We know that looking for mental health support can feel confusing. There are many different titles and credentials in the counseling world, and it is not always clear what they mean or who might be the best fit for you.

All providers at Sankofa Counseling hold an active professional license to provide clinical mental health services within the state of Oregon. The differences between counselor titles simply reflect levels of education, experience, and the kinds of services each provider is trained to offer. 

Professional Counselors are trained in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disruptions and disorders. Counselors are required to hold a professional license overseen by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists (OBLPCT). The professional pathway for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) takes a minimum of 5 years to complete, requiring the following steps: 

• Masters Degree → Professional Counselor Associate under Supervision → Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  → Licensed Clinical Supervisor

Clinical Social Workers are trained in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, with additional training on advocacy and resourcing around social, environmental and political factors impacting mental health. Social Workers are required to hold a professional license overseen by the Oregon Board of Social Work (OBSW). 

The professional pathway for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker takes a minimum of 5 years to complete, requiring the following steps: 

• Masters Degree → Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) under Supervision  → Licensed Clinical Social Worker  (LCSW) → Licensed Clinical Supervisor

Clinical Psychologists are Doctors of Psychology (PsyD). They are trained in both administering and interpreting psychological tests and assessments. Psychologists are required to hold a professional license overseen by the Oregon Board of Psychologists (OBP). 

The professional pathway for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker takes a minimum of 5 years to complete, requiring the following steps: 

• Masters Degree → Dissertation → Internship → Postdoctoral Internship under Supervision → Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD)

Practicum Students & Counselor Interns are individuals enrolled in a nationally accredited masters program (Counselors/Social Workers) or doctoral program (Psychologists), who are completing a year-long placement as they complete their program. Practicum students and Counselor Interns receive weekly clinical supervision through their University and Clinical Supervision through Sankofa Counseling. 

3 of providers are trained in EMDR (Shinjini, Vanessa & Deshawn) 

We do not currently have medication management services available, and will provide referrals as needed. We do request that clients complete a Release of Information to support coordination of care around medication management. 

Both! Our team consists of providers who provide services in-person, virtually, or a hybrid of the two. Some providers are certified in Ecotherapy and host sessions in the community and/or outdoors. 

We are currently equipped to serve ages 14 and up. We do not currently offer play therapy

4 providers are trained in Couples therapy (Kalpana, Mila, Donnell, & LaTrece)

Yes. We accept all major insurance, except United, Optum, Tricare, OHP-Pacific Source, and Medicare. See more detailed information here (hyperlink to insurance/payment page)

All events are first announced to our Instagram or Eventbrite, & Registration links are posted here. We also have a quarterly community newsletter, which you can sign up for here.