Are You Struggling With the Stress of Current World Events — and Where Can You Find Support in Oregon?

By Health Allies Counseling · healthalliescounseling.com · 971-270-0167

Founded by Tiffany Kettermann, LPC, LMHC, CADCI

Proudly Serving Portland, Oregon & Surrounding Areas

"Find relief from the stress of current world events through counseling in Portland, Oregon”

If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed by Current World Events, Here’s What You Need to Know

If you are an Oregonian struggling with anxiety, dread, or emotional exhaustion caused by the stress of current world events, you are not alone — and you are not overreacting. At Health Allies Counseling, located at 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214, we work every day with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, BIPOC communities, immigrants, women, disabled people, and others experiencing real, valid distress in response to today’s political climate, global conflicts, economic uncertainty, and social instability. Therapy can help — and we are currently accepting new clients in person and via telehealth across Oregon.

Health Allies Counseling was founded by Tiffany Kettermann, LPC, LMHC, CADCI with a specific focus on healing for marginalized communities. Our practice accepts Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health Plan, Cigna/Evernorth, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, PacificSource, and Regence. If you are uninsured, sliding scale options are available. Call or text 971-270-0167 or submit a new client inquiry at healthalliescounseling.com/newclient.

The stress of current world events is not just a personal problem. It is a collective experience affecting millions of people — and it deserves real, professional support.

Is It Normal to Feel Anxious or Hopeless About What’s Happening in the World?

Yes — completely. When the news cycle delivers a constant stream of threatening information, your nervous system responds as though you are personally in danger. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that a significant majority of Americans report current events as a leading source of stress. For many people in Portland and throughout Oregon, this is compounded by local concerns — rising housing costs, wildfire seasons, and community instability.

Common signs that world events stress may be affecting your mental health include:

•       Constant checking of news or social media

•       Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

•       Irritability and relationship strain

•       Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue

•       Emotional numbness or shutdown

•       A persistent sense of helplessness or dread

How Does Therapy Help When the Stress Is Coming From Outside, Not Inside?

You do not need to “fix yourself” to benefit from therapy. Therapists who use trauma-informed, somatic, and ACT-based approaches are specifically trained to help you process distress that comes from your environment. At Health Allies Counseling, our Portland-based therapists draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and somatic therapies. Learn more at healthalliescounseling.com/services.

What Kind of Therapist Should I Look for If I’m Dealing With Political or Social Stress?

At Health Allies Counseling, every member of our team is trained in trauma-informed care. We are an LGBTQIA+ focused, trans-affirming, anti-racist practice based at 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214. Many of our therapists bring lived experience as well as specialized clinical training. Browse our team at healthalliescounseling.com/our-team.

Does Health Allies Counseling Offer Affirming Care for Marginalized Communities?

Absolutely. We know the stress of current world events does not land equally on everyone. For LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, BIPOC communities, immigrants, and other marginalized groups, today’s political climate carries an additional layer of personal threat. Health Allies Counseling was founded with a commitment to serving communities historically underserved by the mental health system. We accept OHP HealthShare/CareOregon, Trillium, Columbia Pacific, Jackson Care Connect, and Open Card through Oregon Health Plan, as well as Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health Plan, Cigna/Evernorth, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, PacificSource, and Regence.

Practical Ways to Manage World Events Stress Between Sessions

•       Set intentional news limits — check headlines once or twice a day, not continuously

•       Move your body — a 20-minute walk through Portland’s parks can shift your nervous system

•       Connect with community — isolation amplifies anxiety

•       Practice grounding techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method

•       Give yourself permission to rest — consuming less does not mean caring less

Areas Served

Health Allies Counseling offers in-person counseling at 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214 and telehealth statewide including Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Gresham, Tigard, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, and all Oregon communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can therapy really help if my stress is coming from real-world events?

Yes. Therapists trained in trauma-informed, somatic, and ACT-based approaches are specifically equipped to help you process distress that originates in your environment.

Q: Do you have therapists who specialize in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC clients?

Yes. Health Allies Counseling is an LGBTQIA+ focused, trans-affirming, anti-racist practice. Browse our team at healthalliescounseling.com/our-team or call 971-270-0167.

Q: What is the difference between everyday stress and collective trauma?

Everyday stress typically resolves once the situation changes. World events stress is ongoing, without a clear endpoint, and can activate the same neurological stress response as personal trauma.

Q: How do I get started?

Submit a new client inquiry at healthalliescounseling.com/newclient or call 971-270-0167. In-person at 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214 and telehealth across Oregon. We accept OHP HealthShare/CareOregon, Trillium, Columbia Pacific, Jackson Care Connect, and Open Card and Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health Plan, Cigna/Evernorth, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, PacificSource, and Regence.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.

📞 Call or text: 971-270-0167

🌐 healthalliescounseling.com

📍 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214

Accepting new clients · OHP & most insurance accepted · Sliding scale available · Evening & weekend hours

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988.