Gender Dysphoria

Lorie Tensen, LCSW

"The longest journey is the journey inward" Dag Hammarskjold

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

  • Aetna

  • Allcare Health

  • CareOregon OHP

  • Cigna

  • HealthShare OHP

  • InterCommunity Health Network OHP

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • Moda

  • Oregon Health Plan Open Card

  • Pacific Source Private Insurance

  • Pacific Source OHP

  • Providence

  • Regence BCBS

  • Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

  • United Health Care        

  • Private Pay                                  

Ages they treat

  • Adults ages 31 to 54

  • Adults ages 55 plus

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

  • Telehealth

In my humble opinion, shopping (yes, I used the word “shopping”) for a therapist is simply overwhelming. Totally on par with the aggravation of using a dating app: countless profiles to filter through, wondering whether to swipe right or left, Guessing at trustworthiness and level of compassion based on a photo and a few carefully crafted paragraphs. And so we swipe. And swipe. And swipe. Hoping to match with “The One”. Perhaps a rather interesting comparison, but it’s true! There’s a lot of good therapists out there and despite the fact that there’s probably a therapist for everyone, not every therapist is for you.

My approach is to be open and honest. I’m a Gen X’er: former latch key kid, Midwestern farm girl raised on hotdish, school pizza, and the Pledge of Allegiance. A biracial (Honduran/Black American) and transracial adoptee raised in a tiny, all-white, conservative community. I was always “the only one in the room” and because of that, I figured out how to assimilate by honing my listening skills and learning how to read the room. After experiencing some major life transitions that are typically experienced at midlife, I started my journey as a therapist after my nest emptied and entered graduate school at 50. Today, I’m a single, divorced mom of two awesome adult humans, an adolescent German Shepherd mix rescue pup and an elderly cat. My happy place is travelling occasionally, reading, listening to music, and relaxing in my hammock. I find joy in the simplicity of life and believe that time waits for no man and being present and in the moment is what’s most important.

To me, being a therapist comes with major responsibilities. To be chosen and trusted by strangers with their innermost thoughts, fears, and experiences is a privilege and honour that I take seriously. I especially enjoy providing support and guidance to women in the middle-to-end seasons of their lives. This stage of life can be especially challenging and lonely due to the mental and physical challenges of menopause and life transitions such as empty nest, the Gray Divorce, caring for ageing parents, questioning sexuality, deaths of spouse or parents, and really just trying to adjust to all the changes that occur during this time of life. Life can seem overwhelmingly unfair and frustrating and cause us to feel invisible. While I feel an affinity for Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness, I draw from several modalities and focus primarily on a positive, solution focused and goal oriented approach.

Navigating this journey called life can be a lonely journey. I invite any adult to reach out if they feel a connection with me in any sort of way and are interested in finding out more. Please know that I hold space especially for those who belong to the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and sex workers communities. I see you, I hear you, and offer sanctuary, understanding, non-judgement, and curiosity in my space. Peace

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.

Tabitha Michelle LCSW

“When you least expect it, Nature has cunning ways of finding our weakest spot…Right now you may not want to feel anything. Perhaps you never wished to feel anything…But feel something you obviously did. …If there is pain, nurse it. And if there is a flame, don’t snuff it out. Don’t be brutal with it. We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster…But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything ― what a waste!” - André Aciman

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

  • CareOregon

  • 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

Age of Client                                                                     

  • Adults ages 20 to 30

  • Adults ages 31 to 54

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

  • Telehealth

Do you feel disconnected & detached? Are you struggling to find peace & security with yourself or in your relationships? Our minds & bodies are interdependent- so reliant on one another that they often try to protect themselves by splitting apart or shutting down. Pain, loss, & stress are unavoidable & it can be so tempting to numb ourselves to try to minimize their impact. Inevitably, we numb the good along with the bad.

As a Master in Social Work and licensed clinician I’ve worked with clients of all ages and circumstances, but have dedicated much of my personal study over the years to sex and relationship dynamics. In my private practice, I specialized in working with clients who are in relationship transitions. Some may be seeking conscious uncoupling, navigating painful breakups, identifying and understanding patterns in romantic or platonic relationships, shifting from monogamy into polyamory or other partnership structures, or working to better understand their own bodies when it comes to sex, sexuality, and gender experiences alone and with peers or partners.

Whether you have a specific goal in mind, need someone to offer blanket support, or seek to learn and practice new skills, I can incorporate interventions from a variety of modalities, including compassion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, CBT, DBT, art therapy, EFT-tapping, attachment-based therapy, Gestalt, eclectic therapy, somatic therapy, and mindfulness & guided meditation. We all need something different to tap into our unique healing and growth. Vulnerability is uncomfortable at best but so very necessary, & I would be honored to accompany you on a journey to find your way to face these challenges with confidence, strength, grace, & resilience.

I am happy you’re here, & I can’t wait to meet you!

My practice is person-centered, which means it is anti-capitalist and liberationist: for fat bodies, for LGBTQIA+ bodies, for disabled bodies, and for black and brown bodies first and foremost.

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.

Summer Garibay, CSWA

Summer Garibay

CSWA

­­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

  • 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

  • Corvallis Office

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.

Katie Borden, LCSW

Life is full of ups and downs, and navigating them can seem endless and exhausting. My hope is to assist people who are currently struggling by moving through the experience with you, fostering compassion and empowering you for the future.

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

  • Advanced Health

  • Aetna

  • CareOregon

  • HealthShare OHP

  • InterCommunity Health Network OHP

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • Pacific Source OHP

  • Pacific Source Private Insurance

  • Moda

  • Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

  • United Health Care

  • Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

  • Adults ages 20 to 30

  • Adults ages 31 to 54

Locations of Services (If Available)                               

  • Telehealth

I have over 10 years of experience in community mental health, working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. I earned my Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon.

Whether you’re coping with a loss, adjusting to a new environment, or seeking guidance during a period of upheaval, my goal is to help you find your footing and move forward with confidence. I also enjoy supporting individuals who are looking to make positive changes and need an empathetic partner in their journey.

In our work together, we will utilize a solutions-focused approach, drawing on your inherent strengths to address challenges such as anxiety, grief, depression, and other concerns. We will explore various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and mindfulness, to develop a personalized plan that best meets your needs. My priority is creating a supportive and collaborative environment where you feel heard and understood.

Let’s work together to navigate life’s transitions and build a path towards greater well-being and resilience.

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.

Jesse Johnson, CSWA

“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” -James Baldwin

­­Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option from Each Section is True

Insurances Accepted                                                        

  • Aetna

  • HealthShare OHP

  • InterCommunity Health Network OHP

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • Moda

  • Oregon Health Plan Open Card

  • Pacific Source Private Insurance

  • Pacific Source Commercial

  • Pacific Source OHP

  • Providence

  • Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

  • Trillium OHP

  • Private Pay

Age of Client                                                                     

  • 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

You are here. So, you are motivated to make change! I know life is challenging! It brings many hardships and sometimes, we might need a little support navigating them. My goal is to create a safe space where we can be open, honest, and authentic in our communication, and work collaboratively together to navigate the obstacles preventing you from reaching your full potential. I have experience working with youth and adults. I offer support in a wide range of issues including anxiety, family relationship concerns, racial identity, and trauma.

I’ve seen how culture and ethnicity can influence the realm of therapy. As a black clinician, I naturally specialize in understanding the needs of people of color and can relate to their experiences, and I’m equally passionate about supporting and guiding individuals from all 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.

Cee Cloud, CSWA

“No darkness lasts forever. And even there, there are stars.”

- Ursula K. Le Guin

­­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 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

  • Beaverton Office

My passion for mental health led me into a career where I am privileged to walk alongside others who want to improve their lives. I studied psychology at the University of Oregon and social work at Portland State University. As of 2024, I have six years of experience in the mental health field and have worked with clients in a variety of settings, including schools, outpatient, and intensive outpatient (“IOP”) therapy. I have had success with helping others navigate anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASD, FASD), and more. I enjoy helping others get through many tough spots in life, like family conflict, LGBTQ+ issues, school and career related issues, and life transitions.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am a proud provider of queer and trans-affirming care. This also means I welcome working with family members who want to improve their understanding and be better allies. I strive to meet everyone where they’re at and to create a judgment-free space. At the end of the day, I think we have more similarities with each other than differences, and we all want to live life as our true selves.

My clients would describe me as someone who is direct but gentle and determined but patient. I am someone who will enthusiastically encourage you to follow your path and also point out when you’re dousing the path with gasoline. I have been told that people feel like I handle their difficult stories with genuine respect and care. In the therapy room, I like to let you guide our conversation, but I’m also happy to provide structure to those who want it.

I’m an eclectic provider, but I gravitate towards narrative therapy, internal family systems, attachment-based therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. In plain English, that means that I like helping you make sense of the things that have happened to you, relearn how to connect with other people in a healthy way, and to teach you how to assess your own patterns and behaviors in a way that reduces your symptoms. I’m comfortable working with those 8 and up and adapt my approach to be developmentally appropriate.

Outside of the therapy room, I’m usually working on writing short stories, playing piano, gardening on my balcony, or getting into a new video game. I also have an unexplainable fondness for mediocre reality shows and time-consuming board games. If I wasn’t a therapist, I would be a science fiction author.

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.

Michelle Park CSWA

“As you plant your feet along this path, let me walk this journey with you. Maybe these are your first steps, or maybe you have walked this road many times before. Wherever you are in your travels, I will meet you there with an open mind, heart and ears. Ready to listen, and share space with all that you are holding. Whatever brings you here, I am so glad that you have arrived at this place with courageous curiosity.”

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 BCBC

  • Trillium Community Health Plan OHP

  • Private Pay

Age of Client

  • 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

  • Corvallis Office

Individuals served: Children, Youth (12-17yrs), Young Adults, Adults (30yrs +), and Families.

Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your child or your family. I am here to help offer guidance, understanding and compassion as we work together to cultivate the personal growth you desire. Through my use of play, mindfulness, narrative and CBT practices I create a secure, trauma-informed environment that promotes safety and healing. I use a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy that allows me to build a relationship and experience that is catered to your uniqueness. The foundation of our relationship is the most important part of our process. I seek to foster trusting rapport where you or your child can feel safe sharing the vulnerable parts of you.

You are the author of your story, and you are the expert of your own life. I’m passionate about helping whoever I serve, find acceptance for all the pieces of themselves and emotions they hold, whether difficult or comforting . Let us work together to shed the shames we and society place on ourselves, and find connection to our soul. Uncovering the whole authentic person you are, allowing you to live the life you have always imagined.

There can be beauty in our struggle. There can be growth even in darkness. If we are brave enough to open ourselves up to that truth, we are bound to bloom.

My Background: I received my Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. As a CSWA, Clinical Social Work Associate, I am working towards Clinical Licensure under the supervision of my Clinical Supervisor. I have ten years of experience serving children, youth and families in both non-profit, school and outpatient settings. Supporting individuals with a variety of needs, including; grief processing, emotional regulation, and trauma processing. I am a mother of two small children and have a passion for perinatal mental health advocacy. I attempt in all that I do to prioritize social justice and am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals.

If anything you have read resonates with you, and you feel ready to take the next step in your journey of growth please request an appointment below. I hope to have the opportunity to watch you bloom.

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.