About Dr. Kristi Tanaka
Focus areas
Anxiety
Depression
Psychological Trauma
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Therapy
Bipolar Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Humanistic
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Interpersonal
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Asian, White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Kristi Tanaka
Do you feel stuck between who you used to be and who you want to become? Are you overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the weight of past experiences- military or otherwise- that won’t seem to let go? Do you wonder if it’s possible to stop just surviving and finally start living? Now more than ever, people are feeling disconnected, emotionally exhausted, and unsure of how to move forward. Whether you're adjusting after a major life transition or navigating unresolved trauma, healing begins with being truly seen and supported.
Helping you feel heard, understood, and confident in your care is my passion. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and a deep commitment to supporting military members and veterans, I know life’s transitions aren’t always easy. I want to hear your story—let’s take the first step together.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I believe it shouldn’t be so hard to feel like yourself again. I specialize in supportive, evidence-based therapy for adults navigating overwhelming emotions, past trauma, life transitions, or the weight of just getting through the day. We start by creating a space where you can be heard—really heard—without pressure to fix everything all at once. Depending on your needs, I may draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, or solution-focused strategies. This means you may explore patterns in your thoughts and emotions, learn grounding techniques to manage anxiety or distress, or practice new ways of responding to life’s challenges. I offer honest and compassionate feedback, and guide you through practical tools you can use between sessions. My approach is respectful, collaborative, and inclusive—where your whole story matters, and where healing becomes a shared journey toward clarity, confidence, and feeling like yourself again.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
You can expect to feel seen, supported, and never judged. In our first full session, we’ll take the time to explore your story—what’s working, what’s not, and what “better” could look like for you. We’ll talk about the emotional weight you’ve been carrying, identify patterns or triggers that may be impacting you, and begin to make sense of how the past and present are connected. Whether you're navigating trauma, life transitions, or just feeling stuck, you’ll have space to process at your own pace.
Together, we’ll create a path forward that reflects your needs and strengths—whether that means learning new coping tools, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, or simply having a place to exhale and be heard. My hope is that you leave each session feeling more grounded, more hopeful, and more like yourself.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $200 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 60 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
I accept select insurance plans in Hawaii
My services are well-suited for individuals who are ready to invest in their mental and emotional well-being. Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, I take a deeper, integrative approach—exploring how emotional, relational, and lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, trauma history, and personal habits may be impacting your mental health.
You deserve care that goes beyond surface-level strategies. If you're looking for a more thoughtful, whole-person path to healing, I’d be honored to support you on that journey.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1033350251
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Kristi Tanaka?
Generally, Dr. Kristi Tanaka has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Tanaka's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Kristi Tanaka accepting new patients?
Dr. Kristi Tanaka generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Tanaka's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Kristi Tanaka accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Tanaka is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Kristi Tanaka online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Tanaka using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Kristi Tanaka work with?
Dr. Kristi Tanaka works with Independent.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Kristi Tanaka?
Dr. Kristi Tanaka frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Kristi Tanaka on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Kristi Tanaka speak?
Dr. Kristi Tanaka speaks English.