Existence can overwhelm.

Counseling helps.

Has navigating life alone become a challenge?

You’re not sure when it started feeling so off. Maybe you’ve been feeling adrift without meaning or purpose. Maybe life is beginning to feel empty, and you’re slowly losing connection with that passion you once had. Maybe you're in an unexpected transition and feeling grief or dread at a loss of identity. Maybe you're just feeling disconnected from yourself, and your relationships are beginning to suffer.   

As a Professional Mental Health Counseling Associate in Portland, I support individuals in beginning to untangle what’s getting in the way–so you can cultivate a pathway towards a meaningful life.

Now is the time to set new intentions and begin to develop the you you’ve always wanted to be.

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Matthew Hammond

MA, Professional Counselor Associate, he/him

I became a counselor because I believe we can all find greater clarity and peace when we have the support, time, and space to explore and reflect on our existence. My goal is to cultivate a place where you can safely experiment and expand your perspectives — developing greater flexibility in how you respond to whatever life throws your way. Drawing on your unique culture, identities, and experiences, I work to support you in building a deeper awareness of where you've come from, where you are, and what your next steps might look like. We are co-travelers in this complex world, and I would be honored to be a collaborative ally on your path to cultivating a fulfilling life.  

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark College's Graduate School of Education and Counseling, a CACREP-accredited program. I am a Professional Counselor Associate in Oregon, operating under the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists and its Code of Ethics, with ongoing continuing education each year.

I provide empirically-based, non-judgmental counseling in a space that is inclusive across cultures, beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, body sizes, and stages of life.

Good therapy starts with a good fit.

If you're curious about whether we're a good match, the best next step is a conversation. Reach out directly to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation.

Areas of focus

Men’s Issues

Examine the role of masculinity and how it’s impacts your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Address feelings of irritability, anger/aggression, isolation, or problems in your relationships.

Life Transitions

Process significant life changes that are a difficult adjustment, increasing feelings of anxiety, sadness, or confusion. Explore new perspectives as you transition to new stages in your life.

Depression/Anxiety

Addressing persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of hopelessness. Or feeling restlessness, excessive worry, or difficulties concentrating in daily life.

Existential Crisis

Explore your life’s purpose and address feelings of self-doubt regarding identity and other life choices. Examine feelings of emptiness, disconnection or broader concerns around mortality.

Modalities

  • Existential philosophy/therapy is foundational to my approach as we seek to understand your place in this world. Exploring concepts such as meaning and purpose, isolation, freedom, and death can provide greater clarity of what’s truly important in your life. This approach emphasizes personal responsibility and our capacity to make meaningful choices about our lives.

  • Humanistic therapy is integral to my counseling style, as it focuses on your subjective experience as a human being navigating a complex world. We’ll explore your personal relationships, social and cultural contexts, and reflect on your relationship with yourself. Emphasis on greater emotional clarity and how you construct meaning in your life.

  • I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is an evidence-based therapeutic approach for addressing a variety of psychological concerns. ACT emphasizes a mindfulness-based approach to gain greater awareness of one’s psychological responses and experiences, to accept them, and to commit to one’s core values in pursuit of cultivating a meaningful life.

Fees and details

Initial intake/consultation

60-90 minutes

$150

Individual sessions

45-50 minutes

Sliding scale/extended sessions available upon request

$100

Insurance reimbursement option: I do not directly bill insurance at this time. Payment for sessions is due at the time of service. As a client, you have the right to seek reimbursement through your insurance company. Many insurance companies give out-of-network reimbursements for mental health services. Check with your insurance provider to understand what reimbursement options may be available for you by asking about your out-of-network, outpatient mental health benefits. I can provide you with a monthly super-bill for submission as needed. Please note that most insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis in order to fulfill payment.

If you are unable to attend the session, I require a minimum notice of 12 hours for all appointment cancellations, except in rare and emergent situations. Clients who miss appointments or cancel late will be charged the full session fee, per my current policy.

Contact form

What to expect

We’ll start with a free 15-minute consultation over the phone. If you feel we are a good fit, we can schedule our an initial intake which will last approximately 60-90 minutes. We will use this time to discuss what has led you to seek therapy services, your history, current life situation, your treatment goals, how I may assist you in reaching those goals, and to determine the frequency of our appointments. Ongoing sessions will last approximately 45-50 minutes (unless otherwise agreed), and the time will be spent working towards your treatment goals using talk therapy and, as appropriate, other therapeutic techniques and interventions.