Waimanalo, Hawaii is an amazing city which is home to many beaches, resorts, and other outdoorsy activities to participate in. It goes without saying that if you love warmth, sunshine, and soaking up tons of Vitamin D, then you will also love Waimanalo.

Another major perk of Waimanalo comes in the form of great access to mental health services. No matter how amazing a city is, if you are struggling, it’s going to be very tough for you to truly live your best life. This is why sitting down with a counselor in the Waimanalo area can be so beneficial.

This is Kayla Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Kayla Davis

Offering therapy in HI
License: MSW,LICSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
14 years of experience

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to look at my personal profile. My name is Kayla and I have been in the field for over 15 years and have truly enjoyed and learned from every population I have worked with. I started my education track by obtaining my Associate of Applied Science, in Nutrition at the University of New Hampshire. I had a desire to work with the Eating Disorder population and was advised to continue on for my Bachelor's in Psychology. I graduated with my Bachelors from Bridgewater State University and was able to begin in the field and primarily worked with Eating Disorders and Mental Health until I returned to graduate school, at the University of Hawaii Pacific University, to obtain my Masters in Social Work. During my time in Hawaii I was able to experience and work with different populations than I had in the past, which allowed me to expand my knowledge and deepen my level of understanding. Through my internships, I was able to work with; addictions, cancer survivors and families, and mental illness in depth. My graduate program had a tremendous emphasis on cultural competence and has greatly helped me in my day to day work as a Clinician and opened my eyes to so many experiences. Following my graduate degree, I have gone on to work with the homeless and teen population, people struggling with addictions, anxiety and depression, mental illness, and eating disorders. I pride myself on being adaptable to situations and attribute this to my education programs, as well as my work experience. I focus on client's strengths and meet them where they are at. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I work my best to offer active listening skills and supportive reflection in assisting in making the best decision for them. I have my LICSW in the state of Massachusetts as well LCSW in the state of Hawaii. I am hoping that brief description offered you a glimpse into me as a therapist, as well as my style of therapy. I look forward to working with you. Have a great day!

Get started View profile
This is Lori Shinsato's avatar and link to their profile

Lori Shinsato

Offering therapy in HI
License: 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!

Get started View profile
This is Gayle Branson's avatar and link to their profile

Gayle Branson

Offering therapy in HI
License: 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. So I commend you for that. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Audrey Bennett's avatar and link to their profile

Audrey Bennett

Offering therapy in HI
License: LCSW, LADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut and now Hawaii with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Wendy Yoshioka's avatar and link to their profile

Wendy Yoshioka

Offering therapy in HI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Hawaii with 8 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 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.

Get started View profile
This is Victoria Cashio's avatar and link to their profile

Victoria Cashio

Offering therapy in HI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Hawaii with 11 years of clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with a range of concerns, from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, ADHD, & career difficulties. I also have experience and training in evidence-based modalities to treat people who have experienced combat trauma, sexual trauma, or other forms of abuse. I consider myself a holistic or integrative therapist in that I blend or utilize different therapeutic perspectives according to your individual needs. At my core, I am person-centered and want to honor a therapeutic direction that is comfortable and valuable for you. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Relationships are meaningful in therapy, and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I know deciding to seek therapy isn't always easy, and if you have had a therapist in the past, starting a new relationship can seem daunting. I want you to know that your feedback matters, and I want to ensure our time together is well spent for you. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Allan Bigtas's avatar and link to their profile

Allan Bigtas

Offering therapy in HI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii with 22 years of professional work experience as a civilian and active duty military psychotherapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, military-related challenges, post traumatic symptoms, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. I provide Christian and non-Christian counseling. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Spring Richardson's avatar and link to their profile

Spring Richardson

Offering therapy in HI
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSleeping disordersCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, South Carolina and Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, & sleeping disorders. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Miranda Stone's avatar and link to their profile

Miranda Stone

Offering therapy in HI
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem & self worth, 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. I believe that most of the things we reach out for help with are normal reactions to hectic life experiences/the world in general. Taking the first step to seeking help takes courage, and it can feel anywhere from uncomfortable, scary, or even cringy for some. That's why I am here to support you in this process and make it feel more natural and normal. The type of therapy that I conduct is a cross between traditional talk therapy (psychoanalysis) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Depending on your needs, I also conduct cognitive trauma therapy (CTT). In general, I conduct what's called trauma informed therapy, also with a lens that encompasses attachment theory. It is ok if you have never heard of or do not know what any of this entails, as I will guide you as needed. I enjoy collaborating with my clients, as I recognize that first and foremost, this therapy is for your benefit and thus requires input from you. In addition to individual therapy, I have extensive work in the ER, psychiatric ER, and some inpatient psychiatric experience. Therefore, I have done a great deal of work with people who are in immediate crisis and with people who have a broad range of mental health conditions. This includes extensive work with individuals who are diagnosed with what's called serious mental illness. I have worked with victims of assault, domestic violence, trafficking, childhood and systemic trauma, as well as trauma/experiences with near fatal accidents. Prior to my career as a social worker, I worked as a Hospital Chaplain in the trauma wards and the cancer wards (adult and pediatric). In this setting my primary role was working with patients and their family's during the death and dying process as well as working on and exploring what brings them meaning, a sense of purpose, and hope. I received my Masters in Clinical Social Work from Boston University. I completed my clinical training at a Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, a level1 trauma hospital, in the ER, psychiatric ER, and inpatient psychiatric unit. I received my Masters in Divinity from Duke University and did my chaplain training at UNC Hospital and a residency at Duke University Hospital.

Get started View profile
This is Stacey Hedges's avatar and link to their profile

Stacey Hedges

Offering therapy in HI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Thank you for showing up today and taking a brave step towards experiencing a more fulfilling and joyful life! My focus is to build a trusting relationship with you, truly listen with compassion to understand your needs and collaborate with you to meet your expectations. I am a licensed mental health therapist in Hawaii with 20 years of professional work experience. I enjoy working with clients of all ages including children, teenagers and adults with a variety of presenting needs as well as multicultural counseling with clients including Asian-Americans, Black-Americans, immigrants and LGBTQIA+ clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior therapy and use a variety of modalities including Solutions-Focused, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness. I will tailor our time together and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in providing resources, education and support in order to help you meet your goals and improve the quality of your life. I look forward to connecting with you, hearing your story and supporting you in your journey of transformation!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Waimanalo

Finding the best therapist close by in Waimanalo 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 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 therapist or psychologist in Waimanalo. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Waimanalo, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Waimanalo or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Waimanalo area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Waimanalo, elsewhere in Honolulu, or in the greater state of Hawaii.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Waimanalo area can be found below:

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Waimanalo due to a higher cost of living. 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 Waimanalo 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

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

Therapists in Waimanalo, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a 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, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Waimanalo 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 lead by a therapist in Waimanalo helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Waimanalo 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Waimanalo therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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

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.

A psychologist 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 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 Waimanalo 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 lot of people in HI, providers 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 96795 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Waimanalo 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Waimanalo, 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.

Waimanalo has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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 Waimanalo.

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

96795

Popular cities near Waimanalo, HI

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist