Judy Waitley

LMHC

• Hawaii, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MHC-757

I began working in mental health in 2012 and have worked just about every position possible. My diverse experience in the mental health field has given me insight in so many ways. As a community mental health worker, I provided support to people ages 5 and up with chronic and severe mental health issues in a community setting. Although tough, it truly taught me how to tailor services to meet individual needs. As a case manager it was always amazing to see people thrive mentally when they were able to get basic needs met like consistent medical care and housing. While providing services to adults with mental health/addiction issues and developmental disabilities, I drew from my experience teaching special education and created community for our clients. My experience in family therapy was strengthened when I provided intensive therapy services to families struggling to keep their kids out of the foster care system. Working with children, teens and their parents/guardians was complicated but so worthwhile. Since being in private practice, I've focused on individual and couples therapy. I like to say, these are my sweet spots and truly enjoy providing these services. Whether supporting people through addiction (I get it, truly.), helping someone with complex trauma, providing validation and compassion to someone struggling with who they are or supporting a couple in recognizing what it was that brought them together in the first place, I'm always honored to be part of the process.