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 Zachary Ehrmann providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Zachary Ehrmann

Clinician
License Type(s): MAEd,MHP,LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Dr. James Ruby providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Dr. James Ruby

Clinician
License Type(s): PhD,LMHC,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
22 years offering treatment

Hello! I am James Ruby and I am grateful that you have taken a few minutes to look at my profile. I hope we have the opportunity to work together to help you reach your goals! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I did my MA at Northeastern IL University in Chicago, IL and my PhD at Loyola University in Chicago. I have been working with individuals, couples, and families since 1998. I would imagine that you might want to know a bit about how I work, what I believe about the counseling process, etc. Let me try and give you some information that will help you make the best decision for you, you and your partner, or you and your family... I believe that our past is important, but it doesn't define us. We are shaped by our past and we can learn from it, but we are the authors of our own lives. So, we can write a new chapter for ourselves that will better enable us to reach our goals. Sometimes, our ways of thinking can get in our way. We might have learned some things early in life that no longer seem to work for us. These thoughts and beliefs can feel like "the truth," but they really are only thoughts and beliefs. They can change. We can change. We can grow. We can thrive! I also believe that we humans are complex beings, with multiple dimensions to our lives - the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual, to name a few. All of those dimensions can work for us, or against us, so I like to help my counseling clients look at all of those dimensions. Within each of us is a wealth of knowledge and strength that our problems can make us forget. I like to help my clients tap into that knowledge and activate those strengths. So, I occasionally ask my clients to complete questionnaires or do some "homework" between sessions that helps them move in the direction they would like to go. I would be privileged to have the opportunity to help you reach your goals. I know what it feels like to have the weight of sadness, anxiety, or frustration keep you down. I work in a judgment free atmosphere, so there is no need to feel excessive guilt or shame. In fact, those things can get in our way. I have helped many people get through their most difficult days and come out on the other side, ready to live the life they deserve. I'd love to have the chance to do the same for you. If you have any questions for me, I welcome them. I want you to find the best match for you and your counseling needs.

Psychologist Kylee Romero providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Kylee Romero

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years offering treatment

Aloha! I have been practicing mental health counseling for 9 years. My experience has been vast, including working with forensic, adult & youth, and crisis clients. Much of my current counseling specialties are with depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, and anxiety. I am passionate about working with queer individuals and provide gender affirming care. I take a client-centered/humanistic approach to counseling, understanding the bravery it takes to reach out for help. I am passionate about creating a safe place for you to share and be heard every session. I also value your feedback, so that I may consistently improve the quality of services I am providing you. I am also a current doctoral candidate, working on my PsyD. I am recently certified in EMDR, and am offering this to clients as well via video. My goal is to be nonjudgmental, empathetic, and helpful to you during this stage in your life. I consider our work to be a partnership and would love to join you on this journey. Sessions are light hearted and informal. Come as you are! Currently I am only taking text clients. My availability is during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with evening hours on Mondays, HST. I check regular messages at least twice each day. Please understand that there are times where I have personal matters to attend to, which may mean you don't get an instant response. I understand that trusting a provider is of utmost importance, and I would be honored if you enlisted my help during this difficult time in your life. Clients occasionally have difficulty finding a therapist who is a good fit for themselves, or have had a prior negative experience in therapy. I completely understand these experiences and aim to provide each client with a positive experience.

Psychologist Loraine (Lori) Sawyer providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Loraine (Lori) Sawyer

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC,MSCP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
15 years offering treatment

I am a therapist licensed in Hawai'i with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges including depression, PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting challenges. I have specialized experience supporting parents of children with special needs. I also have extensive experience working with young adults who have experienced trauma and want to learn new skills that can help them to thrive. I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach and have a comprehensive understanding of trauma informed care which means I strive to be empathetic , kind, and compassionate. I am a proponent of positive psychology and focus on using strengths to support change. It takes courage to ask for help and my goal is to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Joseph Hakim providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Joseph Hakim

Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LMHC ,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Christopher (Chris) Chur providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Christopher (Chris) Chur

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years offering treatment

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!

Psychologist Patrick Taylor providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Patrick Taylor

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: DepressionCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Hawaii with 4+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression & 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. 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 Trina Jones Artis providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Trina Jones Artis

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed clinical social worker in Hawaii with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients solution focused therapy with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Natalie Stockton providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Natalie Stockton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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 Lennon Tyler providing different types of therapy in Hilo

Lennon Tyler

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years offering treatment

I am a licensed psychologist in Hawaii with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!

Find a therapist serving clients in Hawaii

Types of therapists 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), 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 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 a therapist can 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. 

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