New Client Request Form
Coastal Center Clinicians
Christa Bhagat Smith, M.A., LPC
christa@coastal-center.com
Licensed Professional Counselor
License #C9135
CCCH employee since 2020
Online only Mondays - Thursdays
I accept Self-pay, Medicare, BCBS, Moda, Samaritan Choice, and IHN
*Has limited Availability; Waitlist is OPEN*
My primary focus is on individual clients ages 14 and above who are seeking assistance with anxiety and PTSD, improving communication within systems, addressing non-white identity issues, and exploring the process of religious deconstruction.
The different types of clinical approaches that I use include: solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-systems therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I enjoy collaborating with clients to understand how their interactions with the world affect their daily lives.
I completed my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver.
John Butler VI, Ph.D. Candidate, LMFT
john@coastal-center.com
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
License #T1258
¡hablo español!
CCCH employee since 2019
At the Corvallis office/online on Wednesdays & Thursdays
Online only Mondays, Tuesdays, & Fridays
I accept Self-pay, Medicare, Moda, IHN, Samaritan Choice, and BCBS
*Has Limited Availability; Waitlist is OPEN*
I would be honored to be your therapist and help you and family obtain the support and hope you deserve.
I seek to nurture client change and growth by exploring and enhancing clients’ strengths, successes, and solutions to the problem. I view clients’ experiences through a systemic lens and use an integrative approach to treatment. I employ a collaborative, solution-focused, and narrative family therapy stance to help individuals, couples, and families realize new possibilities and think, feel, and interact in positive and adaptive ways.
I completed my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University in 2007.
*I also can communicate in Spanish*
Dawn Cassube, M.S.
Dawn@coastal-center.com
Professional Counselor Associate
Registration #R11088
Supervised by Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT
CCCH employee since 2025
At the Corvallis office/online Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Online only Thursdays & Fridays
I accept Self-pay, Moda, and IHN
*Has Limited Availability; Waitlist is OPEN*
I believe that healing happens in a supportive and collaborative space where your strengths are recognized and built upon. Using a strengths-based, mindfulness approach, I work alongside you to navigate challenges and create meaningful change.
I have experience working with individuals ages 14 and older, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, trauma survivors, and clients facing depression, anxiety, anger management, ADHD, and those on the autism spectrum and their families. My specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) allows me to provide effective support for those processing trauma.
Together, we will work toward empowerment, resilience, and growth. I completed my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and am under the supervision of Dr. Julie Ramisch, meeting for 2-4 hours of supervision each month.
Betsy Dasenko, M.A.
Betsy@coastal-center.com
Professional Counselor Associate
Registration #R9767
Supervised by Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT
CCCH employee since 2025
At the Corvallis office/online Mondays & Wednesdays
Online only Tuesdays & Thursdays
I accept Self-pay, Moda, and IHN
*Has Limited Availability; Waitlist is OPEN*
I work with individuals navigating life’s challenges, including anxiety, stress, life transitions, and self-confidence struggles. I have experience supporting women adjusting to motherhood, LGBTQ+ and trans clients, and young professionals and college students finding their way in work, school, and relationships. My approach is rooted in person-centered and humanistic therapy, incorporating family systems and assessment to create a supportive, tailored experience for each client.
Before becoming a counselor, I spent 23 years as an educator, working with students from all over the world. This experience gives me a deep understanding of cultural identity, life transitions, and the unique challenges that come with navigating different cultural perspectives. I am passionate about providing an inclusive, affirming space where you feel heard and supported.
I earned my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Oregon State University (OSU) in 2024 and also hold an M.A. in Education from OSU (2001). If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to work with you.
I am under the supervision of Dr. Julie Ramisch. We meet for 2-4 hours of supervision each month.
Morgan McCoy, M.A.
Morgan@coastal-center.com
Professional Counselor Associate
Registration #R9289
Supervised by Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT
CCCH employee since 2024
At the Corvallis office/online Sundays
Online only Mondays & Wednesdays
I accept Self-pay, Moda, and IHN
*Schedule is FULL; Waitlist is OPEN*
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I want to help you achieve whatever life changes you are looking for while experiencing yourself in new ways.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples, especially around issues related to sexual trauma, anxiety, ADHD, school stress, life transitions, relationships and communication. I also enjoy working with older adults around issues related to memory loss and grief.
My therapeutic lens is a client-centered approach and incorporates cultural-relational, emotion-focused, and cognitive-behavioral theories utilizing art therapy interventions. Art therapy is a therapeutic modality that focuses on the art process to externalize problems as well as to express, work through and transform emotions and cognitions. Using art therapy is never a requirement in treatment, it’s an extra tool that’s available for you if you are interested. I also utilize play therapy with children.
I completed my M.A. in Art Therapy from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. I am under the supervision of Dr. Julie Ramisch. We meet for 2-4 hours of supervision each month.
Jacob Merritt, M.A., NCC, LPC
jacob@coastal-center.com
Licensed Professional Counselor
License #C7695
CCCH employee since 2020
Online only Mondays - Thursdays
I accept Self-pay, Medicare, IHN, Samaritan Choice, Moda, Providence, and BCBS
*Has Limited Availability; Waitlist is OPEN*
Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in providing counseling services to undergraduate college students and individuals with disabilities.
My counseling approach is person-centered, although I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as deemed suitable.
I have the most success working with individual clients between the ages of 14 and 30, as well as those who are 50 years old and above. These individuals often struggle with issues such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, ADHD, low self-esteem, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anger management.
It would be a privilege for me to accompany you on this journey of self-improvement.
I completed my M.A. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Aidan Morda, M.S.
Aidan@coastal-center.com
Soon-to-be Professional Counselor Associate
Registration #R11366
Supervised by Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT
CCCH employee since 2025
*Starting in Aug 2025!*
At the Corvallis office/online Thursdays & Fridays
Online only Tuesdays & Wednesdays
I will accept Self-pay, Moda, and IHN
*Will Have Availability Starting Aug 1; Waitlist is OPEN*
Whether it's managing stress and overwhelming emotions, navigating strenuous relationships, or moving through trauma, I plan to help you find a sense of peace.
Together, we will create a space in which we can identify, deconstruct, and change the patterns in your life that no longer serve you. I take a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy accounting for physical, psychological, social, and transpersonal factors that contribute to your lived experience, and finding ways to navigate how these factors influence our mode of being. My practice draws from person-centered, existential, cognitive, systemic theories, and integrates creative arts and somatic awareness to provide a well-rounded and meaningful experience.
I have experience working with individuals and groups enduring significant stress, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and a variety of other concerns. I primarily work with adults, and also have experience working with adolescents. I am trained in Tradiational Talk Therapy, Music Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).
Regardless of if we’re managing emotions and daily stressors, creating meaning and direction in a chaotic world, or just creating a space to relax and let the dust settle, I hope to help you find whichever path is most beneficial to you.
I earned a B.M in Music Therapy from Marywood University, as well as Master’s of Music Therapy and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans. I am also trained in EMDR to treat PTSD. I am currently under the supervision of Dr. Julie Ramisch. We meet for 2-4 hours of supervision each month to assure quality therapy is provided to all clients.
Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT
julie@coastal-center.com
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
OR License #T1160
WA License #LF61316486
IL License #166000892
Practice owner and supervisor
Opened CCCH in 2016
At the Corvallis office/online Sundays & Mondays
Online only Tuesdays
I accept Self-pay, Medicare, Moda, IHN, OHP Open Card, Samaritan Choice, Providence, and BCBS
*Schedule is FULL; Waitlist is CLOSED*
I graduated from Purdue University Calumet with my master's degree, and then Michigan State University with my Ph.D.. I worked as an assistant professor at a university before starting Coastal Center in 2016. I am a AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor and I enjoy supervising associate therapists.
I utilize a collaborative approach combining solution-focused, trauma-focused, and narrative family therapies to assist individuals, couples, and families in uncovering fresh possibilities and fostering positive and adaptive thoughts, emotions, and interactions.
My expertise lies in working effectively with clients who are ages 30 years and above, particularly those facing challenges in relationships and requiring assistance in managing occupational stressors. I have extra training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and use this to assist couples in identifying unhelpful or hurtful patterns and learning to connect with each other in deeper ways. Ultimately, my primary objective is to ensure that my clients perceive therapy as a beneficial and fruitful experience.
Sam Reed, M.S.
Sam@coastal-center.com
Professional Counselor Associate
Registration #R9639
Supervised by Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT
CCCH employee since 2024
At the Corvallis office/online Saturdays & Mondays
I accept Self-pay, Moda, and IHN
*Schedule is FULL; Waitlist is OPEN*
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons—whether it's navigating life transitions, coping with stress, or managing anxiety or depression. I specialize in helping young adults who are exploring their identity, facing new challenges, and striving to find balance in their lives.
I believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative journey. My approach integrates emotion-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and person-centered techniques, allowing me to tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and goals.
I understand that asking for support can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the first step toward healing and growth. Together, we will work to identify patterns, build resilience, and develop practical strategies to reach your goals. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.
I completed my M.S. in Counseling and Develop from Texas Women's University. I am under the supervision of Dr. Julie Ramisch. We meet for 2-4 hours of supervision each month.
Coastal Center Admin Team
Kira Cuthbert, B.A.
team@coastal-center.com
Office Manager
CCCH employee since 2022
As the office manager, I make sure that we offer the best service possible by answering phone calls and questions about how to become a new client, what type of insurance we can take, payment, and other general questions about our practice. I keep office operations running smoothly. In my time away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my cat and getting outside in nature.
*I also can communicate in Spanish*
Daniela Vargas
team@coastal-center.com
Office Supervisor
CCCH employee since 2022
As an office supervisor you'll find me at the front desk greeting clients, answering the phone, and responding to your emails. I take care of the therapists as well as the clients to make sure everyone is experiencing a safe and comfortable experience. Please say hello when you come in for your appointment! In my free time I love to hang out with my two miniature poodles. I also love watching movies, especially in the fall when it's chilly outside.
*I also can communicate in Spanish*
Samantha Szynskie, B.A.
team@coastal-center.com
Front Desk Receptionist
CCCH employee since 2025
As a front desk receptionist, my job is to greet you with a warm smile and make sure you feel safe and comfortable while visiting our office. I check in clients for appointments, answer the phone, and respond to emails. Please say hello when you come in for your appointment!
*I also can communicate in Spanish*
Are you interested in joining our team? We are always looking for talented and dedicated licensed therapists or associates to join our team. If this is you, please send your resume to julie@coastal-center.com!