Alisa Karmel, PsyD, MSnC, LPC

Licensed Psychologist & Licensed Professional Counselor

Smiling woman with brown hair wearing a blue top, standing outdoors in front of green plants and a brick wall.

  • I am a licensed psychologist in Oregon specializing in fat-affirming, weight-inclusive care. My work is grounded in the belief that people in fat bodies deserve competent, evidence-based support without shame, coercion, or moral judgment, regardless of the choices they make about their bodies.

    I work with people in fat bodies across the full spectrum of relationships to weight, including those not pursuing weight loss, those feeling ambivalent, and those actively pursuing it through tools such as GLP-1 medications or weight-loss surgery. There is no “right” way to be in a fat body.

    My training spans education, counseling psychology, nutrition, and clinical psychology (University of Oregon; Pacific University; National University of Natural Medicine), allowing me to work at the intersection of mental health, nutrition, and lived experience, particularly where weight-centric care has caused harm. My clinical background is in health psychology, supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, complex relationships with food and body, and bariatric surgery recovery.

    I am completing ongoing fat-affirming, weight-inclusive training through the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). I am also the co-author of T-Shirt Swim Club and co-host of The Forking Truth podcast.

  • Anxiety, Body image dissatisfaction, Eating disorders or disordered eating related to “obesity”, Fat liberation, Insomnia, Weight stigma, Weight management and acceptance

  • Individual Therapy and Group Therapy

    Ages 18+. Virtual sessions.

Hi, I’m Dr. Alisa Karmel (she/her). I am a licensed psychologist in Oregon, a mother, an author, and a fat person. I provide fat-affirming, weight-inclusive therapy for people who are done being shamed, managed, or fixed. My work centers autonomy, dignity, and care while actively challenging weight stigma, diet culture, and medical fatphobia.

In addition to individual therapy, I facilitate several groups, including T-Shirt Swim Club, a fat-affirming support group for people navigating body image, food, and health in a weight-obsessed world. More information about current offerings is available on our Groups page.

Are you a good clinical fit?

I work with people in fat bodies navigating body image distress, complex relationships with food, emotional or binge eating, anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and the impact of weight stigma and medical harm.


You may be a good fit if:

  • Identify as fat, overweight, “obese”, or “high-BMI”

  • Are not pursuing weight loss, feel ambivalent, or are actively pursuing it

  • Are using GLP-1 medications or considering or recovering from weight-loss surgery

  • Have experienced harm, dismissal, or trauma in medical or personal systems

We may not be a good fit if…

We may not be a good fit if you are seeking weight-loss-centered therapy, prescriptive rules about food or exercise, or care that prioritizes control over autonomy.

You are welcome here even if you are pursuing weight loss. In this space, your worth is never contingent on outcomes, and your care is never conditional on changing your body.

My Approach

My work integrates evidence-based behavioral interventions within a trauma-informed, fat-affirming, weight-inclusive framework. I primarily use motivational interviewing and patient-centered language to support autonomy and values-based decision-making.

Sessions are collaborative, consent-based, and carefully paced. I support emotional awareness, gentle insight, and values-aligned next steps—without shame, pressure, or rigidity. We focus on what feels most present, prioritizing emotional safety, choice, and sustainable growth.

I look forward to meeting you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Interested in working together? Submit a prospective patient form and provide a brief description of why you are seeking services with Dr. Karmel. Our admin team will reach out to schedule you with Dr. Karmel or offer her waitlist.

  • Dr. Karmel generally accepts new clients but there could be a waitlist. Submit a prospective patient inquiry form or call 503-334-3035 to find out Dr. Karmel’s schedule and availability.

  • All licensed providers at PSC accept AETNA, Cigna, Health Net, Kaiser, MODA, PacificSource, Providence Health Plans, and Regence BCBS. Please contact us at 503-334-3035 to verify your insurance.

  • Dr. Alisa Karmel offers online telehealth visits. Contact us at 503-334-3035 to find out Dr. Karmel’s schedule and availability.