Therapists for college students near Portland State University

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.

Hi, I've been in the field since 2001. I have a master's degree in Buddhist psychology and use mindfulness throughout my work. I have a passion for working with college students. I have specialized in ADHD, trauma, and substance use and work with identifying the underlying issues related to these conditions. Being a part of the LGBT community I have a passion for gender-affirming care and addressing relationship issues. I also have experience with eating disorders, fitness, nutrition, and health related issues.

Any of us, from adults to very young children, can experience life challenges that require the caring support of other people. Sometimes we need help to navigate these challenges, and to heal, reorient, and move forward in our lives toward better health and wholeness. When the emotional support of friends and family is not enough, establishing a safe, collaborative relationship with a psychotherapist can be a valuable resource. I enjoy working with students who are ready to access support and guidance in order to address the social-emotional or mental health challenges that are holding them back; the changes and healing they are seeking in their relationships with parents, other family members, friends and/or partners; and clarification of needs, wants and life goals.

Michele Haynes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Pacific Northwest Counseling. Michele holds a license to practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON. Michele utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other trauma treatments (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). Her primary areas of clinical interest include couples, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, relationships, and stress management. Michele EMDR certified. For individuals wanting to integrate mental health and Christianity, Michele can offer a faith-based perspective. --- Benjamin Johnstun is a counseling intern at Pacific Northwest Counseling, practicing under the supervision of Michele Haynes, LMFT. Benjamin is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Benjamin is passionate about helping couples build stronger, more communicative relationships, drawing on his training in the Gottman Method. He has completed Level-2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. He is also dedicated to supporting individuals in finding purpose and meaning through a logotherapy-informed approach. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Benjamin offers a faith-based perspective for clients seeking to integrate Christian or LDS values into their counseling, while welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. Benjamin can practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON.

You have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and have for a very long time. As a child, you had to grow up quickly and take on adult roles, because you had a parent who wasn’t always able to be fully present. Overwhelming emotional pain weighs on you. And you’ve found that the emotional pain shows up as physical pain too - a literal heartache, muscle aches, or back pain. You’ve also lost your appetite or find yourself eating more than usual. You went through something horrific. And you thought you had dealt with it, you thought you could handle it on your own, but it keeps popping its pesky little head up in your current life and relationships. Speaking of which, you have a history of unsuccessful relationships. You long for closeness and intimacy - being validated, loved, and understood - but you can’t seem to avoid toxic people and/or sabotaging the good relationships because when there’s love and harmony you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sometimes as a result of the way you’ve been treated, you question your own worth and value. You worry that your life will never be the same. The fear gnaws at you sometimes that maybe you will never get out from under this boulder of responsibility and heartache on your shoulders. You worry you will never be free. Like my clients, you deserve to find your footing, and discover healing and meaning in life again. Making a full recovery is not out of reach. If you want to not just move on, but move forward, I’d love to help you get there.

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.

Life can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling with stress, emotional pain, or the weight of past experiences, I want you to know that there is hope—and you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to help you discover the tools, strategies, and perspectives that can make a difference in your life and relationships. Meaningful change is possible. Therapy is a journey, and I walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for your unique experience. Together, we’ll explore practical steps for lasting change, and you’ll gain clarity on how to move forward.

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.

The demands of life, as well as ever growing expectations, can cause us to feel disconnected from ourselves, our dreams and the people around us. And as we move through life we can experience challenges that may prompt change, but we may not feel prepared for these challenges. This can cause us to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to navigate our future, but these challenges can also be opportunities for growth that can be discovered with the help of a therapist.

I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-doubt, or a sense of disconnection from themselves or others. You might even be unsure of what's "wrong" and are seeking clarity. My approach is collaborative, active, and designed for healing and creating change. I have advanced training in AEDP and often integrate IFS/parts work and guided mindfulness into sessions. For those interested, I offer Dreamwork as part of the therapeutic process.

Hello! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you would like to schedule a free, 20-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit. I wish you the best of luck on your search for the right therapist for you!

I strongly believe in the human potential for growth and healing. My work focuses on accessing the inherent strength and wisdom that exists in all of us through insight and therapeutic support. My goal is to help clients feel empowered and confident to create the changes they want to make within themselves and their relationships. Whether you are processing past trauma, working through feelings of anxiety and depression, or wanting to develop healthier relationship and family dynamics, I create a safe and comfortable environment to support your healing journey.

With 27 years of experience in the counseling field, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful, lasting change. I have worked with diverse populations facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, grief and loss, addiction, relationship challenges, insomnia, and major life transitions. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals living with ADHD, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope, but motivated for change. I help by providing a safe, nonjudgmental space built on trust, empathy, and active listening. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Illness Management and Recovery, I tailor treatment to each individual. Reaching out for support can feel difficult, but you don’t have to face things alone. I offer a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can be heard and understood. When you’re ready, I invite you to take that next step toward healing and meaningful change.

Accepting waitlist clients. Feeling anxious, sad, lost, afraid, confused? Grappling with inner conflict, self image, compulsive behaviors, intrusive memories, change, loss? I am a psychotherapist with a breadth of work and lived experience working with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, loss, stress-related symptoms, communication problems, relationship difficulties, professional challenges, gambling and other process addictions, substance abuse, trauma, life transitions and more. I see my role as a therapist as a sacred privilege to journey along side of a person toward true and lasting change. I bring a holistic, strengths-based approach to our work together. We start where you are, identify your innate capacities, and begin to deconstruct and remove the roadblocks that interfere with your true destiny. I believe that the client-therapist relationship involves ongoing collaboration to ensure mutual understanding and progress. My goal is to provide you with a supportive, non judgmental space to share your story, identify and express uncomfortable emotions throughout your healing journey. I offer daytime in person sessions as well as Teletherapy within Oregon. Formal training in EMDR and IFS Internal Family Systems therapy approaches. IFS level 1 formally trained.

Do you struggle to say "no" to people? Do you feel guilty when you do? Do you feel pressure to make others happy while never getting what you need? Do you stay in bad relationships for too long? Do you feel stuck relationally, emotionally, or in your career path? There are explanations for this behavior and ways to change it. I love helping people learn how to have healthy boundaries with others, their work, or some other habit they are concerned about. If you want to understand yourself better and possibly learn to make healthier choices based on your values, I would love to work with you. Therapy is sometimes the first positive step that represents caring for yourself. It is an acknowledgement that you are worth the effort. I am an ally regardless of race, culture, physical ability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. Many people experience symptoms of anxiety and depression because they are currently OR have been in relation (family, friend, partner, co-worker, etc) to another person who has OR has had a substance or other behavioral problem. The negative effects can be long-lasting, confusing, and persist without treatment. If this is a familiar for you, call me.

Hello! I work with a focus helping women and college students who are navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationships, and questions about identity, direction, and self worth. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of their next steps, and are looking for a space where they can slow down, reflect, and feel supported while figuring things out. Clients often seek therapy to work through anxiety, sadness, self esteem challenges, relationship concerns, friendship or roommate difficulties, adjusting to college life, family stress, questions about purpose or direction, and experiences of loss or trauma. I approach therapy from a compassionate and validating perspective. My goal is to meet you where you are and work collaboratively as a team as we explore patterns, insights, and possibilities for change. We can start small and move at a pace that feels comfortable, focusing on what progress means to you and what you hope to gain from the therapy process. Because each person's experience is different, therapy is always tailored to your unique needs. My work integrates several therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, mindfulness, and relational perspectives. Together we may explore patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships, including how past experiences and relational/family dynamics can shape the way we see ourselves and interact with others. I also incorporate narrative and mindfulness-based practices to help clients develop greater self-awareness and create more compassionate and empowering ways of understanding their experiences. In therapy, I often help people identify their strengths and internal resources while reconnecting with themselves and their sense of purpose. Over time, many clients find they are better able to navigate challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-trust. The process takes time and often involves learning, reflection, exploration, and sometimes trial and error, but you won't be doing it alone. One of the things I love most about my work is celebrating the wins and "aha" moments while also providing support during the more difficult times. I value curiosity, encouragement, and creating a space where people feel safe to be fully themselves. Many people spend a lot of time alone with their their thoughts or emotions-or trying to avoid them altogether. Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down, step back from the noise of everyday life, and tune into your thoughts, emotions, and experiences with the support of another attuned caring person. Growth is rarely linear or quick, but meaningful change often happens through patience, reflection, and intention. My office is a calm and welcoming space with beautiful natural light, enjoyable views, and a complimentary tea bar. My style is relaxed, warm and human. I aim to balance professionalism with authenticity, and I believe therapy works best when people feel comfortable enough to show up as themselves. My office is located approximately two miles from the University of Oregon, with nearby parking, bike racks, and bus routes. The office is located up a few flights of stairs. I also offer telehealth sessions. If you're curious about whether we might be a good fit, I'd be happy to connect and talk more about what you're hoping for from therapy.

Hello, I’m Sarah. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 15 years of experience working in youth and family mental health services. My background includes work in community mental health and school-based programs as both a therapist and school social worker. My training and clinical experience have focused on supporting youth and families, survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their families, and individuals experiencing school-related challenges. I work with teens ages 14 and older, as well as adults, and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and supported. I believe therapy works best when built on trust, collaboration, and genuine human connection. My approach is strengths-based, skills-focused, and collaborative. I believe you already possess strengths, resilience, and capabilities that can serve as a foundation for growth and healing. Together, we’ll build on those existing strengths while developing practical skills to help you navigate challenges more effectively. Depending on your needs and goals, this may include strengthening communication skills, emotional regulation, coping strategies, mindfulness, boundary-setting, or problem-solving techniques. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space that focuses on your strengths, goals, and capacity for growth rather than simply on what may be “wrong.” I want you to feel heard, understood, and empowered as we work together to help you move toward the life you want.

I enjoy working with motivated individuals and people in all relationship configurations who are seeking change. My style is approachable, warm, and collaborative, with a dash of humor when appropriate. I will be learning just as much from you as you are from me since you are the expert in your own life, even in times when it doesn't feel like it. From my former work as an intake coordinator, I know how hard it can feel to reach out for therapy, and I would be happy to see if I can help you meet your goals with a brief initial phone call.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how. If this sounds like you, I’ve got you! We’ll shift your story so you'll see your sensitivity to others as a strength. You’ll be a boundaries badass who feels confident with your decisions. You’ll take your perfectionism head on and feel able to live in the present. And you’ll have action steps that feel good, because they’re finally in line with YOUR goals. I specialize in treating Highly Sensitive People and recovering perfectionists & people-pleasers. I see clients online through a convenient video platform, so that therapy can work seamlessly with your busy life. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation to determine if I’m the right therapist for you! I look forward to speaking with you!