations placed on us, however, we are all unique in our own beautiful ways. I created Awkward Turtle Therapy to help others learn to explore and love the parts of themselves they have felt compelled to hide.

Do you worry constantly, have a persistent fear of failure or judgement and feel on edge with just about anything? Feeling like you’re not good enough, not living the life you want to live, or that you’ve lost touch with the things that bring you happiness with little hope that you can live life in a fulfilling way? Have you had a traumatic experience that left you feeling disconnected and having a hard time trusting people, with the need to protect and numb yourself? These things can impact our physical and mental wellbeing, keep us up at night, make us feel disconnected from the people closest to us and reduce our ability to achieve what we want in life. I may be able to help. I have experience guiding people with these concerns to make meaningful changes to increase their satisfaction with life. A sense of safety, confidence, hope, fulfillment and loving connections with your important people is what I work to achieve with you and it can be done. Research shows that 75% of people experience positive results after seeing a therapist. One of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in therapy is the therapeutic alliance, or the partnership between therapist and client. Therapeutic alliance means shared decision-making, mutual respect, non-judgement, empathy and understanding in the therapy room. I focus heavily on these elements so we can work smarter and not harder and to create an alliance that produces the results you want in therapy.

With over 14 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, Marilyn is a thoughtful listener who uses a trauma-focused, collaborative approach. She works to foster a resilient therapeutic relationship and empower her clients to take an active role in treatment. Marilyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacific University in Hillsboro, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University. She incorporates a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy and Schema Therapy. Marilyn works with clients from age 18 to 80, across a broad range of adult needs and life circumstances. She works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with self-esteem, attachment problems, discrimination, domestic violence, relationship problems, oppression, childhood abuse and mood disorders. Marilyn grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has a passion for experiencing life in different countries. She is a US Army veteran, and enjoys listening to jazz music.

If you’re looking for a supportive and easy-to-talk-to therapist, to help you achieve your goals, we may be a good fit. I help adults and adolescents that are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD and relationship issues. I help students trying to find their place in life. I also help men overcome anger issues that may negatively impact their quality of life. I practice CBT, ACT, and DBT. I work with business owners, creatives, students, athletes, musicians, writers, therapists, teenagers and more. Together, we will find solutions to your struggles so you live your rich and meaningful life. I do telehealth and walk-and-talk therapy, aka ecotherapy. We'll either meet online or at a park in Portland and walk for 50 minutes. Ecotherapy gives you exercise, forest bathing and talk therapy. Couples, men and trauma survivors often prefer ecotherapy since walking often increases vulnerability. Together, we'll help you feel better and get better. I owned two businesses before I became a therapist. One appeared on The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. I’m also a father, husband, friend, animal lover, mistake-maker, Little League coach, ex-D 1 athlete and (hopefully) down-to-earth. I strive to bring trust and transparency to my relationships. I believe humility is a superpower. Call or email me and let’s connect!

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.

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

Starting therapy is hard. But it means you are making a choice to live a better life. Whether you’re struggling with feeling isolated, dealing with stress from work or school, or have feelings from your past that are holding you back, Casey wants to help. He will work to help you find a new way to actually live the life you want, by figuring out why you’re at where you are at and what can be done together to help you make different choices. As a therapist, Casey treats every client as an individual who will have their own specific wants and needs within therapy. Regardless of what techniques he uses, Casey prioritizes creating a strong bond with clients built on trust, understanding and unconditional non-judgment, so that he can help clients find new ways to deal with the difficulties that come with life. It is crucial for us to understand how the expectations that society puts on us due to various parts of outward identity impact our mental health. Casey is especially dedicated to trying to support men in dealing with their mental health and relationship as societal expectations and barriers often impact our ability to live fulfilling lives. While his work often draws influence from Acceptance and Commitment, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy, no single model of therapy works for everyone so he often blends together practices from a variety of models in a way that best serves you. Casey has a Masters of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Western Oregon University.

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.

Mike Mihalas, LCSW offers individual psychotherapy to adults and teens. He works to promote mental wellness and treat conditions that contribute to unwanted thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationship patterns. In therapy you will find new ways to cope and manage distress, as well as explore what may be happening unconsciously in your psyche. Mike Mihalas has been a practicing therapist since 2011 and received his graduate degree from the University of Southern California's School of Social Work. He is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and completed two years of post-graduate supervised training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Mike Mihalas specializes in long-term psychotherapy and is accepting new clients interested in 2x / week sessions.

The therapeutic relationship is always at the core of my work with clients, and I aim to establish a sense of trust and safety with each individual. It is important to make therapy a place that feels positive and supportive… and even fun! I am trained in both traditional therapy and art therapy, and I allow my clients to choose what works best for them. I believe that most people are doing the best they can, despite the many challenges, behaviors, emotional roller coasters, and transitions that come up in life. My mission, as a therapist, is to come alongside others in a way that can support and draw out their best selves. I especially enjoy working with folks who might be struggling with issues related to identity development, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. I have training and expertise in the area of attachment and working youth who have been in foster care or adopted.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.