Heart Strings Therapy - Portland
Mental Health
Rheumatology
Hypermobility
POTS / Dysautonomia
MCAS
Chronic Pain
GI Issues
Mental Health
About
Based in Portland, Oregon, this mental health practice focuses on hypermobility, POTS and dysautonomia and more. My practice specializes in supporting individuals with EDS and chronic illnesses, offering a compassionate space to work through the unique challenges of these conditions. I am a licensed psychologist and have multi-state license in both California (#33158) and Oregon (#4026). I offer telehealth appointments throughout Oregon and California, as well as in-person availability in Ventura, CA. I understand that the physical pain, fatigue, and uncertainty of EDS can make it hard to get through daily life, let alone manage the endless stream of medical appointments and advocacy demands. Many of my clients come to me feeling emotionally isolated, burned out, and grieving the loss of a life they once envisioned. Together, we explore ways to reclaim control, build resilience, and create a life that honors your reality without losing sight of hope. Through therapy, I help clients: Process the grief and emotional weight of living with a chronic illness. Develop tools to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Strengthen self-compassion and reduce the isolation that comes with invisible conditions. Learn strategies to cope with the unpredictability of symptoms while finding joy and meaning in life again. You’ve likely spent so much energy trying to hold it all together—managing your symptoms, keeping up with life, and trying to be understood by those around you. What if you didn’t have to spend every ounce of energy just surviving? Together, we’ll carve out a path that helps you find moments of calm, connection, and clarity, even amidst the challenges of EDS. Check out my website to learn more about me and my practice at: [heartstringstherapy.net](https://www.heartstringstherapy.net/chronic-illness)
EDS Healthcare in California
Casa Colina Hospital in Pomona and Re+active Therapy in El Segundo are both EDS Society Centers of Excellence. Stanford has a Cardiovascular Connective Tissue Disorders Program, UC Davis runs a Connective Tissue Clinic, and UCSF offers Medical Genetics services. Children's Hospital Los Angeles has a Pediatric Bone Disorders Program, and Dao Integrated Health in San Francisco provides EDS-focused treatment.
Despite California's strong urban specialist density, patients in the Central Valley, northern rural areas, and inland regions face long travel times to reach EDS-knowledgeable providers. Wait times at major programs can be 3-6 months or longer. Medi-Cal covers genetic testing with medical necessity, but navigating the referral process can be time-consuming.
Finding Mental Health for EDS
Look for a therapist who has worked with chronic illness patients and understands that EDS-related anxiety and depression often have physical triggers, not just psychological ones.