Our stories

Unity Center for Behavioral Health Celebrates Seven Years Caring for the Community

Jan 29, 2024 • As demand for behavioral health care and withdrawal management services increases, Unity Center rises to meet the need each day.

Unity Center to Open Withdrawal Management Service This Summer

Jan 22, 2024 • The service will help stabilize those suffering from acute intoxication so they may transition to an addiction treatment program.

Shining a Light on Mental Health Awareness Month

May 11, 2023 • Americans are experiencing mental health illnesses at record numbers. Low-barrier access to care is essential in helping those who are struggling.

Unity Center’s Melissa Eckstein Talks the State of Behavioral Health with Becker’s

April 26, 2023 • The state of mental health in the U.S. is a top concern for many, including Melissa Eckstein, president of Unity Center for Behavioral Health in Portland, Ore.

June Gower, PhD, RN, named Unity Center Chief Nursing Officer

Dec 15, 2022 • June Gower, PhD, CCNS, LCN, RN, has been named Unity Center’s Chief Nursing Officer after serving as interim CNO since late July of 2022.

Bringing Trauma-informed Care to the Classroom

November 9, 2022 • Unity Center School Program keeps kids connected to their educations, links them to vital resources and provides a safe learning environment as they receive care.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Sept 26, 2022 • Learn how you can help someone in crisis.

Healing Through Nature

Aug 15, 2022 • The Michele Goodwin Healing Garden at Unity Center for Behavioral Health offers patients a peaceful place to heal through meditation, exercise and gardening. Click the button below to learn more about this oasis in the heart of Portland, Oregon.

Unity Center for Behavioral Health

A Message from Unity President, Melissa Eckstein

July 15, 2022 • Melissa Eckstein, President of the Unity Center for Behavioral Health, delivers remarks during the 2022 Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) Annual Retreat.

Unity Center President Talks to KGW About Behavioral Health Care in Portland

July 11, 2022 • Unity Center for Behavioral Health President, Melissa Eckstein, sat down with KGW to talk about the state of behavioral health care in Portland, how Unity Center is helping patients and the community, and what’s needed to improve access to care.

Providing Compassionate Behavioral Health Care for the LGBTQIA+ Community

June 17, 2022 • Unity Center is a place of sanctuary and acceptance.

Raising Awareness Around Mental Health: Unity Center thanks its community partners for their support.

May 23, 2022 • Ron Lagergren, clinical director for Unity Center for Behavioral Health, discusses the importance of breaking mental health stigmas and Unity Center’s partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Breaking Stigmas and Creating Solutions

May 4, 2022 • Unity Center experts weigh in on the state of behavioral health care in Oregon during National Mental Health Month.

Unity Center Clinical Social Workers Break Down Barriers

March 28, 2022 • Access to continuing care and services are key for patients as they work toward wellness.

Healing, One Meal at a Time

March 25, 2022 • Unity Center’s Food and Nutrition team customizes the right meals for each patient, ensuring they have the nourishment they need for their road to wellness.

Dr. Anne Gross

Anne Gross, MD, takes helm as Unity Center’s Chief Medical Officer

February 15, 2022 • Dr. Gross has served in several roles at Unity Center since 2017, beginning as the hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Services medical director.

Unity 5th Anniversary

Unity Center for Behavioral Health Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

January 25, 2022 • In its five years, Unity Center has provided care for more than 22,000 patients in crisis from across Oregon and nationwide.

Nate Boyett Wakes up Each Day with a Purpose – Providing Patients with the Resources They Need to Live Healthy Lives

December 20, 2021 • Nate Boyett, Unity Center’s new manager of inpatient services, is passionate about hands-on work that makes a daily difference in people’s lives. Here he talks about his role, what he loves about behavioral health care and what drives him each day.

Ron Lagergren, LCSW, Director of Clinical Operations, Brings Three Decades of Experience to his Role

November 30, 2021 • Ron Lagergren serves as Unity Center’s Director of Clinical Operations. Here, he shares thoughts on his role, the importance of always prioritizing patients first, and what draws him to behavioral health.

Unity Center for Behavioral Health

At four years, Unity Center remains focused on caring for patients in need

January 31, 2021 • In a year of a global pandemic, mass protests, and forest fires that gripped and affected the entire state, the staff at Unity Center for Behavioral Health…

Meet a Unity Center employee: Patty Danielson, MSN, R.N., nurse manager

November 6, 2020 • I’ve worked at Unity since day one, so that’s January 31, 2017. Prior to that, I worked at Adventist for 37 and a half years, starting as a…