Behavioral Issues Therapists in Portland, OR
My main areas are child and teen OCD, behavior issues, depression, trauma, and body-focused repetitive behaviors like tics, hair pulling, and skin picking.
There are a lot of ways young people and families can get stuck. Maybe a teen in your house can’t get out the door because anxiety has taken over the mornings. Maybe your child keeps falling into the same loop and nothing you’ve tried changes it. Maybe you’re a young adult who can’t do the things that matter because depression makes them feel out of reach. It’s not your fault that you got stuck, and it’s not your fault that nothing you’ve tried has worked yet.
My main areas are child and teen OCD, behavior issues, depression, trauma, and body-focused repetitive behaviors like tics, hair pulling, and skin picking.
There are a lot of ways young people and families can get stuck. Maybe a teen in your house can’t get out the door because anxiety has taken over the mornings. Maybe your child keeps falling into the same loop and nothing you’ve tried changes it. Maybe you’re a young adult who can’t do the things that matter because depression makes them feel out of reach. It’s not your fault that you got stuck, and it’s not your fault that nothing you’ve tried has worked yet.
I incorporate mindfulness and a cognitive- behavioral therapy into my practice.
The relationship between client and therapist is the key to recovery. I will work to build a genuine connection with you to develop trust. From there we can explore the psychological, emotional, physical, and social forces that make up your experience. My belief is that you are the expert of your life, and my role is to join you on your path to living well by offering compassion, insight, and guidance to facilitate growth. I strive to create a space that is collaborative and inquisitive, exploring your experiences, strengths, culture, and needs.
I incorporate mindfulness and a cognitive- behavioral therapy into my practice.
The relationship between client and therapist is the key to recovery. I will work to build a genuine connection with you to develop trust. From there we can explore the psychological, emotional, physical, and social forces that make up your experience. My belief is that you are the expert of your life, and my role is to join you on your path to living well by offering compassion, insight, and guidance to facilitate growth. I strive to create a space that is collaborative and inquisitive, exploring your experiences, strengths, culture, and needs.
The therapeutic relationship is a sacred space where a client feels safe enough to be vulnerable, to challenge deeply held patterns, and to begin the courageous work of transformation. My primary mission is to cultivate trust with every client I have the privilege of serving. I believe that trust is not given, but carefully and collaboratively co-created.
The therapeutic relationship is a sacred space where a client feels safe enough to be vulnerable, to challenge deeply held patterns, and to begin the courageous work of transformation. My primary mission is to cultivate trust with every client I have the privilege of serving. I believe that trust is not given, but carefully and collaboratively co-created.
"What's wrong with me" "I'm tired of this" "No one understands me" "Will things stay like this forever", are these some of the thoughts that run through your head? If so I am here to help you understand and assist you in getting a better understanding of what is going on in your life. For some of us life can bring some significant challenges, stressors or transitions that just have "you stuck" in unproductive patterns in relationships, work, school or just life in general. I am a Clinical Social Worker who wants to help people transform personal challenges into life-enhancing opportunities.
"What's wrong with me" "I'm tired of this" "No one understands me" "Will things stay like this forever", are these some of the thoughts that run through your head? If so I am here to help you understand and assist you in getting a better understanding of what is going on in your life. For some of us life can bring some significant challenges, stressors or transitions that just have "you stuck" in unproductive patterns in relationships, work, school or just life in general. I am a Clinical Social Worker who wants to help people transform personal challenges into life-enhancing opportunities.
I work with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ adults who feel disconnected from their authentic voice after years of assimilation, minimization, and invalidation in relationships, families, and systems. Many struggle with over-adapting, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting their own experiences. My work focuses on helping you rebuild self-trust, strengthen internal validation, and develop the confidence to express your needs, set boundaries, and fully own your worth.
I work with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ adults who feel disconnected from their authentic voice after years of assimilation, minimization, and invalidation in relationships, families, and systems. Many struggle with over-adapting, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting their own experiences. My work focuses on helping you rebuild self-trust, strengthen internal validation, and develop the confidence to express your needs, set boundaries, and fully own your worth.
If you're reading this, you've taken a huge step. Whether you can identify the hurdle you're facing or you're seeking support in getting to the bottom of this feeling- I am here to support you. We all need a neutral space where we can share our deeper feelings, talk openly about uncomfortable topics, and work towards living our best life. Relationships with others, and with ourselves, are complicated. Life is really hard, especially in 2026. Am I right?! I am here to sort out the things you can change and to accept those you can't. I am here to remind you that you are worth it.
If you're reading this, you've taken a huge step. Whether you can identify the hurdle you're facing or you're seeking support in getting to the bottom of this feeling- I am here to support you. We all need a neutral space where we can share our deeper feelings, talk openly about uncomfortable topics, and work towards living our best life. Relationships with others, and with ourselves, are complicated. Life is really hard, especially in 2026. Am I right?! I am here to sort out the things you can change and to accept those you can't. I am here to remind you that you are worth it.
My therapy practice draws from psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and feminist empowerment theories.
I'm here to offer a warm, collaborative, and supportive space where you can feel safe and comfortable bringing any topic—big or small. I invite you to take a moment to slow down and gently explore your values, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Think of me as a problem-solving partner, ready to work alongside you to address challenges and discover practical skills and tools that will help you create a life that feels richer and more fulfilling.
My therapy practice draws from psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and feminist empowerment theories.
I'm here to offer a warm, collaborative, and supportive space where you can feel safe and comfortable bringing any topic—big or small. I invite you to take a moment to slow down and gently explore your values, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Think of me as a problem-solving partner, ready to work alongside you to address challenges and discover practical skills and tools that will help you create a life that feels richer and more fulfilling.
Does your child have emotional outbursts seemingly out of nowhere? Does your child seem distant, sad and disconnected? Is your child having trouble expressing him/herself or connecting with peers? Being a parent can be the most meaningful and fulfilling experience we will ever have in our lives, and also sometimes the most challenging, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming. The truth is that no matter how strongly we love our children, and how powerfully we want the best for them, life's challenges can still get in the way of our kids being able to thrive as their best, most emotionally regulated selves.
Does your child have emotional outbursts seemingly out of nowhere? Does your child seem distant, sad and disconnected? Is your child having trouble expressing him/herself or connecting with peers? Being a parent can be the most meaningful and fulfilling experience we will ever have in our lives, and also sometimes the most challenging, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming. The truth is that no matter how strongly we love our children, and how powerfully we want the best for them, life's challenges can still get in the way of our kids being able to thrive as their best, most emotionally regulated selves.
When a child is navigating autism, behavioral issues, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), it can deeply impact their emotional world—and yours.
Grounded in behavioral frameworks, my approach focuses on understanding the function of your child’s behaviors and teaching new, more effective ways to communicate needs and manage challenges. Together, we’ll identify patterns and implement strategies that foster long-term change in both your child’s behavior and your family dynamic.
When a child is navigating autism, behavioral issues, or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), it can deeply impact their emotional world—and yours.
Grounded in behavioral frameworks, my approach focuses on understanding the function of your child’s behaviors and teaching new, more effective ways to communicate needs and manage challenges. Together, we’ll identify patterns and implement strategies that foster long-term change in both your child’s behavior and your family dynamic.
Primarily, I use Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strength Based Approaches; while including an array of other therapeutic modalities to help the individual, couple, and family accomplish their goals.
***Currently available for in-person and Teletherapy appointments*** I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I provide counseling services to diverse clients as they learn, change, grow, and function in increasingly inspired, creative, healthy, and adaptive ways. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. I am experienced in working with adults, couples, families, as well as adolescent clients, on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, identity, and unwanted thoughts or emotions.
Primarily, I use Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strength Based Approaches; while including an array of other therapeutic modalities to help the individual, couple, and family accomplish their goals.
***Currently available for in-person and Teletherapy appointments*** I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I provide counseling services to diverse clients as they learn, change, grow, and function in increasingly inspired, creative, healthy, and adaptive ways. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. I am experienced in working with adults, couples, families, as well as adolescent clients, on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, identity, and unwanted thoughts or emotions.
I provide therapy in NE Portland at Portland Counseling and Behavioral Health in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
My approach integrates evidence-based strategies with insight-oriented work. I also offer child therapy, incorporating play and creative approaches to support emotional growth. I utilize CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and Child Centered Play Therapy. We will explore thoughts, feelings, relationships to gain insight and achieve wellness.
I provide therapy in NE Portland at Portland Counseling and Behavioral Health in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
My approach integrates evidence-based strategies with insight-oriented work. I also offer child therapy, incorporating play and creative approaches to support emotional growth. I utilize CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and Child Centered Play Therapy. We will explore thoughts, feelings, relationships to gain insight and achieve wellness.
I am passionate about helping clients develop and improve positive relationships with themselves and the important people in their lives. Attachment disruptions and childhood trauma can impact people throughout their lives and processing historical sources of symptoms or behaviors while learning and developing positive ways to cope can assist people with working through their trauma and symptoms in order to develop a positive sense of self and live the life they desire.
I am passionate about helping clients develop and improve positive relationships with themselves and the important people in their lives. Attachment disruptions and childhood trauma can impact people throughout their lives and processing historical sources of symptoms or behaviors while learning and developing positive ways to cope can assist people with working through their trauma and symptoms in order to develop a positive sense of self and live the life they desire.
Lanette Ambers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I believe there comes a time in most people's lives when it's helpful to have a supportive person to guide them through challenges they may be experiencing. It takes strength and courage to decide to begin therapy. If this is something you are considering for your child, then you should be commended! As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I engaged in Synergetic Play Therapy (TM), "a research-informed model of play therapy blending the therapeutic power of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity." - Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy.
I believe there comes a time in most people's lives when it's helpful to have a supportive person to guide them through challenges they may be experiencing. It takes strength and courage to decide to begin therapy. If this is something you are considering for your child, then you should be commended! As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I engaged in Synergetic Play Therapy (TM), "a research-informed model of play therapy blending the therapeutic power of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity." - Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy.
My approaches to treatment include: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approach, narrative therapy, and family systems theory.
If you want to improve your relationships in your life, desire support with managing your anxiety and/or depressive symptoms more effectively, understand how past trauma is affecting your life, address your alcohol/drug use, work through equity/inclusion issues, or want an objective therapist to listen and support your own personal empowerment, I would feel honored to assist you with your self discovery. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work in 2006 and my Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling in 2009. I received my linsencure as an LCSW in 2016.
My approaches to treatment include: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approach, narrative therapy, and family systems theory.
If you want to improve your relationships in your life, desire support with managing your anxiety and/or depressive symptoms more effectively, understand how past trauma is affecting your life, address your alcohol/drug use, work through equity/inclusion issues, or want an objective therapist to listen and support your own personal empowerment, I would feel honored to assist you with your self discovery. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work in 2006 and my Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling in 2009. I received my linsencure as an LCSW in 2016.
I also incorporate age-appropriate trauma-focused cognitive- behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) modalities into the therapeutic process.
As a bilingual (Spanish and English) therapist, I have had the privilege of working in diverse settings with the Hispanic/Latino community. I value collaboration and work closely with clients and their families to understand their needs, set meaningful goals, and support lasting growth in a culturally respectful space.
I also incorporate age-appropriate trauma-focused cognitive- behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) modalities into the therapeutic process.
As a bilingual (Spanish and English) therapist, I have had the privilege of working in diverse settings with the Hispanic/Latino community. I value collaboration and work closely with clients and their families to understand their needs, set meaningful goals, and support lasting growth in a culturally respectful space.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice.
The foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship is built on trust and authenticity. Clients seeking support are often at their most vulnerable, and it is a commitment upon myself to create a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel seen, heard, and respected. I would seek to create an environment where clients can openly share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism or rejection.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice.
The foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship is built on trust and authenticity. Clients seeking support are often at their most vulnerable, and it is a commitment upon myself to create a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel seen, heard, and respected. I would seek to create an environment where clients can openly share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism or rejection.
Melissa Polensky Hendricks
Licensed Professional Counselor
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
Waitlist for new clients
Kids learn and communicate through play, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be in supporting growth, emotional expression, and healing. Using a child-centered approach, I follow each child or teen’s lead, honoring their unique personality, interests, and pace. Through play and following their lead, I create a safe, supportive space where young people can explore and process difficult emotions.
I work collaboratively with clients and their parents or caregivers, recognizing their vital role as co-regulators in a child’s emotional development. I offer guidance and support to help strengthen these relationships beyond the therapy room.
Kids learn and communicate through play, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be in supporting growth, emotional expression, and healing. Using a child-centered approach, I follow each child or teen’s lead, honoring their unique personality, interests, and pace. Through play and following their lead, I create a safe, supportive space where young people can explore and process difficult emotions.
I work collaboratively with clients and their parents or caregivers, recognizing their vital role as co-regulators in a child’s emotional development. I offer guidance and support to help strengthen these relationships beyond the therapy room.
Dr. Valencia Campbell-Chapin
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC-S, RPT-S, SAP, ADC
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97216
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, who specialize in helping people impacted by anxiety, anger, depression, work life-balance, and parenting. Are you tired of staying up late at night worrying about your future? Do you often feel your life spinning out of control? If societal changes have you down, I understand your frustration. I can give you the tools they need to stay on green. I am a trained CCATP Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Provider, Certified Grief Counselor and a Certified Registered Play Therapist Counselor.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, who specialize in helping people impacted by anxiety, anger, depression, work life-balance, and parenting. Are you tired of staying up late at night worrying about your future? Do you often feel your life spinning out of control? If societal changes have you down, I understand your frustration. I can give you the tools they need to stay on green. I am a trained CCATP Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Provider, Certified Grief Counselor and a Certified Registered Play Therapist Counselor.
We work to create new awareness, new knowledge and new possibilities. You can have an empowered family and a happy state of mind through therapy. I work with individuals and families to build harmony and health in their relationships. I specialize in sex therapy and am an effective life coach. I approach each person and family with attention to mental and physical health, with consideration to relational, social and spiritual influences.
We work to create new awareness, new knowledge and new possibilities. You can have an empowered family and a happy state of mind through therapy. I work with individuals and families to build harmony and health in their relationships. I specialize in sex therapy and am an effective life coach. I approach each person and family with attention to mental and physical health, with consideration to relational, social and spiritual influences.
I blend Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, tailoring each session to your unique journey.
If you're navigating personal struggles like anxiety, depression, or identity questions and want a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your authentic self at your own pace, I am here to assist. I provide support that honors your lived experiences and respects your autonomy in setting goals and making changes. Whether it’s working through trauma, understanding your identity, or strengthening relationships, I focus on meeting you where you are, building trust, and fostering growth through a collaborative and empowering approach.
I blend Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, tailoring each session to your unique journey.
If you're navigating personal struggles like anxiety, depression, or identity questions and want a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your authentic self at your own pace, I am here to assist. I provide support that honors your lived experiences and respects your autonomy in setting goals and making changes. Whether it’s working through trauma, understanding your identity, or strengthening relationships, I focus on meeting you where you are, building trust, and fostering growth through a collaborative and empowering approach.
See more therapy options for Portland
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Behavioral Issues Therapists
What happens in therapy for behavioral issues?
No matter the type of therapy, individuals form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is often therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Individuals learn to identify situations that are especially troublesome for them and acquire new patterns of thinking and behaving. In therapy for ADHD, one of the most common behavior issues for children, individuals learn how to improve frustration tolerance, control impulsivity, manage attentional focus, and gain skills of self-organisation.
What therapy types help with behavioral issues?
Many types of therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Perhaps best-known and most widely tested is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), in which individuals learn new behavioral strategies and curb reactivity to frustrating or distressing situations that trigger disruptive behaviour. Anger, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control problems are commonly addressed in CBT. Family therapy or parent management training is often helpful to reduce parent-child conflict and behavioral difficulties at home.
How long does therapy last for behavioral issues?
Among popular approaches to treating behavioral concerns, CBT is considered a short-term therapy intended to be administered in 15 to 20 weekly sessions. Parent training in behavior management, often used when the underlying cause of behavior issues is ADHD in children under 12, usually occurs in weekly sessions for 8 to 16 weeks. When behavioral issues stem from persistent aggression or defiance, therapy may last for months, and usually targets both children and their parents.
How effective is therapy for behavior issues?
Studies show that therapy for behavior issues in children is highly effective and may prevent the development of antisocial behavior later in life. Family intervention—parent management training or family therapy, both of which involve parents and children together—is considered most effective, notably for children under age 12 who persistently engage in aggressive, defiant, rule-breaking or other disruptive behavior. Whether provided alone or in combination with medication, CBT is highly effective in helping people regulate their emotions, and for people with ADHD, it addresses impulsiveness, hyperactivity and attentional focus.