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Headshot of Kristi Tanaka, LCSW

Dr. Kristi Tanaka

Therapist
24 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Depression, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

Do you feel stuck between who you used to be and who you’re trying to become? Are anxiety, depression, or the weight of past experiences keeping you in survival mode? Do you find yourself wondering if real change is possible, or if this is just how life will always feel?

You’re not alone. Now more than ever, people are emotionally exhausted, disconnected, and uncertain about how to move forward. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, unresolved trauma, or the lasting impact of service, healing doesn’t begin with quick fixes—it begins with being truly seen, heard, and supported.

If you’re tired of searching for the “right fit,” repeating the same conversations with different providers, and walking away with more frustration than clarity, you’re in the right place. My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in meaningful, forward‐moving care—not surface‐level checklists or conversations that lead nowhere.

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I understand how complex life transitions and trauma can shape your inner world. I take the time to listen, to understand your story, and to tailor care that aligns with who you are and who you want to become.

My goal is to help you move beyond simply surviving—toward clarity, confidence, and a life that feels purposeful again. You deserve care that feels steady, respectful, and effective.

I want to hear your story. Let’s take the first step together.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in meaningful, forward‐moving care. Many people come to therapy feeling stuck between who they used to be and who they’re trying to become—exhausted by anxiety, depression, trauma, or the lasting impact of major life transitions. If you’ve been living in survival mode and wondering whether real change is possible, you’re not alone.

I believe healing doesn’t begin with quick fixes or surface‐level checklists. It begins with being truly seen, heard, and understood. I take the time to listen to your story, understand your experiences, and work with you to create care that feels respectful, steady, and aligned with who you are and who you want to become.

Rather than repeating the same conversations or offering one‐size‐fits‐all solutions, my goal is to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and move beyond simply surviving toward a life that feels purposeful and grounded again.

Therapy with me is a partnership. If you’re ready for care that feels supportive, effective, and forward‐focused, I’m here to listen.

What you can expect from me

Your first session is about more than introductions—it’s about finally feeling like you’ve landed in the right place. Many clients come to me after feeling frustrated by therapy that felt unfocused, repetitive, or emotionally draining without real movement. From the beginning, my goal is to offer guidance, clarity, and a clear sense of direction.

In our first session, I take the time to truly listen to your story—who you are, what you’ve been carrying, and what led you to seek care now. This isn’t an empty conversation or a checklist of symptoms. I’ll ask thoughtful, intentional questions to understand the patterns, experiences, and transitions shaping your current life, whether those include anxiety, depression, trauma, or the lasting weight of past service or stress.

You can expect an active, engaged therapist who helps you make sense of what you’re experiencing. I provide clinical insight, reflect patterns you may not have named yet, and begin identifying meaningful areas for intervention early on. Therapy with me is not about venting without direction—it’s about creating a clear path forward that feels grounded, respectful, and purposeful.

By the end of the first session, you should have:

  • A stronger sense of being seen and understood
  • Clarity about what may be keeping you stuck
  • A collaborative direction for treatment moving forward
  • Confidence that healing—real, lasting change—is the mission

You don’t have to keep searching for the “right fit” or wondering if therapy can actually help. This first session is the start of focused, guided work designed to help you move beyond survival mode and toward a life that feels more steady, meaningful, and aligned with who you want to become.

I’m here to guide the process. Let’s begin.

About me

  • I identify as
    Asian, Caucasian, Woman
  • My style is
    Direct, Empowering, Open Minded

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    24 years of experience
  • Training
    PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) at Chaminade University of Honolulu, MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Hawaii
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Hawaii, Texas, Oklahoma)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ascension, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Hawaii, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Depression, Trauma, PTSD
  • More specialties
    Anxiety, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues
  • Therapy methods
    Behavior Modification, Behavioral Activation (BA), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Humanistic, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Strength-Based, Behavioral
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Adolescents, Seniors
  • Languages
    English