“Therapy is just like a relationship. If you really want to get what you need, don't settle.” — Stephanie Foo
Hi, I'm Amanda, LCSW, MAC. I use she/her pronouns.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon and Washington. In 2004, I obtained my Masters degree from the Smith College School for Social Work. I identify as white, cisgender, and queer, and I work from an understanding of how privilege and power show up in my personal life, as well as in my therapy practice. My approach affirms my clients' racial identities, sexual orientation, gender identities, and body size. I maintain awareness of how oppression can impact our internal and external experiences.
I've worked in the mental health field for over 20 years, primarily in community mental health settings as an advocate, case manager, therapist, program developer, and clinical director. I have overseen programs that provided treatment for survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, institutional oppression, and complex trauma; people experiencing homelessness, and high‐acuity mental health needs. Part of my role as a Behavioral Health Director was to support clinicians with issues including burnout, vicarious trauma, workplace violence, client loss, institutional oppression, and job transition. I also have experience supporting leaders in healthcare and non-profit settings.
I come to this practice with knowledge and understanding gained from the many individuals who have touched my life. As a leader of mental health programs, I worked with some of the most creative, radical, and inspiring clinicians to make care available to people who struggle to succeed in traditional settings.
As a therapist, I have had the privilege of witnessing the ways people cope, heal, and make meaning of their life experiences. I deeply value the relationships I've formed throughout my career, and am grateful for the many ways they have transformed me.
Outside In, Portland, Oregon
2014-2022
As the Behavioral Health Director, I oversaw programs that served 18-25 year olds experiencing homelessness, including mental health and substance use treatment for a high‐acuity population. I oversaw a team of program managers, therapists, substance use counselors, psychiatric medication prescribers, peer support specialists, housing and employment specialists, and case managers. In our behavioral health programs we offered Assertive Community Treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment.
Safe Connections, St. Louis, Missouri
2011-2014
Safe Connections is an organization that serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We ran programs in schools and colleges to prevent violence by teaching about consent, healthy relationship skills, non-violent masculinity, and LGBTQIA inclusivity. As Youth Services Manager, I provided therapy to teens impacted by relationship violence and sexual violence, and also led adolescent therapy and prevention programming.
1997-2011
During my career, I have provided mental health services in a variety of settings which include: middle and high schools, hospitals, jails, batterer intervention programs, residential treatment facilities, and LGBTQIA youth groups.
Counseling Considerations in Working with Homeless Youth: Portland State University Graduate School of Education, Department of Counselor Education, Portland, Oregon (2019-22)
Practicing Adolescent-Centered Trauma Informed Care in a Clinical Setting: Adolescent Health Initiative at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (2020)
Tailored Approaches for Special Populations: Medication-Assisted Treatment Symposium, National Healthcare for the Homeless Council — Portland, Oregon (2019)
Working with Trauma Survivors to Find Stabilization in Unsafe Times: Oregon Coalition of Housing and Homelessness Annual Conference — Welches, Oregon (2019); Oregon Health Care Association LGBTQIA Meaningful Care Conference - Portland, Oregon (2018)
Trauma Informed Approaches to Working with LGBTQ Youth in Housing & Treatment: Oregon Coalition of Housing and Homelessness Annual Conference - Canyonville, Oregon (2016)
The Pathways Into and Out of LGBTQ Youth Homelessness: National Healthcare for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium — Portland, Oregon (2016); Oregon Health Care Association LGBTQI Meaningful Care Conference — Portland, Oregon (2016)
Queering Violence: Conversations about Sexual Violence and Trauma in LGBTQ Communities: Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Annual Conference — Columbia, Missouri (2013)