Stretches of crystal clear water, sparkling sand and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. That’s what the few thousand residents of Kahaluu wake up to every morning. A small residential community, Kahaluu is located in Honolulu County.
It may be hard to imagine having any troubles or worries when you’re surrounded by so much peace and beauty, but mental illness and struggles can affect anyone at any time, no matter their circumstances in life. If you find yourself wondering whether you should seek professional help to deal with your struggles, you need to contact a mental health specialist in your area or check yourself into a clinic. For a happy, fulfilling life mental health care has to be prioritized.

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!

Eric Castonguay
Whether you are a teenager, an adult, a family or a couple, life in general can become overwhelming and confusing. It can be helpful to work with someone on difficult and vulnerable issues you are experiencing. I support people with complicated life situations, substance use concerns, and those with family and romantic relationships that are experiencing hardship. I support people in healing, growing and developing the skills, motivation, and capacity to overcome their obstacles. I offer an engaging, active, and creative therapy approach to your individual, family, or relationship goals. Exploring and processing your joys and challenges are as equally important as developing a plan to create the change you want to see in your life. I will help you, your family or your relationship every step of the way. I strongly believe finding a great match is very important when looking for a therapist. Feel free to reach out. We can talk about what you are hoping to achieve and decide whether what I offer fits with what you believe is going to be helpful. I am happy to connect, answer any of questions or inquiry. I look forward to working with you soon.

Joseph Hakim
Aloha, My name is Joseph Hakim. I have a master's degree in clinical mental health from Hawaii Pacific University. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Hawaii. I am a nationally board certified counselor. I also have a certificate in substance abuse counseling. I have 6 years of experience in the counseling field. Through various therapeutic techniques which are selected to meet the unique needs of each client, I hope to help you resolve any underlying issues preventing you from achieving your best life. I like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but I am also a fan of Person-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I know that it is not easy to ask for help with mental health concerns but I hope to make the process as comfortable as possible for you. So please do not hesitate to reach out to me as soon as possible.

Gayle Branson
I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in Florida and Hawaii with seven years of experience. Counseling is my second career path, as I am also a licensed pharmacist with over 28 years of experience. I have worked with many clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is to work as a team with my clients to figure out what works best for them. I believe in treating all individuals from all walks of life with respect and compassion. My theoretical approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, reality therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, career/vocational counseling, and mindfulness. I will personalize our sessions and your therapeutic treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals. It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Janna Kaina
I am licensed in Hawaii with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Graceann Akazawa
I am licensed in Hawaii with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & coping with grief and loss. 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. 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.

Tanya Phillips
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.

Kesha Diodato
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.

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.

Jonathan Martin
I am licensed in Hawaii with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a therapist serving clients in Hawaii
Types of therapists available to clients in Kahaluu
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 Kahaluu that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 Kahaluu available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Kahaluu 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, Kahaluu therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Kahaluu region and in the state of Hawaii.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Kahaluu 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 Kahaluu may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.