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"Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will be best at any given moment." - Harvey Blume 

Our Mission 

Philosophy

Head & Heart Therapy was founded in 2018 by Sarah Dobey, LPC, MAC, ACS and since then, it has grown to include multiple clinical therapists, students, and administrative staff. Our skilled staff have experience working with many diverse populations who have been historically underserved in the mental health field such as people of color, transgender and nonbinary individuals, and those who are facing economic barriers. Additionally, Head & Heart uses a wide range of modalities to meet people where they are at instead of taking a one-size-fits-all stance on mental health.

 

We strive to provide quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services, in addition to offering training and supervision to mental health professionals. Head & Heart maintains services rooted in respect, empowerment, and healing. 

  • We believe everyone has the right to access mental health care. 

  • We acknowledge that understanding the impact of both trauma and addiction, is crucial to effective service delivery. 

  • Head & Heart Therapy has integrated SAMHSA’s Trauma Informed Approach, integrating the four R’s: realizing the widespread impact of trauma and understanding the potential paths for recovery; recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system: and responding by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.

Here at Head & Heart Therapy we offer free twenty-minute consultations, and what we call “Medicaid Screenings”, because the fit between therapist and client is so important! We encourage you to ask questions during your consultation or Medicaid Screening so that you are able to determine if the therapist, and Head & Heart Therapy, feels like the best next step for you.

 

 

Although we would love to help everyone, unfortunately that is not possible! Additionally, sometimes prospective clients aren’t always the best fit for our clinic, so we may refer out, recommending something different to better suit your needs. With that being said, it might be helpful to know a little bit about Head & Heart Therapy even before you schedule a consultation or Medicaid screening.

 

We currently have six therapists on staff, all who have different specialties. Please check out our page entitled, ‘Our Team,’ to learn more. Generally, most clients are seen weekly or every other week for a 53-minute session. Caseloads are intentionally kept low to prevent staff burn out and turn over. We know how frustrating it can be when you find yourself at a clinic and therapists are consistently leaving! Unlike some other practices, we do not have case managers on staff, nor are we set up to provide crisis support, such as after-hour phone calls. Places like Central City Concern offer things like peer support, housing specialists, and medication management, among other things. Additionally, sometimes people need more support than what we can offer. In those situations, we might recommend an Intensive Outpatient Program, a residential setting, or we might recommend a medical detox.

 

In March of 2022, we were awarded a Certificate of Approval (COA) with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). While that is a big accomplishment and cause for celebration, that also meant that we were no longer able to work with clients who have a primary substance use disorder diagnosis, despite our staff qualifications. Said another way, if you are struggling with active substance use and it is impacting your life, we will likely have to refer you to another clinic.

 

Similarly, if you have an active eating disorder, for instance, restricting your food intake on a daily basis, we will likely refer you to a clinic that specializes in working with eating disorders.

 

We might also recommend another clinic if you are having a hard time showing up for therapy sessions.

 

 

Who would be considered a good fit?

 

If you are struggling with anxiety, feeling depressed, worthless, hopeless, and/or having a difficult time getting out of bed, we might be a good fit! If you have experienced loss, such as losing a loved one, or are finding it difficult to manage stress from work, reach out to us. If you are looking for a therapist who can help you to process past trauma and/or help you make sense of your early childhood experience, our therapists can help. We also have many clients exploring gender identity, racial/cultural identity, and building self-esteem. Many of our therapists can support you on your journey of sobriety, helping you find ways to manage underlying mental health issues. These are just a few examples of issues we treat.

 

 

If you have any questions about the above information, please reach out! We would love to hear from you!

Therapist Fit -
Free Consultations & Medicaid Screenings

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