Identity & Inclusive Care

At Willamette Wellness Center, we recognize that neurodivergence means different things for different people. At WWC we believe that neurodivergence means that a person’s brain processes, learns, and experiences the world differently than what is often considered “typical.” Neurodivergence is not a flaw or something to be “fixed”—it is a natural variation in human experience. Being neurodivergent does not mean someone is broken or incapable; rather, it highlights that their brain functions in unique ways that can come with both challenges and strengths. Conditions such as Autism, ADHD/ADD, OCD, and PTSD often fall under this umbrella, and many individuals seek therapy not to change who they are, but to ease symptoms that interfere with daily life—such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, difficulties with focus, or overwhelming stress—and to develop supportive strategies that allow them to thrive. Our goal is to create a safe, trauma-informed space where differences are respected and healing can occur around the aspects of these conditions that cause distress.

It’s also important to understand the differences between therapy and medical care. Mental health therapists can provide mental health therapy sessions (treatment) for neurodivergence through talk therapy and evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and IFS. This form of treatment can be highly effective in helping clients manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and build practical skills for daily life. However, therapists cannot prescribe medication. If a client is seeking medication, they will need a more formal evaluation by a psychologist and/or psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP), who can create a treatment plan that includes medication management if appropriate. Some therapists may offer an initial assessment or an informational diagnosis, but clients seeking prescriptions are typically referred out for a full diagnostic evaluation.

WWC has providers who identify as part of different neurodivergent communities themselves and who have advanced training in supporting clients with OCD, ADHD, Autism, and related diagnoses. They are passionate about walking alongside clients in their healing journey, offering compassionate and personalized therapy to support growth and symptom relief. And while WWC does not prescribe medication, we maintain trusted referral networks to help clients connect with psychologists or medical providers for formal assessments, diagnoses, and medication management if that is the path they choose. At Willamette Wellness Center, we believe neurodivergent voices matter, and we are proud to offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy as part of our commitment to Mental Health Care for Everyone

LGBTQ2IA+ refers to individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, intersex, and asexual, among others. In mental health terms, these clients may seek therapy for issues related to discrimination, internalized stigma, and the challenges of navigating relationships and identity in a heteronormative society. They often benefit from therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Affirmative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which affirm their identities and provide tools for managing anxiety, depression, and trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) can help treat trauma resulting from being a part of these marginalized and targeted populations and assisting in reconnecting to the inner self. Therapy is crucial for this population as they may face struggles with gender and sexual identity, which can affect their self-esteem, friendships, and romantic relationships due to societal pressures and fear of rejection.

Transgender support in the context of mental health involves providing an affirming space where individuals can explore their gender identity and experiences, guided by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards. Clients seeking gender-affirming care often look for validation, coping strategies for dealing with societal stigma, and assistance in navigating the complexities of transitioning, both socially and medically. Letter writing for gender-affirming care typically involves mental health professionals documenting the client’s readiness for medical interventions, which can be a critical step in accessing necessary healthcare services. However, clients may encounter hurdles such as discrimination, a lack of knowledgeable providers, and the emotional toll of navigating bureaucratic processes, all of which can impede their healing and well-being. At WWC, therapists are trained to provide these services to assist the client in getting quality care and support in a timely manner.

Gender and sexuality issues in the mental health field often intersect with societal stigma, discrimination, and internalized biases, which can impact diagnoses and treatment. Historically, outdated views on sexual orientation have pathologized natural variations in identity, leading to mistrust of mental health systems.

Sexuality issues may show up in people’s lives as confusion about their orientation, difficulty expressing desires, shame around their sexual preferences, or navigating societal norms that conflict with their authentic selves. In couples’ systems, challenges can include mismatched libidos, differing sexual values, or struggles with openness around preferences and needs. People navigating these concerns often seek validation, safety, and support in understanding their identities and managing external stressors like rejection or prejudice.

At WWC, therapists provide both individual and couples counseling to address these concerns comprehensively. Individual counseling offers a safe space for clients to explore their sexual identity, work through shame or confusion, and build a healthier relationship with their own sexuality. Couples counseling complements this by facilitating open dialogue, resolving conflicts, and fostering mutual understanding and respect within the partnership. By addressing both individual and relational aspects of sexuality, therapists empower clients to cultivate the self-awareness and relational skills necessary to achieve the fulfilling relationship to their own sexuality and partnerships that they desire.

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. BIPOC individuals often face unique challenges due to systemic racism, cultural stigma, and historical/generational trauma. These challenges can manifest as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health concerns, often created and then compounded by societal and institutional inequities.

BIPOC clients may seek therapy that acknowledges these experiences and provides culturally responsive care. Clients need a safe and non-judgmental space where they can address both personal and societal stressors and injustices. A therapist who identifies as BIPOC themselves or as a BIPOC ally can help create this environment by offering empathy, cultural competence, and understanding of marginalized identities.

To avoid perpetuating systemic oppression, mental health therapists must actively engage in self-awareness and ongoing education. This includes recognizing their internal biases, challenging harmful constructs, and understanding how systemic oppression impacts mental health.

At WWC our therapists take continual courses in cultural and ethical awareness to deepen their understanding of the lived experiences of BIPOC individuals. Additionally, therapists must commit to an ongoing process of reflection and accountability, actively seeking to deconstruct stereotypes and avoid micro-aggressions.

We feel that the person in the client’s chair is the expert of their own lived experience, and it is the therapist’s job to take their cues from the client’s narrative and focus on what the client identifies as priorities for their growth and healing. The therapy relationship depends on creating a feeling of safety, collaboration, and respect. By centering the client’s voice and fostering an empowering, inclusive space, therapists can contribute to meaningful healing and ensure that their practice aligns with the values of equity and justice.

At WWC we have therapists who identify as multi-racial and are multi-lingual. Please contact our admin team to inquire about openings.