About Us

Coastal Center Clinicians

Christa Bhagat Smith, M.A.,  LPC

 christa@coastal-center.com

Licensed Professional Counselor  

License #C9135

Online only Mondays - Thursdays

I accept Self-pay, Samaritan Choice, and IHN

*Has Limited Availability; Waitlist is OPEN*

My primary focus is on individual clients aged 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!

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*

Morgan McCoy, M.A.

Morgan@coastal-center.com

Professional Counselor Associate

Registration #R9289

Supervised by Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT

At the Corvallis office/online Sundays

Online only Mondays & Wednesdays

I accept Self-pay 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

Online only Mondays - Thursdays

I accept Self-pay, Medicare, IHN, Samaritan Choice, 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, 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.  

Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., LMFT

julie@coastal-center.com

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

License #T1160

Practice owner and supervisor

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 aged 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

At the Corvallis office/online Mondays & Tuesdays

I accept Self-pay 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

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, and will greet you with a smile. 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

Front Desk Receptionist

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! 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*

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!