Summer Knitter is a mental health therapist at La Clinica’s school-based health center at Crater High School. She joined the La Clinica team in 2023.
Before coming to La Clinica she worked as a skills coach and supervisor at Kairos and as a skills trainer and case manager at Options for Southern Oregon. Summer earned her master’s degree in social work from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Oregon University. She is currently a clinical social work associate.
She completed one year of internship at Jackson County Mental Health working with the Early Assessment and Support Alliance treating psychosis in young people, as part of a crisis team, and with a crisis and transition team that helped support children and teens having mental health crises with in-home and community support. She also did one year of internship with Options as an outpatient and school-based therapist intern.
Summer takes a collaborative approach to serving patients. She brings an understanding of systemic challenges people face.
“I highly value the dignity and worth of all people and attempt to engage with individuals with compassion, empathy, positive regard, and excitement about each person’s unique qualities,” she said.
Originally from Salem, Summer lives in Grants Pass with her high school sweetheart, their kind-hearted son, and a new baby on the way. They have two boxers, Zeek and Remi. She loves spending time with her family and pets. She’s also passionate about the outdoors and enjoys camping, going to the coast, hiking, rafting, and gardening.