Alisa Karmel, PsyD, MSnC, LPC

Hello! My name is Dr. Alisa Karmel (she/her), and I am a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor in the state of Oregon. I am also a mother, an author, and a fat person. I plan to change our weight-centric and fat-phobic world by supporting you in being your authentic self, guiding you to improve the way you view and treat yourself, and of course, by educating medical providers every chance I get. Most of my patients have dealt with body shaming, feelings of inadequacy, endless dieting, weight stigma, hopelessness, and discrimination because of their size. That's why I'm here. I am eager to fiercely advocate for you

Are you a good clinical fit?

My passion is in working with those experiencing fatness and “obesity”; body dissatisfaction; and eating disorders or disordered eating related to “obesity”, such as emotional eating, overeating, and binge eating; as well as supporting individuals who have dealt with weight stigma in both personal and medical settings. 

I’m here to support you in showing up as your full, authentic self. If you’ve experienced body shame, endless dieting, medical fatphobia, or just the feeling that your body isn’t “good enough,” you’re not alone—and you’re absolutely in the right place. My goal is to help you rewrite the story you’ve been told about your body and reclaim the care, respect, and self-kindness you deserve.

• If you are currently or have ever identified as high BMI, fat, overweight, or obese. 

• If you are using any weight loss medications or are pursuing/recently pursued weight loss surgery. 

• If you experience low self worth, high anxiety, or frequent depressed thoughts. 

• If you have been traumatized or harmed within the medical system or a personal setting. 

• If you are having trouble with sleep and have been diagnosed with insomnia. 

My Approach

With combined interests in nutrition and mental health, I take a behavioral approach to shift the way my patients think, act, eat, and value themselves. I use motivational interviewing with patient centered language to encourage behavioral change that is rooted in values-based decision making. I may use bibliotherapy, cognitive approaches and mindfulness-based interventions. My goal is to promote confidence and healthy living through sustainable behavioral change.

Let’s get this started!