Tressa Ernst, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

A woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair smiling outdoors with trees and greenery in the background.

  • My Master's degree in clinical social work is from University of Chicago with a focus on children and families and evidence based practices. My undergraduate degree in psychology is from Trinity Western University with a minor in human services. In my continuing education as a clinical social worker, I have focused on trauma-related treatments including EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems), neuroscience-based approaches to treating chronic pain, and treatments for ADHD.

    I have worked with children, adolescents, and their families at an inpatient psychiatry unit, as well as with adults with co-occurring substance use issues and mental illness on a community mental health outreach team, and on an integrated primary care team providing group and individual counseling. In the last four years, I have worked as an outpatient therapist providing individual and group therapy.

  • Addiction and Substance Use Disorder, ADHD, Anger and Irritability, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Medical Concerns, Depressive Disorders, Family Conflict, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Relationship Concerns, Self-harming Behaviors, Spirituality and Religious Concerns, Trauma and Stress

  • Individual Therapy, EMDR, Group Therapy

Hello, my name is Tressa Ernst (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon and Washington. I work with individuals (ages 14 to 75) and provide group therapy all via virtual sessions.

Are you a good clinical fit?

I view counseling as a collaborative process and welcome feedback from clients in our work together to build a trusting therapeutic relationship to support healing, growth, and reaching clients' specific goals. Time and time again I have been impressed by the resilience of individuals and find joy in calling attention to the strengths of each person I work with. I have extensive experience working with trauma-affected individuals as well as people experiencing chronic pain and medical conditions. I often incorporate emotion regulation and relaxation strategies in my work with clients, harnessing the power of the physical body and the brain.

My Approach

I am trained in EMDR including attachment-focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for complex PTSD, and I often utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy in my work with clients as well. With these interventions, I aim to approach counseling with each client in a holistic way, incorporating modalities as needed to best serve each person.

I look forward to working with 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 Tressa. Our admin team will reach out to schedule you with Tressa or offer her waitlist.

  • Tressa generally accepts new clients but there could be a waitlist. Submit a prospective patient inquiry form or call 503-334-3035 to find out Tressa’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. 

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