A holistic and joyfully Catholic approach

Sarah Portner, LCSW-C

Sarah trained to be a Clinical Mental Health Therapist at The Catholic University of America's National Catholic School of Social Service. Anchored by faith, Sarah integrates her background of working in various settings (parish-based mental health treatment, Crisis Pregnancy Support Organizations, Human Trafficking Survivor Support, College Student & Youth Ministry, and K-12 Student Education and Mentorship) to further shape her work in walking with Clients to greater joy, peace, and thriving. Sarah’s primary areas of focus are anxiety, depression, Vocational discernment, marriage preparation, trauma recovery, role/life adjustment, and chronic health issue management. Sarah utilizes a variety of treatment techniques and has specialized training in Nutritional Counseling and Integrative Mental Health as well as attachment theory-based Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Training & Experience

Clinical experience

Sarah has over a deacde of experience serving people - all unique & unrepeatable - in a variety of settings:

  • Parish & University-based clinical mental health therapy offices
  • Crisis Pregnancy Support Organizations (Pregnancy Center, Maternity Home, Adoption Agency)
  • Human Trafficking Survivor Support
  • College Student & Youth Ministry
  • K-12 Student Education and Mentorship



Speaking & Retreat Experience

Sarah gives talks to audiences large and small in Retreat Center, University, and parish contexts during retreats, marriage renewal workshops, professional development events, and talk series. She is open to what will best meet the needs of those present.


Past & present settings include:

  • Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center
  • The University of Maryland
  • St Joseph's on Capitol Hill - Washington, DC
  • Ascension Parish - Bowie, MD
  • Sacred Heart Church - Bowie, MD
  • St. Andrew by the Bay - Annapolis, MD


Academic training

Sarah earned her BSW and MSW degrees from the National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS) at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. NCSSS was ranked #1 Catholic School of Social Work by The Social Work Degree Guide and  60th overall in the nation by U.S. News and World Report 2024. Sarah also studied Media and Communications.

Why  Solas  Wellness?


Sarah is first generation Irish-American, and Solas is Irish for light.


"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

JOHN 1:5