How Do I Know When It’s Time to Start Therapy?

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

Founded by Tiffany Kettermann, LPC, LMHC, CADCI

Proudly Serving Portland, Oregon & Surrounding Areas

“Knowing when it’s time to start therapy — counseling support in Portland, Oregon at Health Allies Counseling”

You Do Not Have to Be in Crisis to Start Therapy — Here Is How to Know When It’s Time

If you have been asking yourself how do I know when it is time to start therapy, the fact that you are asking the question is often answer enough. At Health Allies Counseling, located at 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214 and founded by Tiffany Kettermann, LPC, LMHC, CADCI, we work with people at every stage — from those in acute crisis to those who simply want to thrive rather than just survive. We accept Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health Plan, Cigna/Evernorth, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, PacificSource, and Regence, including OHP HealthShare/CareOregon, Trillium, Columbia Pacific, Jackson Care Connect, and Open Card through Oregon Health Plan. Call or text 971-270-0167 or visit healthalliescounseling.com/newclient.

Signs It May Be Time to Start Therapy

•       Your emotions feel difficult to manage or understand. Therapy helps you develop a richer, more regulated relationship with your emotional life.

•       Something happened that you cannot stop thinking about. A loss, trauma, or significant life change that keeps replaying.

•       Your relationships are suffering. Recurring conflict or patterns that end in the same painful way.

•       You are using coping strategies that are hurting you. Alcohol, substances, overwork, or other numbing behaviors.

•       You feel stuck. You know something needs to change but cannot make it happen.

•       The stress of current world events is affecting your daily life. Disrupted sleep, relationships, or ability to function.

•       You are going through a major transition. Career change, move, relationship shift, becoming a parent.

•       You have been thinking about therapy for a while. That recurring thought is your inner wisdom pointing toward something.

Common Reasons People Wait — and Why They Don’t Have To

“I should be able to handle this on my own.”

Seeking help when you need it is a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness.

“My problems aren’t bad enough.”

Therapy is not rationed by severity. If something is affecting your quality of life, it is enough.

“I don’t know if I can afford it.”

Health Allies Counseling accepts Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health Plan, Cigna/Evernorth, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, PacificSource, and Regence, including OHP HealthShare/CareOregon, Trillium, Columbia Pacific, Jackson Care Connect, and Open Card. Sliding scale fees are available for uninsured clients. Learn more at healthalliescounseling.com/services.

“I don’t know if I’ll find someone who gets me.”

Health Allies Counseling is an LGBTQIA+ focused, trans-affirming, anti-racist practice specifically built for people who have felt unseen by the healthcare system. Browse our team at healthalliescounseling.com/our-team.

“I tried therapy before and it didn’t work.”

Not every therapeutic relationship is the right fit. The right therapist using the right approach can make an enormous difference.

What Happens in a First Therapy Session?

Your first session at Health Allies Counseling (2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214) is a conversation, not an evaluation. You will not be pushed to go anywhere you are not ready to go. You will leave with a sense of having been heard, some initial thoughts about next steps, and a clearer picture of how the process works.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

It depends. Some people find that 8 to 12 sessions gives them what they need. Others working through more complex patterns benefit from a longer engagement. We work collaboratively with each client to set goals, track progress, and adjust the plan as we go.

Areas Served

In-person counseling at 2950 SE Stark Street, Suite 130, Portland, OR 97214. Telehealth throughout Oregon including Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Gresham, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, and all Oregon communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. Many people come to counseling without any diagnosis and simply want support or tools for what they are going through.

Q: How do I find the right therapist in Portland, Oregon?

Browse therapist profiles at healthalliescounseling.com/our-team or call 971-270-0167. Our intake team will help match you with the right person.

Q: What if therapy doesn’t feel like the right fit?

Speak up — a good therapist will welcome this conversation. We can help you find a better fit within our practice or provide referrals. The therapeutic relationship matters enormously.

Q: Can I do therapy online in Oregon?

Yes. Health Allies Counseling offers telehealth to clients throughout Oregon. Telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns.

Q: How much does therapy cost at Health Allies Counseling?

We accept OHP (OHP HealthShare/CareOregon, Trillium, Columbia Pacific, Jackson Care Connect, and Open Card), Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health Plan, Cigna/Evernorth, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, PacificSource, and Regence, and offer a sliding scale for uninsured clients. Contact us to discuss your options.

The Best Time to Start Therapy Is When You Are Ready — and That Might Be Now

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.

📞 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. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988.