Krystal Ortiz

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

As a proud second-generation Mexican-American and U.S. Army veteran, I bring both lived experience and professional training to my work with young children and their families. I believe early childhood is a powerful time for growth and connection, and I strive to create a warm, inclusive space where children feel safe to explore their feelings, and parents feel supported in their caregiving journey, en inglés o en español.

I specialize in supporting children ages 0 to 6 and their families through life’s early challenges, including anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral concerns, grief, trauma, and transitions such as starting school or welcoming a new sibling. My approach is playful, relational, and developmentally attuned, using tools like play therapy, art activities, and parent–child interaction work to strengthen bonds and build emotional resilience.

I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), always tailoring my methods to the needs of young children and their caregivers.

I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University–Central Texas. Before becoming a therapist, I served 14 years in the U.S. Army as a Human Resources Sergeant, with deployments to Korea and Afghanistan. This experience deepened my cultural competence, leadership skills, and understanding of resilience in families.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Oregon, practicing under the supervision of Desiree A. Dalkiran, LPC #C5705. My goal is to partner with families to nurture healthy development, strong relationships, and a foundation of emotional well-being that will serve children for a lifetime.