I am currently accepting new clients for telemental health sessions.

You deserve a safe space to heal.

I am here to listen to your story and gently help you understand the important messages your emotional pain needs you to hear to help you heal on a deeper level. It's understandable that you want the pain to stop, though the wisdom of emotional pain is that it continues until it's message is fully heard and acknowledged with self-compassion. Emotions have their own form of language that takes time to skillfully understand, so that the information communicated by your emotions becomes useful to you in identifying your needs and living in a way that is aligned with your values.

It's not easy or necessary to do this work alone.

Together, we will work to identify, acknowledge and process underlying core issues that may be interfering with your ability to engage fully in your life, such as: unresolved/unexpressed emotions, unintegrated experiences, self-limiting beliefs and destructive internalized messages, unacknowledged emotional neglect, interpersonal traumas, and/or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Some signs that these issues may need some exploration may include (but are not limited to):

harsh self-criticism
low self-worth / self-confidence
overwhelming / intense emotions
stress
overworking/burnout
exhaustion

anxiety
depression
PTSD / trauma / complex trauma
shame
unresolved grief
emotional numbing

difficulty maintaining balance & well-being
interpersonal conflicts
fear of intimacy
dissatisfaction with life circumstances
health challenges
spiritual crises

Sound familiar?

If so, I invite you to schedule a free consultation today & let's talk about it.

(scroll down to the contact form below)

About me:

Audra Lee, MS, MA, LPC, LMHC, LPCC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Licensed in OR, WA, TX & NM

I have dual training as a psychotherapist and biological scientist. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon and Texas, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington, and a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in New Mexico. I have two Master’s degrees, one in Molecular Biologyand one in Professional Mental Health Counseling, and I am also a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. Prior to pursuing my education and training in mental health, I worked for over 10 years as a biological research scientist in the fields of cancer, neurobiology, and stem cell research. In addition, I have several years of experience working in a medical laboratory analyzing and interpreting laboratory results of SIBO breath tests.

My practice primarily focuses on helping clients to identify and work through the underlying cause of symptoms, rather than only focusing on symptoms. I work with clients to address the psychological and emotional issues that may be underlying or exacerbating their symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical levels. Symptoms often manifest in different ways for different people, and can appear complicated or "treatment resistent" when the underlying cause is not understood and addressed. Often, symptoms are driven or exacerbated by excessive stress and/or unhealed trauma and may manifest in the form of various psychological and emotional symptoms or disorders, as well as in the form of physical pain, somatic symptoms, or health issues/conditions.

I believe psychotherapy can be an important tool to include in a holistic treatment approach for clients living with various health challenges, in combination with medical treatments. I have experience working with clients suffering from chronic back/neck pain, skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis, eczema), fibromyalgia, autoimmune conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

My specializations include stress, anxiety, self-criticism, overwork/burnout, trauma and complex trauma, self-care/well-being and the psychological & emotional aspects of various physical health challenges. I have a special interest in working with college students and other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, counselors and psychotherapists, and alternative health practitioners.

I am currently only accepting new clients for telemental health video sessions:

Telemental health sessions* (secure video conferencing) *for individuals located in Oregon, Washington, Texas and New Mexico as well as other select locations within & outside the U.S.

The Therapeutic Process

My therapeutic style is an integrative and trauma-informed approach to psychotherapy that acknowledges the importance of body/mind/soul in holistically treating underlying mental/emotional imbalances that are disrupting one's well-being. Psychotherapy and counseling provides the containment necessary to support healing in a safe space to experience and feel one's emotions, and to fully process, digest, and integrate all of life's experiences. Often, this may include one or more healing crises which are frequently misunderstood as unhealthy or pathological, resulting in avoidance and/or dismissiveness. However, I believe these crises can be an important process in deeper emotional healing, personal growth and in creating lasting change.

I believe it takes tremendous courage to start as well as stick with psychotherapy/counseling. I encourage a gentle, open, and exploratory approach to self-awareness, understanding and acceptance. I will listen to your story to help you process emotions and difficult experiences, identify your values and unmet needs, gain insight into patterns and beliefs which are no longer helpful in the present, make meaningful connections between the past and present, and explore solutions for making effective, value-based choices and changes that support your well-being.

Throughout your journey, I will work collaboratively with you to create a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and I will strive to understand you through non-judgmental exploration of all aspects of life. During this process, I will ask questions and offer observations, provide a source of support and encouragement, and hold a deep respect for your individual process of healing, integration, and change.

Rates:

$180 - 45 minute session

$216 - 60 minute session

$240 - initial intake session/evaluation

Insurance:

I am considered an "out of network provider" for all insurance plans because I am not contracted with any insurance companies (i.e. I'm not "in network"). You may choose to independently submit receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement, though the amount will depend on what your specific plan will cover. Please be aware that your insurance company requires me to provide a diagnosis of a mental health disorder on your receipts.

Alternatively, paying for therapy "out of pocket" instead of using your insurance has some benefits such as not requiring a diagnosis of a mental disorder and having more control over the privacy of your health information, the length your treatment, and the type of treatment. This can be helpful especially when engaging in longer term (not brief) psychotherapy.

I also offer a sliding scale based on financial need.

EMAIL CONTACT FORM*

Ready to schedule a free phone consultation? Have questions or other things to discuss?

Send me a message using the form below, or give me call.

*Note - email is not an encrypted form of communication. Please do not provide confidential clinical information using this form.

Credentials:

Oregon licence (LPC): C4919 - Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT)

Phone: 503-378-5499 email: lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov

3218 Pringle Rd SE, Suite 120, Salem, OR 97302-6312

Washington license (LMHC): LH60892451 - Washington State Department of Health (WADOH)

Phone: 360-236-4700 email: hsqacomplaintintake@doh.wa.gov

Health Systems Quality Assurance, C/O Executive Director, 111 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501

Texas license (LPC): 87534 - Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)

Phone: 512-305-7700

333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701

NOTICE TO CLIENTS: The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology. Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint. Please call 1-800-821-3205 for more information.

New Mexico license (LPCC): CTB-2022-0017 - New Mexico Counseling & Therapy Practice Board

Phone: 505-476-4622

Boards and Commissions Division, Counseling and Therapy Practice Board, PO Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM 87504