Mental Health Therapy in Wahiawa

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Therapists in Wahiawa

Joachin Kaaihue

Wahiawa, Hawaii - Marriage And Family Therapist
Online

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Hawaii with 16 years of professional experience in the field. Throughout my career, I have provided therapeutic and consultative services to individuals across a wide age spectrum, including young children (3 through 13 years old), adolescents (14 to 19 years old), and adults (20 years and older). My journey in the helping profession began in 1995, during which I have held both private (non-profit) and public-sector roles. “The Conversation” in Sessions I strongly advocate for the significance of "the conversation" in therapy and counseling, aiming to demystify the counseling experience while acknowledging each client's unique perspectives. My objective is to foster a non-judgmental, authentic virtual environment in which clients feel secure sharing their life narratives, including the circumstances that led to our initial engagement. In Hawaiian culture, this approach is often described as "talking story." Clients are regarded as the foremost authorities on their own life experiences, possessing inherent strengths to address their current challenges, whether or not they recognize them. My role, as I perceive it, is to facilitate this process and provide necessary support. My "Systemic Perspective” My specific licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist might suggest a focus on working solely with married couples and families; however, most of my expertise is in providing counseling and therapy to individuals. I approach each case by carefully analyzing the individual's circumstances and the factors that led them to seek help. This is done from a systemic perspective, using a strength-based, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral approach. This "systemic" perspective includes the individual's interactions and relationships across different areas of their life, such as work, family, social activities, and personal experiences. It also considers how these relationships may influence their current attitudes, habits, and behaviors. While the systemic perspective might seem broad at first, it serves as a basic framework—an "initial template"—that allows individuals to share their personal experiences during our sessions. The Approach and Process in Sessions In my counseling/therapy sessions, I strive to establish a dynamic process characterized by sharing, exploration, and learning. I employ a strength-based, Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and pragmatic approach that emphasizes identifying overarching themes and specific details about the client’s current circumstances that have led them to seek counseling or therapy. This initial phase involves the client narrating their experiences related to their presenting concerns while also expressing their ideal and realistic outcomes. The primary objective of this process is to formulate pertinent goals and a clear direction for subsequent sessions by pinpointing "exceptions," or instances in the client's life where their presenting concerns either did or did not manifest. Clients are often required to recall particular details surrounding these occurrences, such as the individuals involved, the setting, the time of day, and the relevant time period in their lives—whether past, present, or future. This recollection process may pose challenges and evoke emotional responses. In instances where a specific memory becomes particularly distressing, the client may choose to take a break, discontinue the discussion entirely, or redirect the conversation to a different subject. It is imperative that the client retains agency and determines when they are prepared to engage with a specific situation. Assignments and Resources The BetterHelp platform offers a variety of resources, including worksheets, access to an online journal, and, in certain instances, informational videos. Recognizing that individuals lead busy lives and that their time is valuable, I am careful in my assignment of worksheets, whether they are intended for completion or review. For clients who feel comfortable, I encourage the use of the journal function as a beneficial tool for self-exploration. Embarking on the journey towards a more fulfilling and joyful life requires courage, commitment, and a readiness to confront the unfamiliar. My colleagues and I, as therapists on this platform, are dedicated to providing support throughout this process.

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Free Mental Health Resources in Hawaii

Hawai‘i CARES 988 is a toll free hotline that you can call by dialing 988 if you're experiencing a crisis. They offer immediate crisis counseling and access to mental health and substance abuse programming in your community. They support individuals of all ages.
NAMI Hawaii is an organization that can provide you with access to free educational resources in your community, along with support groups, peer counseling, and family support services. This is a coalition of individuals, community members, and organizations committed to addressing mental health struggles Hawaiians face every day.
Mental Health America of Hawaii is a support group that offers free services to children, adolescents, adults, and families who have been impacted by mental health struggles. Services include educational workshops, access to specialized support groups, and advocacy services.
Hawai‘i UTelehealth offers free, confidential behavioral health care services over the phone. You can speak with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health specialist if you're struggling with substance abuse or a mental health disorder. Their services are aimed at individuals who live in rural parts of the community or are experiencing homelessness.
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) provides health services to children and teens throughout Hawaii. Some of the services include therapy, psychiatric care, and case management. Criminally involved juveniles can also receive support navigating the legal system.
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Teens & Students Depression ADHD PTSD Anxiety Autism
The VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System supports veterans who are struggling with their mental health. They offer free trauma informed therapy, psychiatric treatment, and can connect you to specialized support groups where you'll have access to peer support. Many of these services are offered free of charge.
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Veterans
The nonprofit Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center works with children, adolescents, and adults, providing free and low cost care to address mental health struggles you're facing. Services include walk in care, behavioral health care, emergency support, and other services to residents in Waianae, Nanakuli, Kapolei, Ewa, and Waipahu.
The Queen’s Medical Center – Behavioral Health Services provides comprehensive medical and healthcare services to individuals struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. You will receive free emergency medical services here. They also offer day treatment services, adult inpatient care, and a family treatment center, among other supports.
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PTSD Depression Anxiety Grief
The Hawaii Domestic Violence Action Center works with victims of domestic violence, providing free services including advocacy, counseling, and resources to survivors. They offer a free helpline, including texting services. They also provide specialty programs like legal support, representatives who will accompany you to court, advocacy, and referrals to other programs."
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BIPOC LGBTQ Women Domestic Violence PTSD Depression Anxiety
The Women's Fund of Hawaii is a program that specializes in working with women who have been victims of domestic violence or are experiencing struggles with their mental health. Services are free and include mental health counseling and support services that will empower you to lead a healthy, independent, and financially sound life.
Provide Services for
Women Depression PTSD Domestic Violence
US Vets Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans who are experiencing mental health or substance abuse struggles. Services include access to housing, case management, trauma informed care, and other supports that help veterans get their lives back on track.
Provide Services for
Veterans Depression PTSD Substance Abuse
The Hawaii Department of Health – Adult Mental Health Division focuses specifically on individuals who have a severe or serious mental health illness. Services include crisis intervention and ongoing counseling.
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BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women Seniors Veterans Disability First Responders
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii – Mental Health Services offers free mental health assessments and referrals to children, adolescents, and adults who have a mental health struggle. They also offer psychiatric care and therapy.
The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center is a nonprofit organization. They will support you through behavioral health care services, including case management, crisis support, and counseling, among others. Some services are free, while others are low cost. Sliding scale discounts are available.
Aloha United Way 211 is a hotline you can call to receive support for a mental health or substance abuse struggle you're experiencing. They offer a directory of health and human services that you can access through their phone or online directory.
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