Get the counseling support
you need to thrive.
Get the counseling support
you need to thrive.
Professional Trauma-informed Counseling/Therapy for Marriages, Couples, and Individuals
Healthy marriages and relationships are the foundation of a stable and thriving society. In hard times, individuals and marriages need support and no one is immune to unrest, emotional distress, miscommunication, misunderstanding, and conflict. Friends of the Family has offered professional trauma-informed counseling and therapy for marriages, couples, and individuals since 1994 as a pillar of emotional, relational, and spiritual support across the community.
Treatment Areas
- ADHD
- Adoption
- Anger Management
- Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Body Image
- Chronic Medical Conditions
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Family Conflict
- Grief, Transitions and Loss
- Infidelity
- Marriage Issues
- Military/First Responders
- Mood Disorders
- OCD
- Perinatal/Postpartum
- Premarital
- Relationship Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Substance Use
- Trauma and PTSD/Anxiety
Areas We Do Not Treat
- Court-ordered or DHS-mandated therapy or evaluations
- Custody Issues
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Support Letters for pets
- Individuals in active recovery from drug or substance abuse (case-by-case)
- Individuals recently discharged (30 days or less) from an inpatient care facility
- Individuals unwilling to be in therapy
- Medication Management and Psychiatric Prescriptions
- Sex Offender Rehabilitation
- Walk-Ins or Crisis Counseling
For Individuals
Are the burdens of stress, anxiety, or depression weighing you down? Have you experienced trauma, grief, or difficulties in your relationships? Know that you’re not alone in these struggles. Every single day, countless individuals from all corners of the world grapple with these very challenges that can feel overwhelming and isolating.
Here at Friends of the Family, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate through these tough times. Our compassionate and professional counseling staff is ready to extend a helping hand and provide the support you need. No longer do you have to face these issues alone.
Together, we’ll work on getting you unstuck, finding new approaches to tackle life’s obstacles, and fostering healthier relationships. Your journey towards hope, healing and growth starts here.
Whether you choose to participate in our engaging group workshops, where you’ll connect with others on similar paths, or opt for personalized one-on-one sessions, our counselors are equipped with the expertise to guide you. And, if you’re not in our local area, fret not – our online counseling services offered throughout Oregon bring transformation right to your doorstep.
You don’t have to continue carrying the weight of your struggles on your own. Let us be your companions on this path to brighter horizons. At Friends of the Family, we’re committed to helping you find hope for your future, and together, we’ll build a stronger foundation for a more fulfilling life, work, and relationships. Take that brave step forward today – your brighter tomorrow awaits.
For Marriages & Couples
Are you and your partner facing tough times in your marriage? You don’t have to handle it all alone. Our caring counselors are here to stand by your side and provide professional, trauma-informed counseling to guide you through these challenges.
At Friends of the Family, our focus is on improving the emotional, relational, and spiritual health of both individuals in the marriage. When you sit down with our counselors, you’ll find genuine care and support for you, your marriage, and your family. We combine faith-based and clinical approaches to therapy to help you get unstuck, heal, grow, reconcile, and reconnect.
Together, we’ll work towards rediscovering the love and connection that brought you together, and help you build the strong and fulfilling marriage you’ve always wanted. With your commitment and our dedicated help, you can take meaningful steps towards a happier and healthier future together. Marriage counseling paves the way to a stronger and more resilient marriage.
Your marriage is worth it.
For Children, Adolescents, and Families
Navigating the complexities of 21st-century family life can be tough, especially for children and teens. Sometimes, they need a guiding hand to adapt to the challenges of growing up, while at other times, more focused intervention is required to set them on a healthy path of growth.
At Friends of the Family, our dedicated counselors are here to help. We understand that children express themselves differently, which is why we have specific training in “Play Therapy” – a scientifically proven approach that meets kids right where they are. Through this technique, we can help children process and heal from difficult experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our experienced counselors are also well-versed in addressing youth and family issues. Together, we’ll work as a team to support you and your child through the ups and downs of life, fostering their emotional well-being and positive development.
Let us be your partner in guiding your child towards a brighter tomorrow. With our caring and skillful approach, we’re here to make the journey of growth and healing a smoother one for your family. Get started with us today and witness the positive transformations in your child’s life.
Our Professional Counseling Team
Our Professional Counseling Team is comprised of compassionate and highly-trained therapists who are here to guide you on your journey to mental and emotional well-being. With diverse expertise and a client-centered approach, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges and achieve your personal goals. Whether you’re seeking individual counseling, couples therapy, or family support, our team is ready to provide the caring and professional assistance you deserve.
Sherry Doggett
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Sherry is a dedicated and skilled Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, committed to serving adolescents, adults, couples, and families in her counseling practice. She brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained from her varied life experiences in military family life, marriage research, and education.
Her lifelong passion for understanding and improving relationships led her to specialize in marriage and couple therapy. She currently holds advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Restoration Therapy, and she is also trained in Gottman Method (Level I). Sherry is a good fit for clients seeking premarital, marriage and couples counseling, and individuals seeking emotional and spiritual health, struggling with shame and low self-worth, wrestling with spiritual questions, managing betrayal trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
Sherry’s educational achievements include a master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling from George Fox University, combined with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Washington. She continues to pursue professional growth and training to develop her skills.
Sherry attends Northside Church in North Albany and values their community involvement. Outside of her counseling practice, Sherry finds joy in paddle boarding, hiking, reading, and celebrating special moments with her family. With her genuine care and expertise, Sherry aims to support her clients on their journey towards healthier relationships and personal growth.
Alicia Deal
Professional Counselor Associate
Alicia is a highly trained and compassionate counselor, specializing in working with children, teens, adults, and families. Her dedication lies in providing a source of unwavering support and encouragement to individuals and families facing challenges with thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Alicia’s profound passion revolves around guiding her clients towards healing and achieving a sense of wholeness.
Her academic accomplishments include a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Colorado Christian University. In addition, she will also be completing a master’s in School Counseling in 2024 from the same university. Furthermore, Alicia is devoted to enhancing her therapeutic expertise through certification in Play Therapy.
Originally from California, Alicia and her family have been blessed with a relocation to Albany. As an active member of Willamette Community Church, Alicia values community and spiritual connections. In her leisure time, Alicia finds joy in spending quality moments with her husband, children, and pets. She also enjoys participating in face painting and balloon twisting activities at events with her family.
With her warm-hearted approach and comprehensive training, Alicia aims to foster healing, peace of mind, and spiritual well-being for her clients. As a counselor, she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives she touches, empowering her clients to lead fulfilling and harmonious lives.
Holly Berry
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Holly is a skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon, with a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors of child welfare. She is dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where she can walk alongside her clients—be it individuals, young adults, couples, or families—on their journey towards positive change and desired outcomes. Holly’s passion lies in supporting her clients’ pursuit of health and healing, fostering a compassionate environment for growth and transformation.
Holly earned her master’s degree in Social Work from Cal State Long Beach, complemented by a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University. Her commitment to professional development extends to additional certifications in foster care and adoption therapy, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), further enriching her expertise.
In her leisure time, Holly cherishes moments with her family and finds joy in gardening, hiking, quilting, and exploring the natural beauty of Oregon.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Holly brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and dedication to her practice, with the goal of empowering her clients to thrive in their lives. Whether it’s overcoming challenges or striving for personal growth, Holly is devoted to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.
Kara Oyer
Registered Associate
Kara is a skilled counseling professional who has completed her master’s degree in Counseling at Crown College, MN. Her passion lies in providing holistic support to clients, encompassing individuals, young adults, couples, biracial and intercultural couples, and families, as they strive to achieve their goals. With a warm and empathetic approach, Kara creates a nurturing environment to facilitate healing.
Her counseling expertise spans various areas, including addressing family of origin wounds, navigating relationship challenges, women’s issues, multicultural concerns, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, as well as grief and loss.
In addition to her counseling pursuits, Kara holds the distinction of being an Ordained Minister within the Christian and Missionary Alliance. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Global and Cultural Studies from Crown College, MN. Furthermore, Kara has furthered her knowledge with certificates in PeaceMaking and Trauma-Informed Crisis Intervention.
As a devoted wife and mother, Kara cherishes her family life. During her leisure time, she finds joy in their company along with their two dogs. Kara nurtures her personal growth through her passion for travel, reading, hiking, and photography.
Kara is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of her clients, and she looks forward to walking alongside them on their journey to healing and growth.
Dave Jackson
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Executive Director of Friends of the Family
Dave is an esteemed Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a rich background in pastoral work, accumulating 14 years of dedicated service on staff at Corvallis Evangelical Church. As the Executive Director of Friends of the Family since 2016, he brings a wealth of expertise to his counseling practice.
Dave’s passion lies in empowering couples to cultivate healthy relationships. Alongside his counseling pursuits, he cherishes quality time spent with his family and finds joy in hiking and riding his motorcycle.
With a proven track record of compassion and professional excellence, Dave is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those he serves. His unique blend of counseling and pastoral experience offers a comprehensive approach to fostering healing and growth within the lives of his clients.
As a respected Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and credentialed pastor, Dave is dedicated to supporting couples on their journey towards stronger and more fulfilling relationships. Through his guidance and expertise, clients can find a renewed sense of hope and connection.
Choosing A Counselor
At Friends of the Family, we understand the significance of finding the right counselor for your needs. You are welcome to request a specific counselor, and if they currently have no immediate openings, we can place you on a waitlist for their availability.
In determining the best match for you, we take into account various factors, including each counselor’s availability, your presenting issues, the urgency of your needs, and how well the counselor’s fee structure aligns with your financial situation.
To assist you in making an informed decision, we encourage you to get to know our counselors through their short biographies and photos provided above. Feel free to request a specific counselor or inquire about the soonest availability.
For personalized guidance, our knowledgeable staff can be reached at (541) 757-1761. They are well-informed about each counselor’s strengths, training, and interests, and can help you find the best fit and schedule your initial appointment.
Additionally, if desired we offer a free 15-minute consultation with a counselor, providing you with an opportunity to further assess whether you will be an effective match in accomplishing your goals together.
We recognize the importance of a comfortable and effective counseling relationship. If, for any reason, after a few sessions, you feel that the current counselor is not the right fit for you, don’t worry. We are here to help explore other options. We can facilitate a transfer to another counselor within our office or offer referrals to external professionals who may be a better match for your needs. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to supporting you in finding the best path forward.
Make An Appointment
F.A.Q.
Direct Billing of Insurance: We offer direct billing for certain insurance companies, and we are continuously expanding our panel. Please contact our office at 541-757-1761 to check if your insurance company is currently part of our eligible providers.
Indirect Use of Insurance: If your insurance company is not directly billed by us, you may still be able to use your insurance. Our credentialed counselors are typically considered “Out of Network Providers” by most insurance companies. While counseling at Friends of the Family will be an out-of-pocket expense at the time of service, we can provide you with a “Super Bill” receipt. You can submit this to your insurance company for partial or sometimes even full reimbursement. To understand your plan’s coverage for out-of-network healthcare providers, please contact your insurance company directly.
Out-of-Pocket Fees for Counseling: To ensure accessibility for all, we offer a Sliding Fee Scale based on household income. Thanks to the support of caring individuals in our community, Friends of the Family can keep our rates affordable.
Special Circumstances and Scholarships: We allocate limited funds annually to assist individuals with special needs through scholarships. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please contact our front office to learn more about the application process.
All of our clinicians have completed rigorous, scientifically-grounded training to get where they are and are either maintaining professional licensure in the State of Oregon or are on track to acquire it in the near future. Each clinician is also grounded in their own personal faith in Jesus Christ and is sensitive to the spiritual issues that impact all of our lives. However, the degree to which faith is directly integrated into counseling sessions is determined by the client. We respect the importance of every client’s belief system. We will ask you about this in the first session and incorporate biblical truths, insights and principles into our work together as much as you desire.
We serve many client populations, including those who do not identify with a Christian faith. Our counselors are trained to create a supportive and compassionate space for you and do not pray, share Scripture, or other practices related to Christian faith if that is not something you want to include.
We will briefly review paperwork and policies related to counseling. The remainder of the session is more of an opportunity to learn about you, what you are currently facing, the symptoms and challenges you are experiencing, and to learn how we can best support you and help you reach your goals.
Treatment length is a personalized process that varies depending on your issues and goals for therapy. Our goal is to provide you thorough care that meets your needs. We will make recommendations based on your symptoms and goals and create a plan together, taking into consideration your financial situation and, if you are paying through insurance, any limitations required there.
Counseling sessions are typically 50-minutes in length. On occasion up to 80-minutes is set aside for Intake Sessions or for sessions with couples or families. This will be decided ahead of time so all parties can plan accordingly.
Yes! Our counselors have received training in Prepare/Enrich as a tool for helping you see areas of strength and growth in your relationship that we can address together. Ask about our package that includes an assessment and 6-8 sessions with a counselor. Occasionally, we offer an alternate package that includes a six-hour workshop with a group of couples, followed by three personalized sessions with one of our facilitators.
There are several different paths to becoming a licensed clinician in the State of Oregon. The letters after each counselor’s name indicates which path of training he or she took. Graduate Counseling Interns are Master’s level students gaining supervised field experience required to enter the counseling profession. Registered Associates have graduated and are working toward the prerequisite hours to become fully licensed clinicians. LMFT is short for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor. LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Each path can have a wide variety of specialty areas.
Access Your Client Portal
In your secure Client Portal you’ll be able to Receive or Return Documents, Send a Secure Message to Your Counselor, Make a Payment, and more.
