Carmen “Julie” Ortiz

About Carmen “Julie” Ortiz

Carmen “Julie” Ortiz is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern who believes in working together, as a team, with her clients in order to help them manage and/or resolve the problems they want to focus on. Originally from New York City, she also lived over 18 years in Oregon State, giving her a love of both the city and the country. Being born and raised in a multiracial and economically-challenged neighborhood, provides her with a broad perspective in therapy and drives her passion for helping individuals from under-served and marginalized communities. Her specialties are in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, those involved with law enforcement (probation, parole, etc.), military veterans and active members, hospice/bereavement/grief loss, and children (ages 3 to 18).

Julie’s clinical experience includes helping those dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, PTSD/trauma, self-esteem, borderline, and antisocial challenges. She uses multiple techniques including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, solution-focused, and more, to create a person-centered environment where clients feel safe to express themselves and grow in their coping strategies. Julie makes connections with individuals, by being genuine and giving positive regard, in order to positively encourage and motivate them to move forward throughout their treatment. Working jointly with clients, therapy goals are established and updated as needed, leading to their development of confidence, resilience in times of difficulty, personal transformation, and, ultimately, what they consider success.

Julie has a love of meeting people from all over the world (foreign languages, food, music, dance, movies, etc.) and adventure, having explored all over the U.S. (both the East and West Coasts) as well as internationally. She has visited India, Singapore, South America (British Guyana, Suriname), Central America (Costa Rica, Honduras, Belize), Mexico, West Africa (Senegal, Goree Island), Europe (too many to list!), and the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands). Julie’s love of the outdoors (especially hiking, camping, and water rafting) often leads her to the mountains and forests in search of hiking trails. She is also a proud New York Rican, loves her family, close friends, and all animals, especially her two cats. Her life journey, up to the present, has influenced her interactions with others and taught her that anything is possible, especially when united with others. You are never alone in your mental health journey and in turning obstacles into successes. Join Team Julie and welcome to your new road to well-being and a positive outlook on life !