Therapists for college students near Portland State University

My name is Dr. Susan Stormer, and I provide cognitive behavioral therapy to people who feel under-appreciated or overwhelmed by the demands of life. You may be feeling fatigued, experiencing miscommunication or invalidation in relationships, or struggling to prioritize healthy behaviors. It is possible to feel energized and happy, have higher self-esteem, and feel comfortable with asking for help when needed. I will help you to practice setting boundaries, improve communication at school or work and home, and learn to treat yourself with kindness.

We’re a small team of Oregon-based therapists who get how overwhelming and complicated college life can feel. Between classes, relationships, work, and figuring out your future, it’s easy to feel stretched thin or misunderstood. Here, you’ll find a space where your identity is respected, your pace is honored, and your story is taken seriously. We know trust takes time, especially if you’ve felt dismissed or unseen before. That’s why we move at your pace, creating room for the full complexity of what you’re going through—without rushing toward quick fixes. Our approach is trauma-informed, accessible, and affirming — always centering your safety, your voice, and your unique way of being. In this space, you don’t have to perform, explain yourself, or shrink down. You can just show up as you are.

My work is guided by the belief that mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and personalized. With a background in community mental health and primary care behavioral health, I offer an integrative, culturally responsive, and values-based approach to therapy. I believe therapy is most effective when it goes beyond symptoms—when we explore your values, goals, and passions together. Through this lens, we co-create a foundation rooted in curiosity, connection, and emotional safety, opening space for healing and growth. I’ve had the privilege of expanding gender-affirming care at a community health system in Seattle and helped develop a behavioral health department embedded within a community center—where I facilitated programming focused on emotional wellness and connection. These experiences have shaped my commitment to making therapy accessible, affirming, and grounded in real-world community values. My value of community and connection continues to be nourished at Aspire Psychology.

I have always had a passion for giving back to my community and supporting the creation of positive change in ways that are meaningful and respectful to the unique beliefs, needs, and cultures of others. As a therapist I strive to fulfill this passion by helping folks feel empowered to heal, grow, and live authentically. My work is grounded in the belief of the inherent strength of each person, and I am dedicated to helping clients build resilience, self-compassion, and agency in their lives. The approach we decide is best for you will be tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, processing trauma, or exploring gender and sexual identity, I am here to provide a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space—with just a touch of humor. Together, we’ll identify meaningful strategies to help you build the skills and confidence to move forward in ways that align with your values and goals. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University (2017) before moving to Portland. In 2022, I completed my Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver, with an emphasis on trauma and social justice, and have since had the privilege of providing therapy at a local community mental health agency, serving a wide range of folks struggling with complex generational trauma, major life transitions, relationship issues, grief, and gender/sexual identity exploration. Through this experience, I had the privilege of further developing skills specific to LGBTQIA+ folks, a group of individuals near to my heart, which has allowed me to more meaningfully connect with, and help, my community. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me running around the city or Forest Park training for the next half-marathon, at the coast or a hiking with my two wiener dogs, and most importantly spending time with my friends and loved ones. How I Can Help If you're looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Portland or support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that empowers you to create meaningful change. Whether you're seeking CBT for anxiety, trauma therapy, or support navigating gender identity, I offer a collaborative, affirming, and client-centered approach to help you move forward. I offer both in-person and telehealth therapy, making it easier to access care in a way that fits your needs. Education & Licenses MSW, University of Denver (Trauma & Social Justice Focus) Clinical Social Worker, OR License #L30027

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 am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 15 years experience in the field. I earned my Masters in Counseling from George Fox University in 2010 and my Bachelors in Psychology from PSU in 1993. My clinical specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, addictions and burnout. I believe we all have our own inner wisdom and guidance, and therapy is a process of getting in touch with that. Insight is valuable and yet we often need more than that, including a compassionate witness, and skilled guidance through the change process. I value the therapeutic relationship and am an engaged therapist, doing my best to attune to where you are and what can best serve you in our work. I use evidence-based practices that are client-centered and Mind/Body/Spirit oriented. I have been trained in multiple modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am also currently enrolled in the IFS certification program after having completed Level 1 training. Outside of therapy I enjoy the great outdoors, especially hiking and trail running, caring for stray/feral cats, meditating, listening to music and connecting with friends/community. I welcome all races, all religions, all socio-economic status, all sexual orientations, all gender identities and expressions, all abilities, all ethnicities, all bodies, ALL PEOPLE.

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Our therapists love working with college students because they are at such an important time in their lives and it’s a rich time for growth and deeper self understanding. The clients we help the most are committed to the process of self awareness and change, even if it’s hard. Going to college can be scary and bring up a lot of challenges. It can be hard to live separately from your family for the first time. There can be so many difficulties at college that you didn’t expect. We are here to help. Our therapists are relatable and effective in their work. We welcome you!

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

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Everybody deserves a space where they can feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to provide therapy that is collaborative, effective, and uniquely tailored to every client. Many clients have described my clinical style as "real and authentic." I enjoy working with clients on a wide variety of issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, self-esteem, family-of-origin, cultural identity, codependency, stress, etc. My areas of specialization are: Gender Affirming Care for transgender and gender diverse individuals and Substance Use (ie: people concerned about their alcohol and/or drug use.)

Do you ever feel like you’re trying to meet everyone else's expectations while quietly struggling yourself? I work with teens, adults, and couples in unpacking childhood trauma, navigating infidelity, tackling life transitions, and motivation struggles. Whether you’re an overwhelmed overachiever, or feeling stuck in a “failure-to-launch” phase, I help clients gain clarity, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence. If you're looking for a therapist who will support and challenge you through grace, humor, an honesty, I look forward to working with you! :) My approach is rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, we’ll explore how past and present relationships shape your patterns, emotions, and sense of self—so you can better understand yourself, reduce shame, build confidence, break unhelpful cycles, and create lasting change. Life is full of taboos. The self-doubts, the drama, the ‘I-probably-shouldn’t-say-this’ thoughts. In my office, nothing is too weird or too heavy, and we’ll sort through it together. My hope is that you leave each session feeling a little more seen, a little less alone, and more connected to the parts of yourself you’ve been carrying quietly for too long.

Do you say mean things to yourself, like "I'm a loser," "annoying," “dumb,” and struggle to make decisions, and trust yourself? If yes, then we might be a good fit. I work with people that struggle with shame and self-criticism and often feel “not good enough.” I particularly work well with people wanting to get unstuck from the cycle of anxiety/avoidance, and “self-sabotage”, and start moving towards their goals and values while building self-acceptance. My name is Jeannie (like “in a bottle”) I grew up in outer east Portland/Rockwood and Like many clients, I faced life challenges and adversities growing up, such as a single parent home, delinquency issues, and parental addiction, incarceration, and death. Before working as a therapist, I worked in the restaurant industry for several years and in higher education doing career counseling, academic advising, and college admissions. My role is not to tell you what is best for you but to listen to you, understand you, and provide a genuine and empathetic space that helps you trust your intuition. If we work together, you can expect a collaborative partnership built on trust, empathy, authenticity, a healthy amount of swearing and humor sprinkled in the mix. Areas of Focus: Shame/guilt College Student Stress Mens issues Internet use concerns (gaming, pornography, Gambling) People pleasing Complex trauma/relational trauma Work and societal issues Chronic pain/illness/disability Grief/loss Low self-esteem/self-worth Anxiety/Avoidance Depression Mood disorders Body image concerns

We here at Brave Acorn help people in the greater Portland area align body, mind, and emotions in their daily lives. We are trauma-trained, take a Health at Every Size approach to food and weight issues, and encourage people to work with their body and emotions as allies (rather than enemies) on their journey towards growth and healing.

Hi, I'm Colette! I'm a queer, trans, white counselor. This world is hard. I believe we get through it together and talking can help, even in these times. The heart of my work is providing politically informed relational talk therapy. I believe some of the most impactful therapy comes from talking about the things that are hardest to say. Things like trauma, regrets, shame, fears, and that thing that may feel like it's not worth the time because you just can't figure out why it bothers you so much. What we uncover there could be a doorway to seeing and experiencing yourself, your relationships, and the world differently. I might be a good fit if you think it's time to talk about the hard stuff. If you're open to being vulnerable. If you find it helpful to say things out loud and want a counselor who will think out loud with you. If you want to feel both supported and challenged. And if you want to look at the politics and systems of oppression surrounding your life, relationships, and struggles. Check out my website to learn more about what I offer. And if you've got a good feeling about this, reach out and let's talk. I really value your considering putting your trust in me as a therapist and will try my best to do right by you.

Are you experiencing a relational separation or burdened with grief, loss, or trauma? Are you having difficulty with ADHD, depression, or anxiety? You don’t need to suffer in silence or alone. We specialize in individual, couples, and family counseling, and we are ready and available to support you in the healing process.

Living in a world filled with poverty, marginalization, oppression, and pandemic(s) can feel daunting and lead people to feel as though they have little agency. Therapy can be a helpful place to explore the places in our lives where we do have agency, where we are able to make tangible changes-often times this is in our interpersonal relationships. I work from an attachment focused and relational cultural perspective that is grounded in feminist practice which prioritizes the exploration of identities, oppression, intersectionality, and their impact on social and emotional functioning. I draw upon interventions from psychoanalytic psychotherapy, attachment focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, radical acceptance, and health at every size. I have experience working with people struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, gender identity, queer issues, and relationship and family challenges. I take a non-pathologizing approach to working my clients, with a particular focus on those have been marginalized by the mental health profession in the past.

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.

Hi, I’m Amanda (she/her) I identify as white, cis gendered, middle-class woman. As someone with a great deal of privilege, I believe it is my job to make sure I understand my privilege through active learning, unlearning and holding space for others. I believe that we all have access to an inner knowledge that helps us overcome our challenges. I use several tools to help clients access this knowledge including talk therapy, art therapy, and regulation strategies, mindfulness and meditation practices based off client need and comfort level. My approach is relational, trauma-informed and strength-based. I work with clients where they are at on any given day. From there, we collaborate to build skills and resiliency. I work with teens, adults and families to help find resources within themselves. I work with many clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression and or difficulty in transition.

Timothy Lafolette is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with more than 13 years of experience working with clients utilizing medication management and talk therapy. He enjoys working with clients who are looking to take their next steps toward self-acceptance and wellness. He views the therapeutic process through a trauma-informed lens, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing methods.