Family, Child & Teen Therapy

Family, Child & Teen Therapy in
Portland and Central Oregon

Kids don't always have the words. Teens don't always want to talk. Families get tangled. We help with all three.

All Services

Growing Up Is Hard.
So Is Raising Someone.

When a child is struggling, it rarely comes out in words. It comes out in behavior: meltdowns, shutdowns, school refusal, stomachaches with no medical cause. Teens are the same story with different chapters, pulling away, big feelings, an identity taking shape under pressure. And parents are often carrying it all with no one asking how they're doing.

We work with children, teens, parents, and whole families. Sometimes that means play therapy for a younger child. Sometimes it's one-on-one work with a teen who needs their own space. Sometimes the family system itself is the client, and everyone's in the room. We'll help you figure out which one fits.

Anxiety and big emotions in kids and teens
Play therapy and sand tray for younger children
Neurodivergent kids and teens
Teens navigating identity and change
LGBTQIA+ teens and affirming family support
Family conflict and communication
Parenting through big transitions
Generational patterns and family systems
Co-parenting after separation or divorce
Blended families: stepkids, different parenting styles, and merging households

Meeting Kids
Where They Are

Young kids process through play, not conversation, which is why play therapy and sand tray work exist. Teens need a therapist who respects their autonomy and doesn't report every word back to their parents, while still keeping parents appropriately in the loop. And family work looks at the patterns between people rather than blaming any one person for them.

Parents are always part of the picture. Depending on your child's age and what's going on, that might mean joining sessions, having periodic parent check-ins, or getting support of your own. Your therapist will be clear with you about how it works from the start.

Individual sessions, including sessions for children and adolescents, are $175 per hour. Family sessions are $200 per hour. Sessions are available in person in Portland, Milwaukie, and Bend, and across Oregon via telehealth.

Approaches you may work with here:

Play Therapy & Sand TrayAttachment-Based TherapyFamily Systems WorkDBT Skills for Teens

Therapists Who Work With
Kids, Teens & Families

Different ages call for different therapists. Here are some of the team members who work with children, teens, and families.

Briar Weinstein

Briar Weinstein

Professional Counselor Associate

Creative, body-aware support for chronic illness, anxiety, and neurodivergent kids and adults.

Works with: Children (5–10) · Pre-Teens (10–13) · Adolescents (14–18) · Adults

Central Oregon, Bend
View Full Bio
Mackenzie Phelps

Mackenzie Phelps

Licensed Professional Counselor

Compassionate, curiosity-centered support for adolescents and adults building self-trust through anxiety, identity exploration, and life transitions.

Works with: Pre-Teens (10–13) · Adolescents (14–18) · Adults · Couples · Families

Portland, Milwaukie
View Full Bio
Ashley Heath

Ashley Heath

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Anchored steadiness for anxiety, depression, and emotional intensity in teens and adults.

Works with: Adolescents (14–18) · Adults

Telehealth
View Full Bio
Gigi Dessou

Gigi Dessou

Professional Counselor Associate and Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Faith-integrated, culturally sensitive support for trauma, family systems, and generational healing.

Works with: Adolescents (12–18) · Adults · Couples · Families

Telehealth
View Full Bio
Violet Herrick

Violet Herrick

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Direct, collaborative support for LGBTQIA+ folks, couples, and teens navigating change.

Works with: Adolescents (14–18) · Adults · Couples · Families

Portland, Multnomah Village
View Full Bio
Rates & Insurance

Making Therapy
Accessible

Sessions are $175 per hour for individuals, including children and adolescents, and $200 per hour for couples and family sessions. We accept several major insurance plans, including Aetna, Providence, Regence, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We are not currently able to accept Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Before you begin care, you also have the right to a written Good Faith Estimate of your expected costs.

What ages do you work with?

Our team works with children ages 5 to 10, pre-teens and older kids ages 10 to 13, adolescents ages 14 to 18, and adults. Which therapist fits depends on your child's age and what's going on, so the easiest path is to tell us a little about your family and let us suggest a match.

Will I be involved in my child's therapy?

Yes, in an age-appropriate way. With younger children, parents are usually closely involved. With teens, therapists balance the teen's need for a confidential space with keeping you informed about safety and progress. Your therapist will explain exactly how they handle this in the first session.

How much do child and family sessions cost?

Individual sessions, including for children and adolescents, are $175 per hour. Family sessions are $200 per hour. We accept several major insurance plans, including Aetna, Providence, Regence, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We are not currently able to accept Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Details are on our insurance and pricing page.

Can teens do therapy by telehealth?

Yes. Many teens actually prefer it. Secure video sessions are available to anyone located in Oregon, and your therapist will help you decide whether in-person or online is the better fit.

Take the First Step

Your Family Doesn't Have to
Figure This Out Alone

Start with a relaxed 20 to 30 minute video consultation. Tell us what's going on, and we'll help you find the right fit for your kid, your teen, or all of you.