Whitney Preece, LPC

You’re your best expert. My role is as counselor and coach.

For over 20+ years, I’ve worked with adults, couples and teen girls in Portland. Read on to see if we’re a good fit.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Since each client is unique, each session is too. We work together to determine what you need, and we adjust as we go. For some, we access and identify feelings; for others, we focus on managing feelings in healthier ways. Sometimes it’s about examining and making choices. And most everyone can benefit from learning to communicate more effectively. My goal is for each client to leave therapy with relief from immediate struggles and skills to handle what’s to come.

FREQUENCY

Ongoing, indefinite therapy is typically unnecessary.  Most clients start every week, or every other week, and maintain that frequency until they feel some improvement. In time, clients often taper to less frequent sessions or periodic check-ins. Some take a break and come back months or years later, if something more surfaces. I always prioritize returning clients and referrals.

WHERE AND WHEN

My office is on SE Belmont. I offer virtual sessions or in person (when available) for those who prefer. 

My schedule changes a bit each quarter, but I’m usually in Monday through Thursday typically 9-5; appointments 2:30 and later are typically waitlisted. I work a few Fridays each month until 2, again typically waitlisted. I do not work weekends. Email me for most current availability.

STYLE

I continue to offer virtual sessions, as well as in-person, for those interested who are vacc’d. 

My style is informal and interactive. I’m a pragmatist and believe most people have limited time and money to spend in therapy. I help clients examine where they’re stuck, and come up with a plan to accept what is, while working toward incremental change. I enjoy individuals and couples who are open to working on things, even if they have no idea where to begin.

TRAINING AND BACKGROUND

I’m a Portland native (so few of us left these days). After completing my undergraduate degree in advertising, I worked in corporate marketing and HR. In one of those life changing moments, I decided to switch paths and returned to school to earn my masters in counseling (2000). I’ve loved practicing therapy ever since, working with people courageously moving through life’s obstacles. There’s really nothing much better than witnessing a breakthrough!

My schooling included training in all modes of individual, couples and group treatment, but I’m grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Post grad, I worked in community mental health and emergency psychology, honing my crisis assessment and treatment skills, as well as training and working extensively with DBT.  Since earning my license in 2002, I’ve worked in private practice, integrating CBT, mindfulness and neuropsychology with my clients. That said, the art of therapy is tailoring each session to the person and the day.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, gardening and spinning (on a bike, not in my head… usually).

MS Counseling Psychology, Lewis & Clark College

Certificate in Human Resources, Portland State University

BA Advertising, University of Oregon Clark Honors College

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I work with a wide variety of adults, couples and teen girls (14+). While I’m comfortable with most topics, particular strengths include: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, communication, childhood trauma, grief, parenting, fertility, codependency, and work stress. I do not see clients under 14, but I do offer parent coaching for parents of younger children.

FEES

I charge $200 per session, $225 for intakes. I accept fees by check, cash or card (including HSA) at time of service, and I offer $25 discount for private clients paying by check or cash.  

Sometimes couples prefer 90 minute sessions. When schedules allow, I offer extended sessions at $300/session.

I am reachable by email between sessions. Consultation time in excess of 15 minutes is billed at $50 per quarter hour.

I offer workshops/presentations on a variety of mental health topics. These start at $300 for 90 minutes and are customized for your needs.

INSURANCE

I am in-network for some insurance panels. For these I collect copay at time of service and bill insurance directly. As of Winter 2023, I am in network with:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Care Oregon
• MODA
• Pacific Source Commercial

New clients: Please verify benefits with your insurance before the first session, so you’re not stuck with an unexpected balance. Please give them my name to determine if I am in your network; double check you are covered for outpatient mental health (code 90837), whether you have to first meet deductible, deductible amount and copay. 

You may be able to claim out of network benefits for other insurance plans. If interested, you pay in full at time of session, and I provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Ready to dive in? The quickest way to reach me is by email: whitney@whitneypreece.com. Please include a quick summary of what you’d like work on, preferred frequency, insurance if you plan to use it, virtual or in-person, and schedule constraints. I typically have a waitlist, and recommend those on the list continue to look for other therapists and checkin monthly to let me know they are still waiting. Thanks!