This is Kristine Hanson's avatar and link to their profile

Kristine Hanson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

My name is Kristine and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Minnesota and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in the state of Hawaii. I received my Master of Arts degree in Addiction Counseling: Advanced Practice from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies and I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. My current full time job is as a Substance Abuse Clinical Counselor working with male and female active duty military members. Previously, I worked for nearly 5 years at a recovery center for adult women with co-occurring disorders (a substance use disorder and mental health disorder). I truly enjoy working with people who are willing to put in the work to overcome life challenges so they can become their best self. I have worked with clients dealing with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, life transitions, substance use, grief/loss, self-esteem, stress management, depression, anger and emotion regulation. In all of my therapeutic relationships my goal is to help my clients feel supported, validated and empowered. I would describe my counseling style as a mixture of person-centered, cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused while also incorporating motivational interviewing, relational-cultural and trauma-informed techniques. The main tenet in person-centered therapy that I wholeheartedly believe in is that we all have the ability within ourselves for healing, personal growth and self-actualization. I prioritize building and strengthening the therapeutic alliance with each client and serve as a guide on your life journey by providing insight, empathy, support and unconditional positive regard in a non-judgmental way. I meet each client where they are at and individualize care to meet your specific needs and goals. I am an animal lover. I rescued a dog and a cat years ago that have since made up my little family and are a very important part of my life. I love my family, music, crafts, nature, essential oils, outdoor activities, dancing and Springbok jigsaw puzzles. I look forward to working with you, getting to know you and helping you become your best self so you can meet your specific goals. I would be honored to be a part of your journey.

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Dr. Jennifer De Costa

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,MFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist by training but I have worked with many individuals, adolescents, and their families. I have over 15 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients that have a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and other life challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma or abuse. My counseling style is interactive, supportive, and empowering. I believe in treating clients with dignity and respect. I focus on what is strong in people versus what is wrong. My approach combines solution focused as well as narrative therapy (the story of a person's life), and systems theory (focusing on the various factors that might be contributing to your issues and concerns). We will collaboratively develop a treatment plan that is unique to your situation and needs. It takes courage to ask for help and I am willing and able to support you in your journey towards a better life. I believe that counseling can be a catalyst for important changes. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to listen and provide tools to support your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Lori Shinsato

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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 solution-focused. 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!

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Gayle Branson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Counselor License Type(s): PharmD, LMHC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

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!

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Karen Bludorn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has had the privilege of gaining experience in a variety of counseling settings. I offer individual counseling. I provide a holistic approach to counseling by addressing your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. I approach therapy in a very integrative, client-centered manner to ensure the highest quality care is provided. I have experience working with individuals struggling with negative self-talk, challenging feelings and beliefs about the self, identity development, mood instability, substance use, anxiety, and history of trauma. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques that include cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, psychoeducational, trauma-informed, mindfulness, and more. I promote growth by offering a safe, accepting atmosphere so that you feel heard, validated, and empowered.

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Christopher (Chris) Chur

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I received my Master's in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University and my Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Talbot School of Christian Theology. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, break ups, family conflicts, motivation, confidence, self-esteem, spirituality, addictive behaviors, grief, and taking responsibility. I reserve my right to decline to work with certain issues. I work with clients short term and create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I advocate for holistic health as a means to thrive and find healing. The counseling approaches I am familiar with are cognitive-behavioral, humanistic person-centered, psychodynamic, attachment theory, psycho-education, existential, reality choice, motivational interviewing, Christian Biblical approaches, spiritual formation, marriage and family, and integrative/eclectic approaches to therapy. I would like to promote unconditional positive regard, empathy, and internal locus of control to help you discover a happier, healthier, and more confident version of yourself! Please message me if you have any questions or would like to schedule a day & time for a live session!

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Dr. William Conti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii, California and Pennsylvania with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & depression. 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!

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Stephanie Wright

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Alaska and Hawaii with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and teens with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Yonie Ledward-Herrera

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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.

This is Tanya Phillips's avatar and link to their profile

Tanya Phillips

Clinical therapist offering therapy in HI, Kurtistown
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Kurtistown

Finding the best therapist close by in Kurtistown can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist 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 Kurtistown that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Kurtistown. 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 or are new to counseling in Kurtistown, 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 clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Kurtistown 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Kurtistown or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Kurtistown therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Kurtistown area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

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 Kurtistown, 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 Kurtistown area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Kurtistown therapist?

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 Kurtistown 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:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Kurtistown 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Kurtistown online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Kurtistown, 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 in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Kurtistown psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Kurtistown 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.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. 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 counseling, and more. Get matched today.

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 therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Kurtistown provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Kurtistown?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Kurtistown 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 and therapists 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 Kurtistown therapy 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 Kurtistown therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art 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 or therapists 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 96749 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Kurtistown counselor?

Before seeing your Kurtistown therapist, 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. Kurtistown therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.

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 Kurtistown 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 Kurtistown 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.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. A psychologist 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 psychologist in Kurtistown, 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.

Kurtistown 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 online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists 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 therapy.

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 online counseling platform for Kurtistown, Hawaii

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Kurtistown therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy 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.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Kurtistown.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Kurtistown:

96749, 96760, 96771

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