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.

Psychologist Kerri Brown providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Kerri Brown

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
12 years offering treatment

Aloha and Welcome! I am licensed in Hawaii as a Mental Health Counselor (MHC), 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.

Psychologist Lori Shinsato providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Lori Shinsato

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Hawaii, serving the Hawaiian Islands as a social worker since 2008. I have worked with clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds. My specialty is working with the aging population (60+ years old), their caregivers, and those facing chronic illness. Being born and raised in Hawaii, I have been blessed to grow up in a community that values humility, different cultures, respect towards others, and family (whether by blood or at heart). These values are foundational to my practice. My hope is for clients to feel that I am approachable, present in the moment, and safe. My style of counseling is calm, conversational, and person centered. Each person is different with unique needs. I plan to listen to understand, and I will adjust my approach to what works for you. Together, we can talk about what is important to you and what are goals that you want to achieve. I am here to support and empower you. I love working, because I get to meet and help people! When I am not social work-ing, I enjoy going to museums, watching live theater, and hitting whatever target I am aiming at. I am also a Christian. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Katinka Hammerich providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Katinka Hammerich

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,MA,MSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years offering treatment

Aloha! I am delighted that you found me! I am a clinical social worker and an educator, deeply committed to embrace and empower those I work with towards living fuller, richer lives. I offer individuals a safe, supportive, encouraging, non-judgmental, and nurturing space where they may explore and grow. I help clients, by empowering them to take charge of their lives. My role is to illuminate the path to their ideal future. As a therapist, I draw inspiration from many sources, and have found that an integration of approaches and practices that are uniquely curated to each person and family tend to be especially effective in bringing about truly meaningful and sustainable change. As an EMDR trained therapist, I help clients process painful life experiences that continue to impact them. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a well-researched, integrative approach, that has been proven effective for the treatment of trauma. It utilizes the innate growth and healing mechanisms of the human nervous system. Clients report that they have received amazing benefits from EMDR. There is nothing more powerful for clearing trauma, abuse, and associated symptoms, including anxiety, depression, stress and grief. I also offer other therapeutic modalities, such as solution focused and psychodynamic therapy. With a Jungian perspective and being an educator of myth, I often integrate myths, archetypes, and dreamwork into my clinical work. It takes courage to face and embrace change. I believe that we are wired for wellness and integration, and that our innate resilience and ability to heal is greater than we can fathom. I help clients create relationships where they are comfortable enough to grow. It is through authentic relationships that we find the strength to dream big. I offer my expertise and guidance to help connect clients to that which they hold as most important. You deserve to receive competent, non-judgmental, and compassionate guidance when reaching for those goals. My services are personalized to suit individual needs. Let me assist you in discovering the depths of your personal power and positive change towards a more fulfilling and happier life.Together we can find deep and meaningful connection and insight, find joy, trust, and grow. Let’s begin the process of healing!

Psychologist Michele Rockett providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Michele Rockett

Clinician
License Type(s): MSSW, LCSW,Michele Rockett
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
16 years offering treatment

Aloha, I am a licensed clinical social worker in Hawaii with over 13 years of experience providing therapy and psychoeducation. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, career challenges, self-esteem/confidence, major life changes, physical trauma , and emotional abuse, among others. I have also worked extensively with military and their families and understand the military culture. I use a warm, interactive therapy style. I believe in mutual respect and building trust to facilitate learning new tools, strategies, and ways of thinking to improve your life and empower your future. I combine various approaches like cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapy based on your specific needs. Clients have said I make them feel heard and understood. Others have reported appreciating my fair, honest, challenging, yet kind approach. And still others, who were once skeptics, stated our work together turned them into believers that therapy can actually work. If any of this resonates with you, I would be happy to be your partner in change. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Sana Anas providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Sana Anas

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
8 years offering treatment

I am available for virtual visits with clients in Hawai'i, but personally based in North Carolina. I have worked with adults who present with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, mania, substance use, interpersonal relationship issues, and trauma. I have also worked with clients of varying gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and education level. If you are interested in working together, then please verify your personal information through Headway.co and we can schedule a 15-minute telephone consultation to see if we would be a good match before beginning our telehealth sessions. My therapy approach is warm and person-centered. I always meet my clients where they are at. I implement multiple treatment modalities, with a dash of humor, and utilize each client’s strengths to identify solutions and guide them to where they want to be. I will accommodate our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, and I am proud of you for taking the first step towards change. It would be an honor to assist and support you through the next stage of your life.

Psychologist Dominique Pozo providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Dominique Pozo

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
9 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Hawaii and New Mexico with 9 years of professional work experience as an Art Therapist/Clinical Counselor. My experience includes helping clients to cope with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in the wisdom you carry from the life experiences you have had, and trust that you possess inherent strengths which we may access and call upon, to assist you in overcoming the challenges you are facing. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I look forward to being a part of your growth and transformation process!

Psychologist Genotra Brown providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Genotra Brown

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years offering treatment

Aloha! I am a licensed mental health professional in both states of Hawaii and Nevada with 20+ years of professional work experience. Recently retired, I am also an educator who enjoys lifetime learning and teaching. I collaborate with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be processed without fear of judgment. Areas of speciality include gerontology/senior care, anxiety, couples counseling, personality disorders, depression and trauma. 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.

Psychologist Tanya Phillips providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Tanya Phillips

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Hawaii with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Psychologist Kesha Diodato providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Kesha Diodato

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed to practice in the state of Hawai'i. With over twenty years of professional experience, I help adults cope more effectively with a variety of concerns, including, but not limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, post-traumatic stress (military deployment, abuse), and various life changes. I collaborate with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy style and approach are wide-ranging in nature and are largely influenced by evidenced-based treatments that challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) and promote skills training in the areas of being present-focused, improving social interactions, managing/tolerating distress, and controlling emotions (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). My experience is varied as I have provided therapy to civilians, active-duty service members, and Veterans in traditional outpatient and residential settings, as well as, remotely via telehealth services. My passion is to meet my clients where they are and to assist them with getting to where they want to be. Taking the first step to achieving a more enriching and satisfying life takes courage. I am here to support my clients along that process.

Psychologist Gavin Theofield providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Gavin Theofield

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have a strong history of providing therapeutic services to individuals in areas including, but not limited to stress management, anxiety, emotional regulation, motivation, self-esteem/confidence and depression. The methods I utilize are specific to the individual. I will make my best efforts to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. I am always looking to achieve the next best version of myself, which I believe has continued to maximize my ability to help others. Recognizing your struggles and reaching out for help are some of the first steps towards making a positive change in your life. I look forward to being able to further empower you on that journey!

Find a therapist serving clients in Hawaii

What types of therapists are available to clients in Hilo?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Hilo that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Hilo available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Hilo therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Hilo therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Hilo region and in the state of Hawaii.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Hilo can help 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 therapist in Hilo may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Hilo offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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