Learn more about our health care providers below.
Amber specializes in psychiatry throughout the life span including assessments, diagnosis and psychiatric medication management of children, adults and geriatric patients. Her special interests as a PMHNP include working with Lane County Developmental Disability Services clients with psychiatric disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, mood disorders as well as anxiety disorders.
Amber’s recreational interests involve knitting, gardening and spending time with her family.
Specialty: Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Medication Management
Nan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Northwestern University in 1965, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine in 1996.
She has been a PMHNP since 1998 and specializes in geriatric behavioral health at Benson Health Clinic in accompaniment of her therapy dog.
Nan enjoys English Shepherd dogs, Shetland sheep and fiber crafts.
Specialties: Behavioral Health, Geriatric Psychiatry, Psychiatric Medication Management
Janet earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Oregon and her Masters of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Northwest Christian University. Janet developed a passion for working with struggling youth and their families during her graduate internship as a contractor for the Center for Family Development Department of Youth Services. Janet has worked with numerous teens, adults and families with various symptoms, life traumas and mental health issues. She has completed coursework requirements and has tested for the CADC I which certifies her to work with individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addictions. Janet primarily works with individuals struggling with depression, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, high level functioning autism spectrum (formerly known as Asperger’s Disorder), anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, phase of life/transition difficulties, teens and behavioral difficulties.
Janet uses an eclectic approach that is person-centered and strength-based, drawing from each individual’s past and present to work toward their future goals.
Specialties: Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy
Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts from Williams College and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of New Rochelle. He earned his Master of Science from the State University of New York Stony Brook School of Nursing. Chris is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association as well as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Chris treats depression, anxiety, trauma, attention deficit, mood swings, panic, bereavement, grief, issues concerning death and dying and personal growth, in a caring therapeutic environment to help them work through their difficulties and achieve their goals.
Chris works closely with patients to assess the outcome of treatments and to incorporate appropriate lifestyle, nutritional and other components to provide individualized care.
Specialty: Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Medication Management
Angela Means is a doctoral candidate working on finishing her dissertation identifying protective factors for children and adolescents residing with a parent diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disorder. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Accounting from the University of Oregon, and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwest Christian University in 1996. She has over 25 years of experience working with juvenile offenders and their families, young children and adolescents, individuals with various forms of neurocognitive disorders (early and late onset Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, Lewy Body, TBI), eating disorders, individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders, and individual and marital issues. Angela currently works for the Oregon Department of Corrections as a Qualified Mental Health Provider assessing, diagnosing, and providing therapeutic interventions for inmates diagnosed as severely mentally ill (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, psychosis, Bipolar, severe depression, suicidal ideation/attempts).
Rick completed his original registered nurse program in 1991. Rick then completed his Bachelor of Nursing Science at Nebraska Wesleyan in 2005, his Masters of Nursing Science at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2009 and his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Behavioral Health at Creighton University in 2010. Rick is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Rick treats mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, thought disorders including schizophrenia spectrum and schizoaffective disorders, anxiety and trauma disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. I have experience in treating severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Rick enjoy’s working in a supportive partnership with his clients as they seek to achieve their mental health goals though lifestyle changes and medication management.
Cory is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders for individuals ages 13 and up. Cory utilizes high quality, evidence-based treatments and takes a holistic approach to clients’ mental health. This approach includes consideration of lifestyle, diet, exercise and genetics in order to craft well-rounded treatment plans. In addition to prescribing and managing psychiatric medications, Cory also has training in the following types of psychotherapy: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving.
Originally from the Midwestern state of Kansas, Cory is a military veteran and has professional experience with issues common to veterans. Cory enjoys bicycling, yoga and international travel.
Thomas is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who provides medication management to clients from young adult through geriatric ages. He has a broad spectrum of experience from inpatient, to community mental health, to private practice. This includes 9 years of psychiatric experience consisting of 3 years as a psychiatric nurse and 6 years as a nurse practitioner.
Thomas enjoys working with a variety of clients in a patient-centered manner. He enjoys working with those who experience ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and thought disorders. As a medication prescriber, Thomas will use his professional knowledge, combined with the client’s knowledge of themselves to build a safe, effective, individualized treatment plan for each individual. His goal is to support and empower clients on their lifelong journey to living their best life.
In his free time, Thomas enjoys hiking, sports, movies, and time with family.
Suzanne specializes in medication management and uses brief psychotherapeutic techniques including strategic counseling, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and mindfulness techniques. Her passion is Integrative psychiatry, based in Functional Medicine and which investigates the underlying biological causes of mental illness. She strives to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan in collaboration with each patient. She has always had a holistic approach to healing for the whole person: physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual. Prior to her nursing career, she served as a licensed massage therapist and as a doula to laboring mothers.
Suzanne earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Diego State University (2001), and her Master of Science in Nursing from Cal State University San Marcos (2015). She has worked in maternal-child health, community health and pediatric case management prior to focusing on psychiatric nursing. She has experience working with severe and persistent mental illness with co-occurring substance use, mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD and the schizophrenia spectrum. Along with medication management, she enjoys teaching about essential self-care approaches such as gut-brain connection, movement and meditation.
Suzanne enjoys music, hiking in nature, reading, gardening, Qigong and yoga, spending time with family and friends, and always expanding her knowledge base in health & healing. She works with adolescents age 16 + and all ages of adults.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
It is Alyson’s belief that each person deserves support to move beyond emotional pain and when they are struggling with life. Emotional pain shows up differently for each person, and her goal is to work closely together with you to explore how to best relieve this pain and improve your quality of life. The treatment methods Alyson uses are carefully chosen for each person because she understands that everyone is unique. She begins treatment with exploring and understanding your goals. This will guide her, so she can be thorough and have a meaningful evaluation of your current concerns along with your history. You will work together with Alyson to make a plan to achieve your mental health goals. Some of the treatments she uses include medication management, supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, education, exercise, mindfulness, breathing, coaching, and referral to psychotherapy with a therapist when appropriate. Alyson’s attitude toward her patients is one of acceptance, empathy, and compassion. She believes that trust is essential for your therapeutic relationship to thrive. Alyson also offer sensitive and inclusive treatment and I am LGBTQIA-affirming.
Alyson started her career in mental health working as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for 12 years in the hospital setting. During that time, she cared for children, adolescents, adults, and senior adults. Alyson obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Rush University in Chicago, IL.
If you’d like to consider working together, please contact Benson Health Clinic by calling 541-345-1722 and request an appointment with Dr. Alyson Lumos DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC.
Jill is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders for individuals from young adult through geriatric ages. She has a broad spectrum of experience from inpatient, community mental health, to private practice.
Jill enjoys providing clients with individualized patient centered care. She works with those who experience mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and thought disorders.
In her free time Jill enjoys being outdoors, doing stained glass, and spending time with family.
Patty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English at the University of Illinois and her Masters Degree at the University of Illinois School of Social Work. She has experience working with adults (18+) with a range of mental health issues, particularly anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Her practice philosophy is strongly rooted in a strengths based, recovery perspective, using a range of therapeutic approaches to help people with anxiety and depression engage in acceptance and mindfulness processes that help them relate differently to anxious or depressed thoughts and feelings. Patty works closely with people who often feel “stuck” or trapped in a cycle of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and uses mindfulness exercises to promote calming and undermine automatic reactions that create and maintain mental and emotional suffering. Patty will help you identify what really matters to you, the barriers you face in leading the life that you want and will help you create an individual treatment plan to take meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Patty has recently moved to Eugene from California and enjoys spending time with friends and family, local outdoor music, meeting new people, and hiking. She is getting used to the rain.
Susan earned her Bachelors degree in English Education from the University of Illinois and taught high school for several years. While working with students in class and in after school activities she became a confidante for them and subsequently earned a Masters in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University with certification in School Counseling K-12.
She has worked as a school counselor in the area for over 10 years, dealing with issues ranging from scheduling, collegiate plans, family conflicts and general mental health. Becoming aware of a need to connect more deeply around the latter, she became state certified LPC in 2011.
She worked at various non profits for over 10 years seeing children, adults and families with mood issues, anxiety, school and relationship issues, PTSD and the like.
Susan utilizes an eclectic approach which embraces Rogerian person centered, strength based therapy along with modes of self expression such as art and journaling. She also utilizes cognitive awareness theories such as DBT but mainly focuses on being an empathic guide.
“When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another.” ~ Dr.Carl Rogers
Dr. Whitney is a compassionate licensed clinical psychologist specializing in providing evidence-based treatment to individuals. With a doctorate in clinical psychology, Dr. Whitney has helped countless children, adults, and families navigate their unique challenges. Dr. Whitney has worked as a psychologist, mental health program director, adjunct professor, and psychological evaluator. Her background includes delivering direct therapy services in clinics, outpatient hospital departments, and community health centers. Dr. Whitney’s practice has spanned across Los Angeles, California, and Portland, Oregon, allowing her to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She understands the importance of tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs and experiences of each client. Dr. Whitney’s areas of treatment include depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting issues/ training, coping with medical diagnoses, and grief. Dr. Whitney values the collaborative nature of therapy and actively engages clients in the process to help them achieve their therapy goals. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Whitney cherishes her role as a busy mom and enjoys spending time with her family. Dr. Kimberly Whitney is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her clients, empowering them to embark on a transformative healing journey.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Allison Eckert is a passionate patient advocate and holistic provider. She received her Bachelors in Nursing degree from Saint Ambrose University. After working in Chicago as a psychiatric nurse, she saw the need for additional providers in mental health. She went on to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree at Rush University in Chicago, IL. She has experience in inpatient treatment, care coordination, outpatient treatment and crisis stabilization. Most recently, Allison proudly provided mental health treatment to the LGBTQIA+ population at a community health center for almost 3 years.
Allison is a compassionate provider who works with her patients to create treatment plans catered to the individual’s needs and beliefs. Allison uses motivational interviewing to build rapport and trust with her patients to improve outcomes. Allison is trained to provide care to ages 18 and older.
Allison’s love for anthropology and culture has taken her to 25 countries and counting! On her days off, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking and yoga.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Kate earned her first master’s degree in nursing education and later completed her second master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Mount Marty University in South Dakota. She has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining broad clinical experience across different populations and care environments.
Kate is dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health and overall well-being, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach. She takes the time to understand each person’s unique needs and works collaboratively to create treatment plans that may include lifestyle strategies, medication management, or a combination of both. Her goal is to help patients feel safe, supported, and empowered as they work toward healing, resilience, and lasting wellness.
Price holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has experience working with individuals in both hospital and outpatient settings. His counseling style integrates psychodynamic and person-centered approaches, helping clients gain insight into how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence present struggles while also honoring each person’s unique strengths, values, and capacity for growth. Price is committed to creating a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward lasting change.
I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, and other mental health challenges.
My approach combines evidence-based treatment with an understanding of the whole person—not simply a diagnosis. I take time to listen, understand what is most important to you, and develop a treatment plan that fits your goals, needs, and life.
My goal is not only to help you manage symptoms, but to help you build a healthier, more balanced life.
Andrea completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner masters degree at the University of South Carolina. She chose a career psychiatric care because she enjoys listening to people’s stories and being part of a team to help them on their journey. She treats adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and enjoys working with women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
In the summer you will find her outdoors on the water and in the rainy winter months she’s curled up crafting with her cats.
Julie Merchant, LPC, NCC
Trauma-informed, existential therapist
I believe people are far more than their symptoms or their hardest chapters. My work begins with what matters most to you: your strengths, your values, and the kind of life you want to build. From there, we figure out what’s getting in the way and how to move through it together.
How I work
My approach is trauma-informed and rooted in existential therapy, which means I make room for the big questions: meaning, identity, choice, loss, and authenticity. I also know that insight alone isn’t always enough, so I bring practical, evidence-based tools into our work. Depending on what fits you, that may include:
I don’t use a one-size-fits-all model. We’ll shape the work around you.
Who I work with
Across the lifespan, I support people who are navigating:
I love to work with children, teens, adults, and families, and I adapt my style to meet each person where they are, whether that’s through play and art or reflective, skills-focused conversation. Honestly, all are important to becoming a whole person.
An affirming space
I am a committed ally and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. You can bring your whole self here, including your identity, relationships, and story, without needing to explain or defend any of it.
Coming soon…
Coming Soon…
Janese is not currently accepting clients. Tengo muchos años trabajando en español y me siento muy conectada con gente de la comunidad Latina. Todos necesitamos alguien que nos comprendan, valoren y apoyen. Yo pienso que cada persona tiene la capacidad para recuperarse de experiencias y situaciones difíciles.
My philosophy of therapy includes helping you appreciate the inner wisdom, resiliency, courage and strengths that you already have. I have the hope of a better life for you enjoying a fulfilling, joyous and satisfying life until you can envision that reality for yourself.
I believe in treating all clients respectfully and creating a therapeutic environment of safety, trust and mutual respect. We all need someone who understands us, values us and supports us. I believe each person has the capacity to recover from difficult situations and experiences.
I have worked with Spanish speakers for many years and feel very connected to people in the Latino community. I lived in Mexico for four years, worked as an addictions counselor with Spanish speaking clients for nine years, and have been involved in the Latino community for over 30 years.
