Many gifted adults in Portland, OR look for mental health professionals who understand their unique strengths and challenges.
It can be hard to find therapists with experience supporting gifted people, especially when addressing life transitions, relationships, or emotional intensity.
Finding a therapist who truly understands giftedness can make a difference in how adults feel understood, supported, and empowered.
This article introduces the topic of therapists for gifted adults in Portland, OR, offering guidance for those exploring counseling services tailored to their specific needs.
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1) Paula Prober – specializes in counseling gifted adults and youth in Eugene, near Portland
Paula Prober is a psychotherapist based in Eugene, Oregon, which is close to Portland.
She helps gifted adults and youth with counseling and guidance.
Paula also works with parents of gifted children.
She has years of experience as a consultant and teacher.
Paula is known for her work with people who have strong intellectual or creative abilities.
Learn more at her official website and High Ability listing.
2) Emily Haygeman – psychologist serving neurodivergent individuals in Portland
Emily Haygeman is a licensed psychologist who works in Portland, Oregon.
She offers support for neurodivergent clients, including gifted adults, by providing therapy and psychological evaluations.
Her approach is strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed.
She is experienced with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences.
Emily also serves both children and adults seeking clarity about their mental health.
Learn more on her Portland Therapy Center profile and Empower Psych team page.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Gifted Behavioral Health – psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner practice in Portland
Gifted Behavioral Health is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner practice based in Portland, Oregon.
They offer support for adults dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health needs.
The practice is located at 510 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 200.
Gifted Behavioral Health serves the Portland community with a focus on practical treatment and emotional well-being.
Learn more about their services at Gifted Behavioral Health here and here.
4) Alana J. Duschane, PhD – psychologist at Gifted Behavioral Health
Alana J. Duschane, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in Portland, OR.
She offers psychotherapy and psychological assessments for adults, teens, and children.
Dr. Duschane is trained in evidence-based practices and works with clients facing anxiety, trauma, and challenges related to giftedness.
She is licensed in several states, including Oregon.
Learn more by visiting her profiles on Gifted Behavioral Health, Portland Therapy Center, and APA Psychologist Locator.
5) Mary Bruce-Owenby, LMFT – marriage and family therapist focusing on gifted adults
Mary Bruce-Owenby is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Portland, OR.
She has a background in clinical psychology and offers help with communication, emotions, and relationship dynamics.
Her approach is supportive and interactive, making space for each client’s unique challenges.
Mary works with both individuals and couples, including those who are gifted or have complex emotional needs.
Learn more about her practice at Mary Bruce-Owenby Therapy and Portland Therapy Center.
6) Jared I. Best – counselor affiliated with Gifted Behavioral Health in Portland
Jared I. Best is a counselor at Gifted Behavioral Health in Portland, Oregon.
He works with adults at an office located at 510 SW 3rd Ave Ste 200.
Jared Best has been registered with the National Provider Identifier database since 2018.
Clients can call 971-277-1216 to learn more about his services.
Learn more about Jared I. Best and his practice details.
7) Maria Berman, PhD – clinical psychologist providing developmental disability assessments in Oregon
Maria Berman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Portland, Oregon.
She is qualified to provide assessments for developmental disabilities.
Her work includes testing and evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Berman holds licenses in Oregon, Washington, and Montana.
Individuals interested in her services can learn more at her official website or view her profile on Psychology Today.
8) Dr. Cynthia Arnold – psychologist experienced in ADHD, autism, and giftedness in Oregon
Dr. Cynthia Arnold is a licensed psychologist in Oregon with expertise in assessing and treating ADHD, autism, and giftedness.
She works with adults and children who face challenges related to their neurodiversity.
Her experience includes diagnosing and supporting individuals with behavioral and learning differences.
Dr. Arnold practices at New Leaves Clinic and is known for a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Learn more about Dr. Arnold at New Leaves Clinic and view her profile on Psychology Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gifted adults often seek therapy to navigate high sensitivity, intense emotions, and complex thinking.
Therapists in Portland use specialized approaches and resources to support these unique needs.
How can therapy benefit gifted adults in managing their unique challenges?
Therapy can help gifted adults understand and accept their heightened sensitivities and emotional responses.
Many therapists in Portland, like Emily Haygeman and Paula Prober, focus on the struggles that come from feeling “different” and help clients build resilience.
Support often includes managing anxiety, perfectionism, and social isolation.
What approaches do therapists in Portland use for working with twice-exceptional adults?
Therapists use multiple approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and interventions for neurodivergence.
At places like Counseling Services of Portland, therapists may combine methods to fit each client’s needs, especially when supporting twice-exceptional (2e) adults who are both gifted and have learning or attention differences.
Are there specific support systems in Portland for gifted adults seeking therapy?
Portland has therapy practices dedicated to gifted and twice-exceptional adults, such as Gifted Behavioral Health.
In addition, therapists like Alana J. Duschane, PhD and Mary Bruce-Owenby, LMFT provide specialized services tailored to these clients.
Some community organizations and clinics offer groups or resources for gifted adults to connect and share experiences.
Clinicians may use interviews, questionnaires, or psychological testing to understand a client’s cognitive profile and emotional needs.
They focus on life patterns such as high achievement, strong intuition, or recurring feelings of isolation.
Therapy then aims to help clients understand their experiences and build coping skills.
Gifted adults often deal with feelings of loneliness, frustration, and not fitting in.
They may experience anxiety, perfectionism, or intense stress about meeting high expectations.
Social challenges sometimes include difficulty finding peers who understand their perspectives.
How does one find a therapist in Portland experienced with profoundly gifted adult clients?
Clients can look for specialists like those at Gifted Behavioral Health or independent practitioners such as Maria Berman, Ph.D. who offer gifted evaluations and therapy.
Checking therapists’ profiles and asking about their experience with gifted and twice-exceptional clients can help ensure a good match.
Some professionals also list their specialties on local counseling directories.
