Kathy Hilton

My clinical background is built around complexity. I spent years working in community mental health and outpatient substance use treatment — including Intensive Outpatient Programs — which means I'm comfortable with the cases that require more than surface-level support.

I specialize in PTSD, borderline personality disorder, substance use and addiction, trauma, and co-occurring conditions. I'm also LGBTQIA+ affirming and have experience supporting clients navigating gender identity, gender dysphoria, and transition — areas where finding the right therapist really matters.

I work with adolescents and adults, and I offer a free 15-minute consultation before we begin so you can make sure this feels like the right fit.

My toolkit is broad because the people I work with rarely fit a single mold. I lead with DBT for clients working through intense emotions, self-destructive patterns, or borderline personality disorder — it's the most evidence-based approach for this work, and I know it well. For trauma and PTSD, I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, depending on what fits best. For clients navigating substance use, anxiety, or rigid thought patterns, I draw on CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing.

Underneath all of it is a trauma-informed, person-centered foundation. I adapt to you — not the other way around.

The first session is a conversation, not an assessment. I'll ask what's brought you here, what's been tried before, and what you're hoping feels different. There's no pressure to share everything at once — we'll go at whatever pace feels right.

By the end, we'll have a starting sense of where to focus and whether working together feels like a good fit. Most people leave feeling like they've finally found someone who can actually handle what they're carrying.

I also offer a free 15-minute intro call before we officially begin — just reach out and we'll set one up