A Small Practice With Deep Roots

UpWell started with one founder, a wave metaphor, and a strong-held belief that psychiatric care should feel human.

UpWell (verb)

To rise from an inner source. To bring what’s beneath the surface into view

UpWell began with one founder, one clear belief, and a refusal to build the kind of clinic that treats people like throughput.

UpWell was founded by Dr. Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP, MSW, after a winding path through wilderness therapy, social work, public health nursing, and eventually psychiatric practice. Different settings, different roles—but the same lesson kept surfacing: the best care happens in relationship. People need to feel known, and meaningful change needs enough time and space to unfold.

The name UpWell has roots that go back even further. Kelly grew up in Hawaiʻi with a naval oceanographer for a father, so the language and rhythms of the ocean were part of her world long before she became a clinician. In oceanography, an upwelling is the movement of deep, nutrient-rich water toward the surface. This movement creates and sustains some of the most vibrant ecosystems on earth.

It felt like the right metaphor for the kind of clinical environment we wanted to create: care that gets curious about what’s happening beneath the surface, draws out each person’s unique strengths, and creates the conditions for individuals and communities to move toward greater health.

As UpWell’s vision expanded, so did the team. Kelly’s partner, Mack, joined as Chief Technology Officer, making UpWell a true family affair. He brought years of experience in technology to help build the infrastructure behind the practice—creating thoughtful systems that make care easier to access and give clinicians more time to focus on the people they serve.

Together, Kelly and Mack continue to build toward a larger vision: redefining what psychiatric care can be.

Who we are

Eleven Clinicians Who Chose to Stay

UpWell is a team of eleven independently licensed psychiatric providers serving Oregon and Washington by telehealth. Our average clinician tenure is over five years, almost unheard of in mental health, and we think that says something about how this place runs.

Independent Clinicians

Each provider is a licensed PMHNP running their own practice, supported by our shared infrastructure and culture.

3+ yrs

Average Retention

Clinicians stay because the caseloads are sustainable, the admin is handled, and the values are real, not posted on a wall.

Deep Roots

In the PNW

Our providers have deep roots in Oregon and Washington and understand the communities, seasons, and systems our patients navigate.

Outside of work, our team surfs, parents, gardens, runs trails, writes, makes music, and shows up for their own communities. We think those lives make the clinical work better, not the other way around, and we build the practice to protect them.

Insurance

We accept private insurance. We don’t accept Medicaid or Medicare. We’re in-network with the following carriers:

FAQs

The Questions We Hear Most

Honest answers about how we work, who we serve, and what to expect from care at UpWell.

What can I expect during our meetings?

To be deeply seen, heard, and listened to.
To be included as an active participant in treatment decisions.
To find hope, humor, and joy in the complicated process of being human.

How often will we meet?

Largely, that depends on your needs, you and your provider will decide what works best together. For safety, patients are seen at least every 90 days to remain active.

What ages do you treat?

We work with people ages 14 and up.

Do you take insurance?

We’re in-network with most Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (Regence, Premera, Anthem), Moda, First Choice Health, Pacific Source, Providence, and United Healthcare / Optum commercial plans. There are some exceptions, so our team will verify your coverage before your first visit.

We are not in-network with Medicaid or Medicare versions of these plans. If your coverage is through Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Apple Health, or Medicare, we’ll be out of network.

Can I see you if you aren't in-network with my plan?

Many clients are eligible for reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits. We’re happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance.

We also offer a same-day payment discount for clients without insurance, or who prefer not to use it.

How much might services cost?

For most in-network patients, visits run a $0–$50 co-pay once your deductible is met, though it depends on your plan. We check your benefits as a courtesy, and you’re welcome to call your insurance directly.

A few helpful questions to ask:

What is my deductible?
Is this provider in-network?
What are my out-of-network benefits if they aren’t?

Do you offer after-hours or crisis support?

UpWell isn’t an acute or emergency facility, and our team isn’t available outside of regular business hours. If you’re experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency , including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, serious medication side effects, or any urgent matter, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988, the national crisis line.

If you or a loved one frequently needs crisis support or hospitalization for psychosis, disordered eating, substance use, or significant self-harm, UpWell likely isn’t the right level of care. We’re glad to share referrals to providers who can better support you.

Who will be providing my care?

UpWell Psychiatry partners with licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). In Oregon and Washington, PMHNPs are independently licensed to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions. Each clinician is an independent contractor and fully responsible for your treatment, we coordinate the administrative and scheduling support around them.

Can AI replace my therapist or psychiatric provider?

Research consistently shows that a trusting relationship with your provider is one of the most important parts of effective care, often more important than the specific techniques used. AI tools can offer general coping strategies, guided journaling, or education, but they can’t replace the nuanced, empathetic judgment of a licensed clinician. Conditions like trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and ADHD often share overlapping symptoms that require human discernment to diagnose and a real relationship to treat.

Who owns and runs UpWell?

UpWell is a clinician-owned, family-run practice founded by Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP. While many mental health companies today are venture-backed and corporately operated, UpWell was built differently. Our leadership is involved in daily operations, which lets us prioritize thoughtful, high-quality care over investor growth targets. Because we’re independently owned, our provider team all has deep connections to the PNW, and understands the community they serve.

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