You don't have to figure this out alone. At Stillwater Counseling, Dr. Mara Chen offers evidence-based, compassionate therapy for individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life's harder moments.
Sliding scale fees available. Accepting new clients now.
Many people come to therapy wondering if their struggles are "big enough" to warrant support. They are. Here are some of the most common reasons people reach out.
Racing thoughts, worry that won't quiet, and a body that stays on edge even when everything looks fine on the outside.
Persistent heaviness, low motivation, and a disconnection from things and people you used to care about.
Communication that keeps breaking down, distance from your partner, or patterns you can't seem to break no matter how hard you try.
Past experiences that still live in your body and mind, showing up in ways that feel confusing or out of proportion.
The loss of a person, a relationship, a version of yourself, or a future you expected to have.
Major transitions — a new city, a career shift, a breakup, becoming a parent — that leave you feeling unmoored.
Running on empty for so long that you've forgotten what it feels like to have something left for yourself at the end of the day.
A relentless inner critic, people-pleasing that leaves you drained, or a persistent sense that you're not quite enough.
A welcoming, affirming space where your identity is honored and your experiences are understood without explanation.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Here's what to expect at Stillwater Counseling from first contact to ongoing work.
We start with a free 15-minute consultation by phone. This is a low-pressure conversation where you can share what's bringing you in, ask questions, and get a sense of whether we're a good fit. No commitment required.
Your first full session is an intake appointment — 60 minutes to share your history, what's not working, and what you'd like to be different. Dr. Chen listens more than she talks in this session. You set the pace.
Most clients meet weekly, at least at first. Together, you'll build a treatment approach tailored to your goals. Some people work through a specific concern in a few months; others find longer-term support more helpful.
LPC, PhD | Licensed Professional Counselor | 12 Years in Practice
I became a therapist because I believe every person deserves a space where they can be fully honest about their experience without fear of judgment. My approach is warm and direct. I'll sit with you in the hard parts and also gently challenge the stories that might be keeping you stuck.
I draw from evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, DBT, and the Gottman Method for couples work. But more than any technique, I care about the relationship we build together — research consistently shows that's what makes therapy actually work.
Learn More About Dr. ChenAll testimonials are shared with permission and identifying details changed to protect privacy.
I spent years telling myself my anxiety wasn't bad enough to need help. Working with Dr. Chen, I've finally learned to trust myself again. She has a way of making even the hardest sessions feel manageable.
My partner and I came in on the verge of calling it quits. The Gottman work we've done has completely changed how we talk to each other. We're not perfect, but we actually feel like a team again.
I've tried therapy before and it never clicked. Dr. Chen was the first therapist who made me feel like she actually sees me. The EMDR work we've done for my trauma has been quietly life-changing.
It's completely normal to have questions about therapy before you start. Here are the ones that come up most often.
If you're asking that question, it probably is. Therapy isn't just for crisis moments — it's for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, work through something that feels stuck, or simply have a consistent space to think clearly. You don't need to be at rock bottom to benefit from it. If something in your life feels off, or if you're just carrying more than you'd like to carry alone, that's enough.
The first session is really about getting to know each other. Dr. Chen will ask about what brings you in, your background, and what you'd like to feel different in your life. She won't expect you to have everything figured out. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. There's no right way to do a first session. Afterward, you'll have a sense of whether it feels like a good fit — and you can decide how to proceed from there.
Stillwater Counseling is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. However, as an out-of-network provider, Dr. Chen can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients with PPO plans receive partial or full reimbursement this way. A sliding scale fee is also available for clients who need it — please don't let cost be the reason you don't reach out.
It depends on what you're working on and what you're hoping to get out of it. Some people come with a focused goal — managing anxiety, processing a specific loss, preparing for a big life change — and see meaningful progress in three to six months. Others prefer longer-term support as a space for ongoing reflection and growth. Dr. Chen doesn't keep clients longer than is useful, and you'll check in regularly on how things are going.
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available to anyone in Oregon via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Many clients find telehealth just as effective as in-person therapy, with the added convenience of not having to commute. If you're unsure whether telehealth is right for you, it's something you can try and decide afterward. In-person sessions are available at the Portland office for those who prefer to meet face to face.
Ready to begin?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. No commitment, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about whether working together makes sense.