Immigration/Acculturation
The U.S. immigrant population faces a unique set of challenges. Every experience is different and there can be a number of factors that impede or facilitate your adjustment in your new home. You may have experienced trauma on your journey or in your country of origin that can have a lasting effect on your health and happiness. Or perhaps you are having trouble connecting with your new community or are worried about the recent growing controversy about immigration policies. Whatever your experience, a qualified mental health professional can help you understand how immigration is impacting your life and provide you with useful tools for your challenges.
Local experts in Immigration/Acculturation
Mihretu Dessalegne
Professional Counselor Associate
I grew up in Portland as a first-generation Ethiopian-American. I understand the tension that can form from miscommunication & feeling misunderstood because of a cultural gap between parent and child. Frustration can arise from both sides, & this can lead to poor coping choices from both sides. This leads to further separation, reinforced negative beliefs about each other, & division in the family. CBT & PCT within the family helps the family understand each other and become more united.
View Profile
Joaquin Lopez (he/him)
Licensed Professional Counselor
M.S.
Drawing from my experience and identity as a Mexican American person, I understand the nuanced experience of code switching and managing family and social dynamics that come with being bicultural and bilingual (Spanish/English) in a mainstream dominant culture. Immigration issues create additional barriers that affect familial and social interactions.
View Profile
Katherine Alexander (She / Her)
Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
Intern
Are you preparing to go work and live in a new culture? Are you returning from another? Needing to process the challenges unique to your experience? Let's talk.
View Profile
Vy Pham (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW
My experience as a first generation immigrant and refugee from Vietnam permeates through my work as a mental health therapist. My family escaped Vietnam in fear of political persecution. When we arrived in the United States we were forced to assimilate in order to survive. The trauma of displacement, war, loss of identity/community/culture has shaped my upbringing. This firsthand experience allows me to truly empathize with those yearning for belonging and acceptance.
View Profile
Arielle Ross (they/them)
Licensed Professional Counselor
MA, MPH, LPC
I was raised as a Third Culture Kid, which for me means we followed my dad's job around the world, mostly in East Africa & Asia, from when I was 4 until I came to the US for college at 18. My first therapist job was working with refugees from Iraq, Eritrea & Burma. I want to support my fellow immigrants, the children of immigrants & other globally mobile folks heal from the trauma of moving, re-center their values, & figure out how to live authentically in this new culture.
View Profile
Art Chaklader (He/Him)
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC, NCC
As an immigrant to the U.S. myself, I have had a lifelong experience of acculturation. Changing one's culture, or attempting to fit it into another touches each aspect of one's life. In doing so, it can rock your identity as a whole. Please consider setting up a consultation appointment, to receive some professional support on this journey.
View Profile