Frequently asked questions about therapy from the Big Island for Hawaiʻi

Getting started is simple. Begin by contacting Ka Mana Services through phone, email, or our website contact form. You may briefly share what brings you to therapy, your scheduling preferences, and any insurance or payment questions. We’ll respond as soon as possible regarding availability and next steps.

We keep the intake process welcoming, supportive, and transparent so you know what to expect at every step:

• Step 1 — Initial contact: Reach out by phone, email, or the contact form. We’ll discuss availability and next steps.
• Step 2 — Intake paperwork: Before your first appointment, you’ll receive intake forms to complete securely online — covering personal and contact information, mental health and medical history, consent forms and office policies, insurance and payment information, and privacy practices.
• Step 3 — Initial intake session: Your first appointment is an opportunity to begin building a therapeutic relationship and understanding your experiences, strengths, and goals. It’s collaborative and paced to your comfort — there is no pressure to share everything immediately.
• Step 4 — A personalized treatment plan: Together we develop an approach tailored to your needs and goals, which may incorporate EMDR, ERP, Written Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Step 5 — Ongoing therapy: A supportive space to process difficult experiences, develop coping skills, strengthen resilience, build healthier patterns, and reconnect with your values and strengths.

The first session focuses on getting to know you, understanding your concerns, discussing your goals for therapy, and answering any questions about the process. It also helps determine how we can best support your needs moving forward.

Telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform (Upheal), so you can attend from the privacy of your own space with no downloads or accounts — just click the link in your calendar invite. For appointments, we encourage you to use a private, quiet location, ensure a stable internet connection, and use headphones if desired. You can learn more on our Telehealth page.

Payment is due at the time of service, and we accept major credit and debit cards. Superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement, and select insurance plans may be accepted. Please contact us with any questions about fees, insurance, or payment options, and see our Billing & Payments page.

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee: $150 for an individual therapy session and $200 for an initial intake session. Three consecutive no-show, no-call appointments may result in an automatic discharge from Ka Mana Services, LLC; frequent late cancellations and no-shows — although not consecutive — may also result in discharge.

Therapy is a collaborative and compassionate process focused on healing, growth, and empowerment. We strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. Inspired by the symbolism of kalo in Hawaiian culture, we believe healing develops through connection, care, and intentional support.

Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, trauma and stress-related concerns, ADHD, chronic pain, life transitions, stress management, emotional regulation, and personal growth and self-esteem.

Ka Mana Services provides therapy for adults and adolescents throughout Hawaiʻi via telehealth.

EMDR, Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Parent Skills Training, and Christian-based counseling. Our approach combines evidence-based practices with compassionate, culturally grounded care.

At this time we only offer secure telehealth therapy services for clients throughout the state of Hawaiʻi.

Most individual therapy sessions are approximately 45–55 minutes long.

Ka Mana Services, LLC uses a confidential and secure AI scribe to help with notes, which allows the clinician to fully concentrate on your session. We use the Upheal platform, which offers automated notes and analytics for client conversations and handles protected health information as a HIPAA Business Associate.

Ka Mana Services, LLC has signed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to protect data shared with Upheal, ensuring electronic health information is safeguarded through appropriate administrative, physical, and technical measures. You can learn more at upheal.io/privacy.

Frequency and length depend on your goals, needs, and preferences. Some clients attend weekly, while others benefit from biweekly or less frequent sessions as progress develops.

We currently accept select insurance plans, including HMSA, UHA, UHC, HMAA, Ohana, AlohaCare, Tricare, Triwest, VA-CCN, and Cigna.

Therapy can benefit anyone seeking support, growth, healing, or guidance during difficult times. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people seek therapy to improve relationships, manage stress, process life experiences, or better understand themselves.

Yes. Your privacy is taken seriously, and sessions are confidential except in situations where disclosure is required by law — such as concerns involving safety, abuse, or court orders. Confidentiality policies are reviewed during the intake process.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence-based approach commonly used to help individuals process trauma and distressing life experiences. It helps the brain reprocess difficult memories in a way that reduces emotional distress and supports healing.

Exposure and Response Prevention is a specialized approach commonly used for OCD and anxiety disorders. It helps individuals gradually face fears while reducing compulsive or avoidance behaviors in a safe and supportive manner.

You can schedule by calling our office, sending an email, or completing the contact form on our website. We’ll respond as soon as possible regarding availability and next steps.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You may also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

Yes. Ka Mana Services LLC values culturally responsive and respectful care that honors each individual’s identity, background, lived experiences, and personal values. Our practice is inspired by principles of connection, mālama (care), resilience, and empowerment.

“Mana” can refer to spiritual strength, power, presence, and influence. At Ka Mana Services, the name reflects our belief that healing involves reconnecting with one’s inner strength, resilience, and capacity for growth and empowerment.