Dr. Crisp is a compassionate Naturopathic Doctor and psychedelic practitioner with over ten years of experience serving the greater Portland metro area as a physician. Her approach to healthcare is centered in deep connection—taking the time to truly listen to each patient’s story, understanding their unique experiences, and exploring how their physiology, emotions, relationships, and environment shape their health. Dr. Crisp believes that healing begins when a person feels seen, heard, and fully understood.
Dr. Crisp’s Approach to Healing
Dr. Crisp combines clinical expertise with heartfelt curiosity. Her investigative skills allow her to ask thoughtful questions and uncover the root causes of health issues. Most health challenges are multifactorial, and Dr. Crisp addresses the whole person—considering the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.
A scientist at heart, Dr. Crisp holds a bachelor's degree in Microbiology and finds great significance in the fact that we are composed of more microbial cells than we are human cells. She has a particular interest in the gut-brain axis, understanding how supporting the microbiome and decreasing inflammation can improve mental and physical symptoms. She has seen time and again that when gut health is optimized, patients often experience profound shifts in anxiety, depression, and overall vitality. Her clinical focus includes treating conditions such as GERD, IBS, IBD, SIBO, yeast overgrowth, and diverticulitis. She also has a focus on complex chronic conditions such as EBV, Lyme, Mold Illness, and various autoimmune conditions.
A Diverse Healing Background
In addition to her naturopathic training, Dr. Crisp has expanded her knowledge and skills by training in complex mental health care and counseling, and immersing herself in the practice of psychedelic facilitation, both with psilocybin and ketamine. Dr. Crisp has additional training with the Star Behavioral Alliance to work with our Veteran population, as well as a history of volunteering for the Returning Veterans Project. Dr. Crisp has a history of providing gender affirming care to patients and working closely with the LGBTQIA2S+ and loves serving this community. These diverse experiences enable her to offer a comprehensive, grounded approach to healing, helping patients reconnect with themselves in deep and meaningful ways.
Dr. Crisp integrates evidence-based naturopathic and psychedelic medicine with a whole-person approach to support patients in overcoming chronic digestive issues, mental health concerns, or simply feeling out of alignment in their lives. She is dedicated to fostering a healing environment where patients can experience transformation, self-discovery, and greater vitality.
Dr. Crisp Beyond Work
Kara is very passionate about music and delights in the joys of creating a personalized playlist for her clients that is ideal for psychedelic healing. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art, and her current most favorite modality is making cyanotype art on upcycled clothing and altar cloths for psychedelic work. She uses homegrown and pressed naturopathic botanicals to help support healing, as well as a variety of plants she ethically forages for on hikes and combines with hand-carved stencils (see A Mended Heart Designs on Instagram). She is passionate about sustainability and being a steward and protector of Mama Earth and finds deep healing and grounding when connecting with her. Kara loves her family and her chosen friend-family and enjoys spending time with them as well as with her giant forest cat Jasper and her dear partner Josh.
