Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Salem, OR covered by Aetna

Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

I practice primarily from a Gestalt therapy orientation that is humanistic, holistic, and experiential. I also integrate cognitive behavioral, somatic, and internal family systems strategies as needed. I approach therapy collaboratively, with the assumption that you are the expert of your experiences and my role is to guide you toward increased awareness, insight, and behavior integration in order to make meaningful changes that meet your goals. I believe psychotherapy is a powerful tool for achieving self-understanding, reducing distress, and relieving symptoms.

I’m Dr. Heather Cromwell, a Licensed Professional Counselor providing telehealth therapy to adults in Alaska and Oregon. I have over 10 years of experience working in behavioral health across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings, including extensive work with individuals experiencing serious and persistent mental illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, burnout, and emotional overwhelm.

My background includes a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, along with years of leadership and program development experience in behavioral healthcare. I bring both clinical expertise and a practical, person-centered approach to therapy.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and emotionally safe. My style is warm, collaborative, direct when helpful, and grounded in authenticity. I work to create a space where clients can better understand themselves, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, process difficult experiences, and move toward meaningful change at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make the process feel approachable and comfortable from the very beginning.

I work with adults from all backgrounds and experiences. I will help you achieve your goals, reduce symptoms, and develop the life you envision.

My name is Carolyn Phillips, LCSW.

I have noticed relationships seem to be a very important value to people because we all need love, encouragement and understanding, as well as many other needs. If something gets misconstrued, then it can be a problem for a relationship. I would like to see you through the rough patches.

I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in respect for each person’s story and strengths.

I integrate evidence-based practices—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Family Systems approaches—with a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, gain clarity, and move toward lasting change.

I work with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship or family conflict, grief, identity transitions, and the effects of trauma. I also have extensive experience supporting people from diverse cultural and family backgrounds who are balancing multiple roles, expectations, and life transitions.

Clients often describe me as compassionate, down-to-earth, and empowering. Together, we’ll focus on uncovering your resilience, improving communication and connection, and finding practical strategies for growth and healing—so you can live with greater confidence, balance, and purpose.