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.

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.

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.

Shalman Lester, LPC, CADC-II

When you look at your life and the decisions you've made, do you have regrets or see missed opportunities, or feel overwhelmed with the chaos surrounding you? Living in balance with your values and goals leads to better life satisfaction, and I can help with that.

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• CareOregon

• Cigna

• HealthShare OHP

• InterCommunity Health Network OHP

• Kaiser Permanente

• Moda

• Oregon Health Plan Open Card

• Pacific Source OHP

• Providence

• Private Pay

• Trillium OHP

• UHC United Health Care

Age of Client                                                                     

• Adults ages 20 to 30

• Adults ages 31 to 54

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

• Telehealth

• Milwaulkie Office

Hi, I'm Shalman, and I help people find in themselves the strength and skills to reclaim their lives. Typically, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness-based methods in my practice, but I will incorporate aspects of Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Intersectional theory (including gender-specific lenses) and evolutionary psychology if appropriate.

My education includes Addiction Counseling, Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from colleges in Portland. Over the past 19 years, I have received specialized training in medication-assisted addiction treatment, working with parents involved with the child welfare system, behaviorism, criminality, interpersonal neurobiology, ex-prison re-entry, Men's issues, and anxiety disorders.

Perhaps you are skeptical of therapy, for which there are some valid reasons, but the research shows that the biggest factor in someone feeling like therapy is helpful, is the relationship you build with your therapist. Give it a shot, and if we aren't a good match, I'll help you find someone who is.

Outside of my work: I am into music, camping, old movies and cooking.

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.

Levin Manabat CSWA

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option From Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                      

• Aetna

• CareOregon

• 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                                                                   

• Adults

• Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                             

• Telehealth

• Portland Milwaulkie Office

Mabuhay! (Welcome),

I commend you for taking the courageous step of seeking support and assistance to address your mental health and overall well-being. Opening up about your daily struggles requires tremendous vulnerability, and I want you to know that you are in a safe space. My goal is to meet you where you are on your journey towards wellness and provide the necessary support.

My name is Levin Manabat, and I am a BIPOC, Trauma-Focused Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA), currently pursuing certification as a Sex Therapist with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists). I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in clinical social work and Trauma Practice Specialization from Widener University. Additionally, I have a Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW), equipping me with knowledge in generalist social work practices such as case management, referral and resources, and advocacy. My credentials include a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) license, Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW), Clinical Military Counselor Certification (CMCC), and Certified Trauma Practitioner (CTP).

In my therapeutic approach, I utilize a trauma-focused lens, decolonizing social work practices, and a trauma-informed Motivational Interviewing (MI). I also employ a Strengths-Based perspective, recognizing and building upon your existing strengths. Some of the interventions I incorporate in my practice include various Somatic Techniques for grounding, as well as evidence-based treatment modalities from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and more.

In my sex therapy practice, we will explore and address a range of issues such as; communication in couples, fostering closeness, building playfulness, desire and arousal, gender and sexual diversity, sexual dysfunction, monogamy, polygamous relationships, sexual anxiety, mismatched desire, out-of-control sexual behavior, kink & BDSM, and many other areas of concern and interest.

Additionally, in my work as a financial social worker, we can delve into issues surrounding financial anxiety, impulsive spending, exploring triggers related to spending, developing a healthier relationship with money, and various other financial concerns.

Allow me to share a bit about myself. I identify as Filipino, and my personal life journey has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences that may resonate with or differ from your own. As a former youth in the foster care system, a member of the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS community, and an immigrant belonging to a minority group, I possess a deeper understanding of issues such as systemic racism, social stigma, discrimination, marginalization, and oppressive practices.

As part of my own self-care plan, I actively engage in mindfulness skills, meditation, and routinely head to the gym. During my free time, I find joy in traveling and camping with my significant other and our three dogs, exploring various national and state parks.

Please know that I am here to support you, and together we will work towards your goals and overall well-being.

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.

Mary Dolson, LCSW

"Our society is much more interested in information than wonder, in noise rather than silence...And I feel that we need a lot more wonder and a lot more silence in our lives." -Mister Rogers

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• Allcare Health OHP

• Cigna

• HealthShare OHP

• 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

• Private Pay

• Trillium OHP

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

• Beaverton Office

I am Mary Dolson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work and I am a trained Psychotherapist.

I practice strengths-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with an emphasis on the neuroscience psychological effect between our body, our emotions and our brain.

I studied clinical social work at Simmons University with an emphasis on trauma and neurology.

I spent the past 5 years working on forensic teams supporting individuals recently released from incarceration and working alongside Multnomah County and Federal Probation officers. During this time I worked with a Portland community health center to start a program addressing ADHD treatment as it relates to substance use and traumatic events.

Alongside my forensic experience I am a parent, a former preschool director, a tortoise owner and a front porch bird watcher.

In this work I have always been honored to be the witness to our ability to change, rebuild and thrive. I look forward to meeting 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.

Luke Lillard LPC

"You are stronger than you know".

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

• Aetna

• Cigna

• 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

• 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

My ideal client is struggling with emotion dysregulation and compulsive behaviors in reaction to difficult emotions. They are looking for assistance in managing these emotions, and open to developing a new relationship with their feelings and thoughts in order to pursue what is important to them.

I approach counseling from a cognitive-behavioral framework, understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are inextricably linked to one another. However, I believe that we all have the power to become who we want to be. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, assisting my clients to identify their values and live in accordance with them. I completed my Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling in 2015, and have been practicing as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) since 2017.

What you are experiencing is hard. And opening up to talk about it sometimes feels even harder. We all need a helping hand at some point, but reaching out for that help takes so much courage. I commend you for even getting to the point of reading this profile. If you can believe it, things can get so much better if you are willing to reach out.

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.