" Let’s make our elders and ancestors proud by not buying into the lie black people cannot benefit from professional counseling"
Dr. Keith Dempsey
Keith Dempsey Counseling
Dr. Keith Dempsey
Dr. Keith Dempsey earned a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Oregon State University (OSU) in 2009. He is the former Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. He is the first African American to receive tenure at the Institution. He has conducted national presentations and trainings regarding issues of diversity, racial trauma, and the plight of black men. Dr. Dempsey is the past President of the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES).
Dr. Dempsey has 25+ years of professional experience in the helping field. He served as a multi-systemic therapist at Self Enhancement Inc. He was also a clinical social worker at the Casey Family Programs. He later developed substantial programs at the African American Health Coalition (AAHC) designed to combat physical and mental health disparities. He is currently the owner of Keith Dempsey Counseling & Consulting LLC. He and some of his selected colleagues provide mental health consulting and services to individuals, families, couples, and agencies.
Dr. Dempsey believes in the power of counseling. He has conducted national presentations regarding the importance of mental wellness. He advocates for communities to move past the stigma of mental health and lean into the new normalcy of seeking professional therapeutic support. He is often known to say, “It’s okay, not to be okay,” and “mental health is a human experience.” Dr. Dempsey is a strong advocate for mental health, wellness, and self-care. He is a contributing author of African Americans and Mental Health.
Culturally Responsive Services
I provide individual counseling for people struggling with an array of issues. Individual counseling allows one to process thoughts and feeling to get a better perspective on complex situations and emotions.
I also provide couple and family counseling. Sometimes communication with our loved ones can be the most difficult. Couples and Family Counseling allows a safe platform to explore issues that need to be addressed in a healthy and positive manner.
1 : 1 Therapy
Get personalized support with Dr. Keith Dempsey’s 1-on-1 therapy sessions. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Dempsey creates a safe space for you to explore your feelings and work through challenges. His understanding of diversity and racial trauma ensures a culturally responsive approach. Start your healing journey with someone who believes that “It’s okay, not to be okay.”
Couples Therapy
Revive your relationship with couples therapy from Dr. Keith Dempsey. With his extensive experience, he helps partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their bond. Dr. Dempsey creates an empathetic environment where both individuals can express their needs. Take the first step toward a healthier relationship together.
Group Therapy
Join Dr. Keith Dempsey’s group therapy sessions to connect with others facing similar challenges. These supportive gatherings provide a safe space for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Led by Dr. Dempsey, each session promotes open dialogue and community. Discover that mental health is a shared journey, and healing can happen together.
My Clientele
My clientele include Individuals, couples, families. I have a done significant work with young men of color and provide a culturally sensitive approach to all counseling situations. I have addressed the following issues:
- Behavioral issues
- Emotional Disturbance
- Grief and Loss
- Peer Relationship Issues
- Spirituality
- Coping Skills
- Child and Adolescent
- Anger Management
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Family Conflict
- Parenting
,,
Racism fuels the collective spiritual, psychological, emotional, and cognitive
distress for African Americans.
Dr. Keith Dempsey
Contributing Author
Contributing Author
African Americans and Mental Health
Why We need Counseling in our Community
The CDC has declared racism a threat to mental health for Black people.
The number of Blacks experiencing depression and committing suicide is at an all-time high.
Only 25% of Black people in the U.S. seek treatment for mental health issues, compared to 50% of White people.
Mental Health
KGW Presents:
Talk About It
In Partnership with KGW News, Dr. Dempsey shares his support in helping Black & all people find comfort in talking about their mental health.
Mental health challenges can have a dramatic effect on quality of life, including relationships, career, and physical health. Oregon has a mental health crisis. Approximately, 1 in 4 people in Oregon suffer from a mental health challenge in a given year.
Insurance & Fees
Getting Started
My fee is $225 for a 50 minute session for individuals, couples and families. Cash, check and credit cards are all acceptable forms of payment. I accept all major credit cards. Payment is due at the end of each session.
Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance depending on your policy. I accept Oregon Health Plan (OHP) insurance, Kaiser Permanente, and cash paying clients.
Meet Our People
Meet some of Dr. Dempsey’s trusted colleagues who have served as previous mentors or mentees. Much like Dr. Dempsey, these therapists work from a culturally specific, culturally sensitive lens.
Unique Page
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MHP, LPC, NCC
Donita L. Jordan
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern,
MA
Donald Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MHP, LPC, NCC
Jerry Woodards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Other Services
We Do So Much More Than Therapy.
Schedule An Appointment
I invite you to call for a free 15 minute consultation (503) 799.1298. This will allow you the opportunity to see if my counseling services are appropriate for your circumstance. If you decide to take the next step we will schedule an appointment. At the first appointment I will gather information to complete the two intake forms on this page.
Contact me at Keith@Keithdempseycounseling.com
Office: 2100 NE Broadway STE 335 Portland OR 97323
Get Started