Joshua Forrest, MFT-A

I am Large, I Contain Multitudes~Walt Whitman, 1892

I multiplied myself, by going deeply into myself~Fernando Pessoa, 1991

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

• Please note: For the age range 12 and younger Parent-Child Interaction Therapy only

• Ages 0 to 6

• Ages 6 to 10

• Ages 11 to 13

• Ages 14 to 16

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults ages 20 to 30

• Adults ages 31 to 54

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Telehealth

• Corvallis Office

I love hats, and I wear a lot. You'll see!

Maybe you don't love to wear literal hats like I do, but I'm sure that you wear all sorts of figurative hats to manage life's challenges. We all feel pressured to be a certain way in life, and sometimes that pressure leads us into internal and relational disunity, disorganization, and psychological bondage as we try to figure out which hat to wear. When we find ourselves in this predicament, it can keep us from letting our hair down, letting go, and connecting with ourselves and others.

My life's work is to discover how to bring unity, organization, psychological freedom, and relational thriving in the lives of each person I have the privilege to work with. I have 15 years experience working in a variety of settings, group homes, residential treatment, and most recently outpatient based community mental health, both in the office and school setting. I have specialty training in Parent-child Interaction Therapy and am working towards full certification.

Because of my experience and training, my therapeutic style is integrative and pragmatic, relying heavily on family systems theory. I strive to be authentic, gentle, understanding, direct, creative, and to use humor. I will challenge you with compassion. I will expect of you what I expect of me: to show up and get to the work of pursuing a more fulfilling you.

I embrace the full human experience. I respect religion, spirituality, the non-religious, agnostics, and the variety of beliefs people have to enrich their lives. My bachelor's degree is in German and English, and I have a Master's degree in history of religion. I also began a PhD in religion, but I decided to leave the towers of academia to work in the trenches of human experience. I have lived for several years in another country. Believing that our history and relationships are important to how we live, I decided to get my second Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University to get a better understanding of how relationships can work. I keep studying them.

I'm a lover of the natural world, which to me is deeply therapeutic. On my days off, I want to be out there! Mountain biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, exploring, smelling flowers, getting lost. I also enjoy wood working where hand and mind align in a kind of meditation.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Ambur Plaster, CSWA

Embracing diversity, fostering growth:

Your journey to wellness starts here.

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

• Ages 6 to 10

• Ages 11 to 13

• Ages 14 to 16

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults ages 20 to 30

• Adults ages 31 to 54

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Telehealth

• Milwaukie Office

My name is Ambur and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA). I received my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Community Health Promotion and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University.

As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space. I incorporate modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and narrative therapy to empower you to explore your identity, heal from past experiences, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. Your journey towards healing and self-discovery is important, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

LGBTQ+

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Ira Hausam, Professional Counselor Associate

"My destination is no longer a place, but rather a new way of seeing." -- Marcel Proust

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Advanced Health OHP

• Aetna

• CareOregon OHP

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source Commercial

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Portland Milwaulkie Office

My name is Ira, and I am a counseling associate working towards licensure. I grew up in Eugene Oregon and have been in Portland for the past 13 years. I enjoy reading and learning, and spending quality time with family and friends.

I believe that by exploring our thoughts, feelings, and past experiences we can come to a better understanding of ourselves, and learn new ways to care for ourselves and others.

I've worked several years as a drug and alcohol counselor (CADC II) prior to becoming a mental health counseling associate, and have learned to use a variety of compassionate, person-centered counseling approaches including motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, emotion focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

I've used a trauma-informed lens to support clients struggling with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, anger problems, trauma responses, personality disorders, and environmental stressors.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Kristy McPeak, LPC

"What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversations..."

~ Glenn Close

Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option From Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted

• CareOregon

• Cigna

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• MODA

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Pacific Source OHP

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client

• Ages 11 to 13

• Ages 14 to 16

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults

Locations of Services (If Available)

• Telehealth

• Corvallis Office

• Salem-Keizer School District

Hello, welcome to my Stronger Oregon Page! My name is Kristy McPeak (she/her/hers) and I'm a Professional Counselor Associate registered in the state of Oregon. I wanted to share a little bit about my educational background, therapeutic style and clients served.

My college experience began in 2012, when I graduated with a Certificate of Addiction Counseling, and later earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences with a Minor in Psychology. During that time, my work with adolescents and young adults in a variety of therapeutic, and non-profit settings led me to continue my educational journey, and in 2016 I received a Master’s in Counseling from Oregon State University, with an emphasis in both school and mental health counseling.

I enjoy working with clients across the life-span including children, adolescents, young people and adults. I have experience helping with anxiety, family and life transitions, addiction, teen pregnancy, depression, ADHD, trauma and loss.

My therapeutic style is rooted in compassion, person-centered, and collaborative in nature. I believe we all experience times where we need support, and it takes courage to reach out for help. Each of us has unique needs that can change over time, and counseling is individualized to each person’s situation. You are an important part of the therapeutic process, and the work that we do together. I place a great deal of value in the counseling relationship and believe you have inherent worth.

I strive to create a trauma-informed and supportive environment, where you feel valued and heard throughout the counseling process. I also honor the importance of mind and body wellness, taking a holistic approach. As counseling is individualized to meet the diverse needs of my clients, I use an integrative lens which includes using the following theoretical orientations: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Somatic and Art Therapy.

Choosing a therapist is a big decision, and I welcome the opportunity of working with you, your family or child. Please reach out if you have questions, or to schedule your first appointment.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Sam Zwerling CSWA

"By replacing fear of the unknown with curiosity we open ourselves up to an infinite stream of possibility. We can let fear rule our lives or we can become childlike with curiosity, pushing our boundaries, leaping out of our comfort zones, and accepting what life puts before us."

~ Alan Watts

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults ages 20 to 30

• Adults ages 31 to 54

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Telehealth

• Milwaulkie Office

My name is Sam, and I am a social work associate working towards licensure. I grew up in Arizona and escaped to Oregon 5 years ago. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends, spending time in nature and I love trees.

Whether it is issues with mental health, substance use, trauma, anger, relationships, families, anxiety, depression, stress, etc. I believe that the path to recovery is only a perspective change away. Through a compassionate and person-centered approach to counseling, I can help guide you to better understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and help you to live to your fullest potential. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC) I have worked with so many people in the process of living a life of wellness.

I have gained valuable experience working with adults and older teens in various settings, including outpatient therapy, outpatient addictions treatment, inpatient mental health, community crisis response, and residential treatment. I use a strengths-based, supportive approach to help identify challenges that are having an effect on daily functioning.

My approach is client-centered, humanistic, collaborative, and strengths-based. I also utilize narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness practice, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution focused brief therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Julio Valdez-Nolasco CSWA

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor E. Frankl

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Commercial

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

• Adults ages 20 to 30

• Adults ages 31 to 54

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Telehealth

Bilingual in Spanish and English

I was raised in Minnesota and later moved to California, where I earned my MSW at Loma Linda University. I spent five years working with the homeless population before transitioning to a more therapeutic setting. Although I initially began as a group therapist, my focus has shifted to individual therapy.

In my practice, I employ a non-judgmental and person-centered approach. I integrate motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) modalities. Additionally, I may incorporate dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills during the therapeutic process. I am committed to helping individuals establish and work towards ongoing goals, recognizing and respecting the existence of limitations in the therapeutic journey. I create a supportive space where people can use their natural abilities to grow personally and overcome their challenges.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Melanie Middleton LPC

Calm, caring and compassion, is what I offer to you. Through telehealth, I am able to provide you with a safe space to discuss and work on the things that are keeping you from where you would like to be in life.

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Advanced Health OHP

• Aetna

• Allcare Health

• CareOregon OHP

• Cigna

• EOCCO OHP

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Private Pay

• Regence BCBS

• Umpqua Health Alliance OHP

• United Health Care

Age of Client                                                                     

• Ages 0 to 6

• Ages 6 to 10

• Ages 11 to 13

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Telehealth

• Coos Bay Office

I believe that everyone can reach an optimum state of health. I employ an eclectic (or including all kinds of therapy types) approach with a strong reliance on cognitive-behavioral aspects. I am trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, PCIT therapy, Infant/Toddler Mental Health, mindfulness techniques, and possess a certificate in Substance Abuse Treatment. I also have several years experience and training with sexual assault and domestic violence. 

For my formal education and training; after completing my bachelor degree and obtaining a Substance Abuse Certificate, I realized I was not able to assist clients with trauma or other issues. So, I went back to school to get the degree I needed to be able to help all the people who came to me. Now, I have a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

My career began with teenagers in residential treatment for substance abuse, after this I worked with a younger group of 5-11 year olds in residential treatment for behavior problems. From there I moved to adults with legal issues and substance abuse, while having a second job as a sexual assault counselor. I have worked with very young children, under 1 year old and their parents, as well as older adults who are in need of resolving old conflicts in their past so they can look forward to the future and all others in between.  

The therapy techniques we use depend on you and what works best for you, this is a team effort with you in the lead. Let’s talk about how I can help you today. I welcome all ages and backgrounds.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment

Kim Linden MS, CRC, LPC

"I am a culturally sensitive and compassion focused counselor bringing respect, empathy, natural warmth, kindness and a down to earth approach to my work here. I believe in counseling as a practice for self-care as well as a way to get to the heart of what’s going on and to support both short and long term goals, change-making, honoring dreams"

Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option From Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted

• Aetna

• CareOregon

• EOCCO OHP

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Commercial

• Providence

• Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• United Health Care

• Private Pay

Age of Client

• Adults ages 31 to 54

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)

• Telehealth

A warm hello and welcome!

I seek to encourage people in growing hope, in creating meaningfulness and realizing perspectives from life experiences, to self-empower and self-accept in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space, free of stigma and shame.

Counseling can be transformative and healing. Counseling can also be challenging and uncomfortable at times. It is important to take it at one’s own pace. There are many different counselors to choose from and it can be self-empowering to choose a counselor or therapist that feels right to you.

My counseling approach is respectful, trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based and holistic. I believe wellness is possible through creating self-care practices, identifying and expanding positive coping and individual strengths, growing resilience and cultivating inner wisdom.

I hold a master of science in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Francisco State University and am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have completed specialized training to support people with disabilities, chronic illness and functional limitiations to navigate and overcome barriers to quality of life.

Since 2011, I have completed training and worked with culturally and socioeconomically diverse people in diverse settings: community mental health, addictions/harm reduction, re-entry, transitional housing, clinical counseling, Veterans in recovery, street outreach, Veterans and community crisis/suicide prevention/intervention, vocational rehabilitation/return-to-work, and vocational organic landscape gardening training and teaching. I’ve been with this awesome Team at Stronger Oregon since 2020.

My advanced training includes: spiritually integrated psychotherapy, grief/loss counseling, EMDR, trauma and crisis counseling, adaptation to disability, substance use counseling, intersectionality of disability/social/environmental justice and ongoing cultural competency.

I am an ally and advocate to Military/Veterans, LGBT+, and BIPOC communities. My research interests are Post-traumatic growth and return to work in gardening/farming for Veterans and community living with PTSD.

Please be welcome to schedule a consult or an intake to talk more about what brings you to counseling.

Thank you so much.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Meleah Nordquist, CSWA

You don't owe an explanation as to why you need time to heal.

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Commercial

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

• Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

• Ages 11 to 13

• Ages 14 to 16

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Beaverton Office

• Telehealth

Choosing to pursue therapy is a significant and empowering decision. My goal is to truly understand your unique perspective and assist you in defining and achieving your personal goals. The best therapeutic outcomes stem from a strong, collaborative relationship between us, where mutual trust and understanding are paramount.

My theoretical framework is trauma-informed and person-centered, focusing on you as the expert of your life. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. I am committed to supporting a therapeutic environment where power is shared with each other to support the most effective healing.

I am looking forward to connecting with you!

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Jesse Saffold LCSW

I've been on a journey most of my adult life to alleviate my own suffering and the suffering of others.I feel honored to support people on their course of self discovery and transformation. If you are ready to embark, please consider me as an ally and a guide to help navigate your path towards emotional health.

Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option From Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted

• EOCCO OHP

• HealthShare OHP

• Jackson Care Connect OHP

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Pacific Source Private Insurance

• Providence

• Regence BCBS

• United Health Care

• Private Pay

Age of Client

• Ages 17 to 19

• Adults ages 20 to 30

• Adults ages 31 to 54

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)

• Telehealth

• Eugene Office

I am interested in helping people overcome the obstacles that get in the way of their mental and emotional health. I have been assisting youth, families, and adults in this pursuit for the last 20 years.

I have experience doing counseling and casework in many settings which include residential treatment, schools, county agencies, and most recently community mental health. I use a broad spectrum of therapeutic tools to support client's where they are at in their journey.

Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing provide the general framework for my work with people.

I graduated from San Francisco State University with my Master's in Social Work in 2011 and have been licensed as an LCSW for the last 5 years. I believe the foundation of therapeutic work rests in a strong, caring, mutual connection.

I would appreciate the opportunity to build that connection and work on the goals and objectives you have for living a more fulfilling life with less emotional distress.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.