Coping with Chronic Health Conditions for Children, Teens, and Young Adults in Portland, OR

Living Well with a Chronic Health Condition

Managing a chronic health condition can be physically, emotionally, and socially challenging. Whether you or your child are coping with diabetes, chronic pain, migraines, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune conditions, neurological conditions, cancer, long-term medical treatments, or another ongoing health concern, the impact often extends beyond physical symptoms.

Children, teens, and young adults living with chronic medical conditions may experience anxiety, stress, frustration, sadness, social isolation, changes in identity, school or work difficulties, and uncertainty about the future. Therapy can help individuals and families develop effective coping skills, build resilience, and maintain a meaningful life alongside health challenges.

Common Concerns I Help With

As a child psychologist, teen therapist, and young adult therapist in Portland, Oregon, I provide support for:

• Health anxiety

• Stress related to medical diagnoses

• Difficulty adjusting to illness

• Medical trauma

• Chronic pain-related stress

• Depression and low mood

• Anxiety about procedures and treatments

• School, college, or work disruptions

• Changes in identity and self-esteem

• Social isolation and relationship challenges

• Sleep difficulties

• Family stress related to health concerns

• Living with uncertainty

Evidence-Based Treatment

I use evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's developmental stage, medical circumstances, strengths, and goals.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps children, teens, and young adults develop flexibility in responding to difficult thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms. Rather than fighting experiences that cannot always be controlled, ACT teaches skills for making room for discomfort while continuing to engage in meaningful activities, relationships, and goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. Treatment focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, reducing anxiety and stress, strengthening coping skills, and increasing confidence when facing medical challenges.

Trauma-Informed Care

For those who have experienced frightening medical procedures, hospitalizations, diagnoses, or ongoing treatment, therapy can help process medical trauma and reduce fear, avoidance, and distress related to healthcare experiences.

Family Support

Chronic health conditions affect the entire family. When appropriate, I work with parents, caregivers, and family members to improve communication, strengthen support systems, and develop strategies for navigating the challenges that accompany ongoing medical needs.

What to Expect During Therapy

Therapy begins with understanding the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Together, we will explore strengths, values, goals, support systems, and the ways that health challenges are impacting daily life.

Treatment may focus on:

• Building coping and resilience skills

• Managing anxiety and stress

• Processing medical trauma

• Improving emotional regulation

• Strengthening self-advocacy

• Navigating school, college, or workplace challenges

• Maintaining important relationships

• Supporting identity development

• Increasing participation in meaningful activities

• Improving quality of life

A Strengths-Based Approach

Living with a chronic health condition can be difficult, but it does not define who you are. My goal is to help children, teens, and young adults build confidence, develop effective coping strategies, and continue pursuing what matters most to them. Therapy focuses not only on reducing distress but also on fostering resilience, self-understanding, connection, and a sense of purpose.

Conditions Commonly Addressed

• Diabetes

• Chronic pain

• Migraines and headache disorders

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Autoimmune diseases

• Neurological conditions

• Cancer and survivorship

• Genetic conditions

• Long COVID and post-viral conditions

• Functional medical disorders

• Other chronic or complex health concerns