Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Hillsboro, OR

Throughout my three decades as a therapist, I have discovered that one of the most important skills I have developed is the ability to listen deeply. Along the way, I have gained a broad range of therapeutic tools and approaches, but I have learned that meaningful change begins when people feel truly heard. My mentors are the horse whisperers. I believe they listen with their whole body. They trust the intuitive nature of their horse. I like to think that I use some of this as I work with each client, trusting their intuitive nature. Together we are learning what is present in the room, gaining new insights and feeling more empowered.

Navigating your mental health journey is a brave step, and I'm here to meet you where you are. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe your story is unique and deserves to be heard. My approach is rooted in empathy, kindness, and cultural sensitivity.

I believe therapy is most powerful when it feels safe, collaborative, and deeply human. My style is warm, compassionate, and direct, and I work to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported while also being gently challenged toward growth. I draw from an integrative, holistic framework that includes psychodynamic exploration, systems therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, EMDR, and humanistic-existential approaches. This allows me to tailor therapy to your unique needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, attachment wounds, emotional dysregulation, burnout, self-worth concerns, or major life transitions. I have worked extensively with individuals facing complex trauma, personality-related challenges, adoption, migration, and recovery from human and sexual trafficking. For organizations, I also provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support services.

Hi, I’m AJ. I’m a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, youth, and families.

You might be feeling anxious, depressed, stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you're facing something painful—loss, addiction, past trauma—or finding it hard to connect with others. Whatever you're carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.

I do not candy coat, fluff or any of that; I'm a direct and assertive communicator. I am passionate and professional.

I’m a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with clients across the lifespan. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona and have experience caring for individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and higher-acuity mental health settings. My background includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, OCD, mood disorders, and substance use. I take a thoughtful, practical, and individualized approach to care, with the goal of helping clients feel understood, safe, supported, and comfortable being honest when feeling emotionally vulnerable.