Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Missoula, MT covered by Aetna

You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just plain tired of trying to figure everything out on your own. Maybe anxiety keeps you up at night, or depression makes it hard to find the motivation to get through your day. Perhaps ADHD has you juggling a million things at once, but nothing feels like it's getting done. Maybe you're in the midst of a big change; a new role, shifting family dynamics, or health challenges and you're not sure how to navigate it all. I want you to know that you don't have to do it alone. Life doesn't always go as planned, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to carry. We can find a way forward together.

I am a dedicated practitioner focused on providing evidence-based, compassionate care. My professional journey is rooted in a deep commitment to understanding human behavior and fostering meaningful growth.

I have been a social worker of over 20 years and have worked will most population including elderly, hospice, disabilities and children. I have studied significantly Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I have empathy for all individuals and like to assist individuals in developing health and wellness.

I am a fully licensed therapist (LCSW) specialized in supporting adults (18+) navigating the exhausting loops of anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, major life transitions, and burnout. My goal is to make therapy feel less like a clinical interrogation and more like a warm, supportive conversation with someone who is entirely on your team (and who will never suggest a juice cleanse or judge your late-night doom-scrolling).

I came to the field of mental health later in life, after a long career in corporate settings. What does that mean for you? It means I bring deep, real-world experience from the front lines of high-stress careers, parenting, marriage, and life’s unexpected "plot twists".

I’m Zara Hanson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping people reconnect with themselves, heal from the inside out, and show up more fully in their relationships.

My interest in mental health started early, rooted in a curiosity about human behavior and a desire to help others feel less alone in their struggles. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Research Psychology, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a focus on both direct therapy and systems-level care. Over the years, I’ve worked across a range of settings—from community mental health to private practice—supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex emotional terrain.

My practice focuses on trauma, neurodivergence (including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder), substance use, mood disorders, relationship conflict, and emotional dysregulation. I’m especially drawn to working with clients who want to make sense of their story, process unresolved experiences, and find a more grounded, authentic way of being. I also work with couples to deepen connection, repair trust, and build more effective communication.

Therapy with me is relational, honest, and insight-driven. I aim to meet you exactly where you are, while gently encouraging growth, curiosity, and self-compassion along the way.

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. I have been working as a therapist for nearly 20 years and am licensed in Arizona, Montana, and Oregon. I mainly support adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression who are seeking a deeper connection with themselves to heal and grow. I am a Level I trained Internal Family Systems Therapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Although my approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems, I remain flexible and prioritize what feels most authentic and genuine for you and your unique needs.