Licensed mental health professionals providing divorce support, discernment counseling, trauma-informed care, DV-informed care, and children's therapy.
1 PROFESSIONAL LISTED (FILTERED)
Divorce is not just a legal event — it is an emotional one, and having skilled therapeutic support can make a profound difference in how you come through it. Portland has a deep community of licensed therapists who work specifically with individuals navigating separation, and their expertise ranges widely: individual therapy for processing grief and identity shifts, co-parenting counseling to help former partners communicate more effectively, EMDR for trauma, and child therapists trained to support kids through family transitions. When looking for a therapist, consider what you need most right now. If you are overwhelmed and struggling to function day to day, individual support is likely the priority. If your biggest challenge is communication with your co-parent, a therapist who facilitates joint sessions may help. For children showing signs of anxiety, withdrawal, or behavioral changes, a therapist who specializes in family transitions can provide critical support. Oregon's mental health landscape includes many practitioners who integrate somatic, trauma-informed, and attachment-based approaches. The therapists listed here are experienced in the unique pressures divorce brings. Browse their profiles and reach out to whoever resonates.
Look for a therapist with specific experience in life transitions, grief, or family systems — not just a general counselor. Many Portland therapists list divorce as a specialty on Psychology Today or Therapy Den. Practical fit matters too: do they take your insurance, offer telehealth, have evening availability? A strong connection matters more than credentials alone, so don't hesitate to try more than one before committing.
You don't need to wait for problems to appear. If your child is showing changes in sleep, school performance, mood, or behavior — or if the separation has been especially high-conflict — it's worth a consultation. Early support normalizes big feelings and gives kids tools before distress escalates. Many Portland therapists who specialize in children's adjustment to divorce offer parent consultations first, so you can assess fit before bringing your child in.
Most Oregon health insurance plans cover therapy when a therapist documents a qualifying diagnosis — like adjustment disorder, anxiety, or depression — which are common during divorce. Pure 'life coaching' or divorce coaching is typically not covered. Always verify your out-of-pocket costs before starting. If cost is a barrier, Portland also has community mental health clinics and therapists who offer sliding scale fees for those who qualify.
Co-parenting counseling focuses specifically on your role as parents going forward — not the relationship you're ending. It helps former spouses develop communication strategies, consistent routines, and conflict resolution tools for raising children together post-divorce. It's forward-looking and child-centered. Couples therapy, by contrast, works on the relationship itself. Many Portland therapists offer co-parenting sessions with both parents present, even when the divorce is contentious.
It depends. Some therapists are willing to meet with each spouse individually during a separation if they've been a couples therapist, but many won't — citing conflicts around loyalty and confidentiality. Once legal proceedings begin, it almost always makes sense to see separate therapists. For structured joint work, a co-parenting counselor or divorce coach facilitating both parties is a better-suited format than traditional therapy.
RELATED SERVICES