Jimmy Portner

Jimmy Portner is a dedicated social worker, educator, and trainer with a deep passion for supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. His career has been shaped by a strong commitment to evidence-based practices, professional mentorship, and the cultivation of meaningful human connection. Whether through clinical work, training, or teaching, his goal is to empower both clients and professionals with the skills and insight needed to create lasting change.

Academic & Professional Background
He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Over the past 20 years, he has worked extensively in the fields of mental health and substance use, specializing in the implementation, practice, and training of evidence-based interventions.

For more than a decade, he has served as a leader in the National Motivational Interviewing (MI) VA program, contributing to the growth and application of MI across clinical, research, and training environments. As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), he is part of a respected international community dedicated to excellence in MI practice and instruction.

He is also a certified trainer and provider of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), an intervention designed for individuals struggling with emotional overcontrol. Since 2014, he has applied RO-DBT to complex and treatment-resistant cases, while offering training and supervision to clinicians across the country.

In addition, he has spent more than a decade as an adjunct lecturer at The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work, sharing his expertise with future practitioners. His professional interests include the role of social signaling in therapy, the intersection of culture and mental health, and the advancement of innovative treatments for individuals with complex needs.

Beyond Work
Outside of his professional roles, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is an avid soccer fan and a devoted supporter of the Columbus Crew. When he’s not watching a match, he can often be found coaching youth soccer, listening to music, or relaxing with a good stand-up comedy set.

On a personal level, his journey with Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy has profoundly shaped not only his clinical work but also his own growth. Practicing RO-DBT has challenged him to become more open, flexible, and connected—enriching both his professional and personal relationships in meaningful ways.