Kristina Dugas , LCSW

Kristina Dugas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a clinician trained to provide mental health therapy and support, and brings seven years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and young adults. She has practiced across a variety of settings, including residential living programs, schools from elementary through high school, and outpatient services, tailoring her work to meet the needs of each setting and age group.

Her clinical focus includes grief and loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and abuse, and work with people who are part of the LGBTQIA community. She also gives attention to social anxiety and phobia, helping clients develop practical strategies to manage everyday challenges. Kristina draws from a range of evidence-based methods - including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, solution-focused techniques, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and the Triple P Parenting Program - selecting approaches based on each person’s current needs.

Kristina emphasizes collaboration and skill-building, partnering with clients to strengthen coping abilities and identify existing strengths. Her practice centers on empowering individuals and families to navigate difficulties while fostering resilience and meaningful progress over time.

Evidence-Based Approaches Delivered Online

Kristina uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors; CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns and focuses on practical skills and structured problem-solving.

She incorporates mindfulness techniques to teach present-moment awareness and stress reduction strategies, which can support emotion regulation and reduce reactivity in daily life. Kristina also employs exposure and response prevention (ERP), a focused approach that helps people gradually face feared situations or thoughts and reduce avoidance behaviors, often used for anxiety and phobias.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Kristina works collaboratively with clients to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts methods over time and combines techniques when that better serves progress.

Online therapy with Kristina is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules and varied comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain regular appointments, access care from home or other settings, and continue work between sessions when needed.