Viva R. Wheaton, PsyD

A fascination with the brain and behavior led Dr. Wheaton to go into neuropsychology, a profession that she describes as an intersection between psychology and neurology. “Our brains and bodies are so expertly interconnected,” she says. “My goal is to understand the whole person, and to provide individuals and family members with information they can take away to maximize functioning and quality of life at any stage.”

Because of the sensitive nature of her work, establishing rapport and building a relationship are extremely important to her. “It’s frightening to wonder if you or your loved one has dementia or another neurodegenerative process,” she says. “I try to walk patients through their evaluation in a way that is caring, compassionate and inclusive, and that allows them to feel seen, heard and cared for to the best of my ability. I feel honored to hear their stories and to be a part of their care.”

Dr. Wheaton holds a Doctor of Psychology degree from the Pacific University School of Graduate Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University. She completed her internship at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

A Northwest native, Dr. Wheaton was born and raised in a family of eight off the grid in rural Oregon. Today, she is married with two children. She loves gardening, skiing and traveling.