Dr. Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP, MSW
I’m a doctor of nursing practice who is passionate about helping people access their own strengths. I am committed to walking beside you as you gain insight, learn new skills, and grow the motivation and self-belief to create the life you want to live.
I firmly believe that one path does not fit all, and my life is evidence of that – I earned my Masters in Social Work and served as a therapist prior to becoming a PMHNP and have worked in:
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backcountry wilderness therapy settings
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inpatient hospitals & community mental health clinics
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refugee mental health programs
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a residential treatment center in Costa Rica
I bring a diverse set of professional, educational and life experience to each session. Using empathy, insight, authenticity and humor, my goal is to help you find and live your own truth.
My Philosophy
I understand mental wellness to be a complex intersection of environmental, biological, and psychological factors. I believe it’s important to collaboratively develop treatment plans that address the whole person and incorporate individual values. I provide lots of education so that you can make the best decisions for you —You are an important part of the team!
Get to Know Kelly:
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
When I’m not in the office, you can find me playing in the ocean, trying new recipes, rolling out my yoga mat, watching telenovelas to improve my Spanish, and hunting treasures at the one and only Grocery Outlet Bargain Market! 🙂
What personal experiences or beliefs most influence your approach to psychiatric care and how you connect with clients?
During my 20s, I traveled extensively for work, academic research, and play – my experience living on 5 continents has really shaped how I approach my work as a PMHNP – I often hear I’m easy to open up to, and I think it’s because I’ve developed a very open and non-judgmental approach after seeing the 100s of different ways there are to walk through life. Living abroad opened my mind to different views, values, and perspectives, and also has helped me recognize (for myself and my clients) the huge roles that culture and society plays in our lives and our individual mental wellbeing.
What is your favorite method for managing your own mental health and well-being?
Growing up in Hawai’i, surfing is more than just a hobby to me – it’s a way of life. It’s taught me how to face my fears, calm my nervous system, and how to let go when things get rough. Nothing heals my heart and clears my mind more than being in the ocean and catching waves.
Modalities
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness Based
- Family-Systems
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Specialties
I treat most mental health issues, and have special clinical interest in:
- anxiety, depression, bipolar and OCD/BFRBs
- relationship/family/attachment issues
- those struggling with self-esteem or feeling really stuck
- LGBTQIA2S+ affiliated folx
Education & Training
Licenses: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (OR & WA)
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude — Lewis & Clark College
- Master of Social Work — Portland State University
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN and BSN — Oregon Health & Science University
Additional Training:
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Trauma-Informed Care
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Advanced Motivational Interviewing
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200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher
What Her Clients Say:
We want you to get the support you deserve.
