About Kat

Licensed mental health and substance use therapist in Portland with years of experience and care

Experience

I have been in social services, including work in schools and community mental health since 2013. I have been a clinical therapist since 2017 and specialize in work with teens, young adults, and families. My experience has led me to specialize in treating concerns related to substance use, adjustment, stress, insight, communication and motivation.

Education

I completed my Masters of Social Work at Portland State University in 2016. Since then I have attended a number of trainings related to substance use treatment, Collaborative Problem Solving, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the impact of trauma on the body and brain. I participated in a tri-county effort through the NW Addictions Technology Transfer Center to provide in-depth training in Motivational Interviewing over the course of a year.

Outside the office

I grew up in Alaska and moved to Oregon for college and have been here ever since! Most of my time outside of work is spent at home with my family and our pets. I get so much joy watching our daughter learn and grow. We enjoy taking her on hikes, trying new food, teaching her to be gentle with houseplants, and playing with our animals. I love reading when I get a quiet moment. I also think civic engagement is important and can be found at marches and rallies.