Dr. Lauren Helm, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist | Founder, Rise Psychology

Dr. Lauren Helm is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Rise Psychology, a private practice dedicated to providing evidence-based, compassionate care for adults in Washington and Oregon. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, burnout, relationship challenges, and related concerns.

Dr. Helm’s clinical approach is grounded in research-supported methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Unified Protocol Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), and Gottman Method. Her work integrates practical skill-building with deep emotional insight to meet each client’s unique needs, values, and goals.

Clients describe her presence as calm, collaborative, and thoughtful. Therapy is structured to be active, supportive, and focused on helping individuals move toward greater emotional clarity, self-compassion, and meaningful change. If you're ready to move toward a life that feels more whole, grounded, and connected, she’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Credentials & Clinical Background

With 15 years of psychotherapy experience, Dr. Helm has received training in a range of clinical settings, including hospitals, university counseling centers, specialty clinics, and integrated primary care.

Education & Training

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology – California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University (APA-accredited)

• B.A., Psychology & Social Behavior – University of California, Irvine, cum laude

• Pre-doctoral Internship

  • State Center Community College District, APA-accredited (professional supervised experience providing psychotherapy and counseling services to college student population for variety of presenting concerns)

• Postdoctoral Residency

  • Strong Integrated Behavioral Health (professional supervised experience in both integrated healthcare and outpatient settings, training in providing psychotherapy and assessment services for variety of concerns)

• Doctoral Practica Training:

  • Center for Anxiety and Stress Management (professional supervised experience and specialized training in evidence-based care of anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions)

  • BioBehavioral Therapies Clinic for Anxiety (professional supervised experience and specialized training in use of HRV and EMG biofeedback for treatment of anxiety and chronic pain)

  • V.A. San Diego Healthcare System (professional supervised experience and training in providing evidence-based treatment of hoarding disorder within clinical research study)

  • New Mindful Life (professional supervised experience and extensive training in mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based therapy)

  • DBT Center of San Diego (professional supervised experience and specialized training in use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy full fidelity model for BPD treatment)

  • UCSD Moores Cancer Center (professional supervised experience and training in providing health psychology and psychotherapy to individuals and family members with chronic illness)

  • Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital (professional supervised experience and training in providing evidence-based psychotherapy services to gerontology population within inpatient psychiatric unit)

Additional Clinical Trainings & Certifications:

• Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)

• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) (completed EFT Externship training with Dr. Sue Johnson, founder of EFT)

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy (completed Level 1 and Level 2 training with Drs. John & Julie Gottman, founders of Gottman Method Couples Therapy)

• IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) (training in OCD and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders treatment)

• The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Virtual Professional Training Institute (training in treatment of body-focused repetitive behaviors)

Professional Affiliations

• National Register of Health Service Psychologists

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Personal Life

Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Helm enjoys spending time with her husband and children, connecting with friends, exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and engaging in creative pursuits. She finds joy in amateur interior design, playing music, photography, art, writing, and cross-stitching, and also enjoys playing video games. Her personal life reflects a deep appreciation for self-compassion, mindful living, and ongoing personal growth—values that also inform and enrich her work as a therapist.