Dr. Keith Dempsey
Counseling
& Consulting
Professional, Effective, & Culturally Sensitive Services
Dr. Keith Dempsey
Dr. Keith Dempsey Counseling & Consulting
Welcome to Keith Dempsey Counseling & Consulting. I invite you to explore the rest of this website and learn more about our counseling, training, and speaking services.
serving a purpose
About
Keith Dempsey has been an advocate in the helping profession for over 20+ years. He has served as a therapist and clinical social worker in the Portland Community. He has a passion for helping individuals, couples and families reach their full potential through the power of counseling. He earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Oregon State University. His doctoral studies focused on coping strategies for Black men. He has conducted national presentations and trainings regarding issues of diversity, racial trauma, and the plight of Black people. Dr. Dempsey is the past President of the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES). He is formerly the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. He is the first African American to receive tenure at this institution. His volunteer work includes MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Self Enhancement Inc., Salvation Army, Kappa League Youth Program and the Perspective Gentleman’s Program.
Clients & Partners
In The Community
Community & Alumni Impact
Beginning The Conversation
Talk About It - Mental Health
Celebrating BHM
OSU Black Liberation
Growing a Rewarding Career
By Renée Bacher – American Counseling Associaiton
Dempsey started his career working at a nonprofit, then earned his PhD. For 15 years, he taught counseling as a professor at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, moving up through the ranks to associate dean of the School of Counseling. He also maintained a small private practice — something that was expected of all professors.
As his practice grew, Dempsey decided to leave teaching in 2020 and concentrate on his business. As a Black man, he says he realized that the further he climbed the ranks in the university, the further he would be getting from his community, which especially needs Black male counselors. “I made the decision to retire from academia and go with my community,” he says. “And I haven’t looked back.”
Track of the Year
The Commodores – Zoom