Hilo has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying ti online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
Hawaii is regarded by plenty of (and perhaps even most) people as one of the most idyllic places in the world. But even residents of paradise can struggle with severe mental illnesses and other substantial mental health concerns. The experience of conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders—you name it—isn’t limited to people living among dull scenery, and beauty unfortunately is no cure, however helpful it may be.
While your island may be geographically distant from the rest of the country—and, really, much of the world—you don’t have to remain distant from the supportive environment of a therapist’s office. In fact, there are many passionate, focused clinical practices on the Big Island that are eager to help.
If you’re looking for therapists in Hilo, HI, you can find practitioners through us that have certificates, master’s degrees, and even doctoral degrees. People who began working in the mental health field after facing their own challenges, or witnessing loved ones struggle. People who understand the process of personal growth both professionally and individually, and are keen on helping others like you through it, too.
Kerri Brown
Aloha and Welcome! I am licensed in Hawaii as a Mental Health Counselor (MHC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and hold a master's degree in Counselor Education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I began working in the mental health field in 2007. I believe the key to counseling is in developing a trusting relationship where people feel safe and respected. I help individuals identify what behaviors they engage in that are helpful and which behaviors they would like to change. I use cognitive behavior and mindfulness strategies to help individuals learn how to notice their automatic thoughts and emotions without judgement allowing them to take a step back and unpack their state of being. I aim to help individuals learn to accept and feel compassion for themselves so that they can set goals with clarity and move through life with purpose. I have worked in many settings since beginning in the counseling field including: Inpatient treatment for teens, group homes for adults, community support for young adults in the justice system, and school based behavioral health. I believe all individuals have the capacity to improve their quality of life from where they currently stand no matter the circumstances. As your therapist I aim to be that person who helps you see the path and supports you in taking steps forward. I firmly believe that small steps taken one at a time generates a momentum that makes reaching goals and fulfilling dreams feel attainable.
Frederica Banning
Aloha as we say in Hawaii! My nickname is 'Rickie' and I would like to welcome you to BetterHelp. You have taken an important first step in reaching out for counseling help. A little about me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licenses in VA and HI. I hail from the East Coast originally, and have lived in Hawaii for about ten years. I have 25+ years as a psychotherapist, working with adults. I have worked with a diversity of client populations, ranging from working with the military, LGBT, women's groups, and clients in specialty areas around healing with relationship challenges, self-esteem and building self-confidence, grief and loss, anxiety and stress reduction, managing change, depression, substance abuse, especially alcohol abuse and family impact, incest, trauma, and eating disorders. I draw from several therapeutic styles, including solution-focused, integrative which combines person-centered and psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and Gestalt. I value insight and goal-setting as keys to behavioral change. I can also share with you that I’ve trained with some of the best as mentors and trainers, including Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross-the world's leading authority in grief and loss work, and Virginia Satir-the world's leading expert in family systems and couples work. A fun fact about me: I went up in a hot air balloon to celebrate my 30th birthday! Now let’s talk a bit about your counseling… In these first days and weeks, the process may feel slow at times, but we need to build trust so that I may sync my style to your needs so that you can best achieve your goals. The BetterHelp counseling space is where you have your voice, it is your safe space to express and where you are free to ask questions and freely share about how our process is flowing. Whether this is your first time or not in counseling, it is important that you be open about how things are going. If you are new, I will explain the counseling process along the way. Remember that I am your guide to inspire you forward but you are always in charge of your healing journey. When life knocks us down, we all need a warm heart and safe space where we can sort things through. I am here to help, whether you are navigating life challenges, repairing relationships with yourself and others, healing loss, or building change resilience. Reaching out takes courage. A committed counseling journey leads to healing and peace. I could share that I trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Virginia Satir. I would rather say that I listen to connect, not to judge or reject. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”-African Proverb. Reach out. Let’s explore, together!
Zachary Ehrmann
Hello, My name is Zack, and I am a licensed psychotherapist practicing in the states of Hawai'i, Washington, and Wisconsin. I have been working in the field since 2011, providing mental health counseling, supervision, and consultation services across a number of settings: community mental health centers, state agencies, major hospitals, and private practice. I have been fortunate to have had a wide array of experiences in working with a diverse client population over that time, collaborating across languages, cultures, gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. I typically work with clients that are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relational issues, health challenges, and low self-esteem. I also enjoy engaging with clients who are struggling to integrate into new life roles and identities, and in helping those that are battling with addiction. It's my goal to provide an empathic, genuine, and active presence to my clients, and to create a safe and welcoming space in which to explore problematic issues. I consider genuineness to be at the forefront of every meaningful encounter in therapy, both on the part of the client and also of the clinician. I practice from an existential and humanistic perspective. This means that I consider the entirety of our shared, human condition in our work together, both regarding our infinite capacity for growth, and also being mindful of our inherent and inescapable limitations as human beings. I believe that the relationship between the counselor and client is the catalyzing, driving force of therapy and utilize an integrated approach to client work, drawing on a number of techniques that are informed by dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic theory, philosophy, positive psychology, logotherapy, and narrative therapy, among others.
Roxy Mico
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Hawaii with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with individuals who have presented with a wide range of issues and concerns, including depression, anxiety and stress related problems, and behavioral problems. I have forensic experience and have worked with anger management and domestic violence and abuse. I bring empathy and objectivity to our sessions. I am down to earth and straight forward in providing support and understanding. My approach is eclectic, with a primary focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and psycho-behavioral education. I will tailor my approach to your individual needs and style. It is often difficult to reach out for help and it shows great strength that you are seeking solutions to your concerns. I would be glad to help you on your journey to move on to a healthier and happier life.
Josephine Volpe
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Hawaii with over 6 years experience in the substance abuse and counseling field. I have assisted people in numerous areas of concerns, ranging from substance abuse,childhood trauma, sexual abuse,depression, anger management,domestic violence, life transitions,grief counseling and relationship issues. I believe in self empowerment as well as creating an ability to form healthy connections with others. My counseling style is guided by compassion, intuition and non-judgmental attitude. I will hold space for you as we explore your own personal healing processes. Some of the processes used are family of origin work, experiential therapy ,somatic and trauma based work coupled with an individualized plan to meet your personal needs. I will provide a listening ear, emotional understanding and intuitive insight to assist you in discovering your authentic self and supporting your healing journey. It takes a courageous soul to look into oneself for answers and if you are willing I will support you in this journey with love,compassion and truth. I look forward to working with you.
Whitney Hughes
Hey there! I am Whitney Hughes, she/her. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Connection Coach as well as a Trauma-Informed Certified Pause Breathwork Facilitator. Many years ago, I graduated from the University of Maine with a BA in Liberal Studies, which allowed me to concentrate on the behavioral sciences. 3 children later, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Counseling Education: Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. I knew I wanted to use my personal story, my battles with anxiety, depression, CPTSD, PTSD, substance use, my professional experience, and my educational background to support not only myself but so many others on their own, unique healing journey. Some of the most important elements of my therapeutic work are CONNECTION, SAFETY, and INCLUSIVITY. Throughout my journey, I have learned that when I connect with myself, I am able to deepen my connection with others and the world in which we live. When we connect inward, to ourselves, we connect to our intuition, that part of ourselves that creates clarity, peace, and alignment in our daily lives. As humanBEINGS, we are wired for connection. When we lose sight of this connection, our lives can get messy. In order to connect, we must first feel safe, seen, heard, and held. My personal mission is to connect with you, to help you connect with your truest self, and to create a safe space for you to share your story. I am here to encourage, listen, witness, and support you. My continued journey has taught me that we, that YOU, already have the power to shift your world, and sometimes we need someone who we can open up to and trust to help us see the light that is already within. I am looking forward to connecting soon!
Brandi Okamoto
Born and raised on the Big Island. I am licensed in Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Amanda Webster
I am licensed as a mental health counselor in Hawaii, and have over four years of counseling experience. I enjoy providing counseling services in the local community, with an emphasis on preventative and integrative wellness, normalization of development across the lifespan, cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation training, parent-child interaction therapy, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, family members of people with special needs, occupational counseling and solutions-focused interventions. I also have more than 12 years of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness practices, and I am passionate about helping people discover (or reinforce) tools to improve or maintain their mental, physical and social well-being across the lifespan. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Erean Larry-Fiakpuyi
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Magdaline Hatzikazakis
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 7 years of experience. After completing graduate school, I completed a post-graduate fellowship program which allowed me to have an additional year of in-depth clinical training which most therapists do not have. I have experience in helping clients with a wide range of mental and emotional health issues including (but not limited to) stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Melanie James
I am a licensed psychotherapist with 7 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes , motivation, self esteem & confidence building. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Karl Prater
I am licensed in Hawaii with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I worked as a Mental Health Supervisor for over 16 years before turning to private practice. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist in Hilo
Finding the best therapist close by in Hilo can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Hilo that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Hilo region and in the state of Hawaii. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Hilo or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Hilo area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Hilo, elsewhere in Hawaii, or in the greater state of Hawaii. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Hilo area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person sessions with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Hilo due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Hilo may not take health insurance, some in the state of Hawaii may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Hawaii you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How is a licensed therapist on this Hilo online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Hilo, Hawaii working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Hilo psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Hilo above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions.You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our therapy specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Hilo provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How do I know if BetterHelp is right for my household in Hilo?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in Hilo is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in HI, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 96721 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Hilo counselor?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Hilo licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Hilo counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is mental health care and therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Hilo, Hawaii can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading BetterHelp platform some people love for Hilo, Hawaii
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Hilo therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673