Kari Hess, MSW, RCSWI

Kari is currently the Program Director and a Primary Therapist of Beachside Recovery Center for Trauma + Anxiety, a specialized program of Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting. Her extensive background in this field allows her to contribute to Beachside Recovery in a meaningful way. In 2008, Kari started working in the helping profession by becoming a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor in California. In 2011, Kari became a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and worked at a Domestic Violence shelter, counseling women in crisis. She went on to work as a parent partner at DCF, advocating for parents’ rights and helping parents complete their goal of reunification. Kari and her husband opened a sober living home for women with children and operated New Hope for Women from 2010-2014. In 2015, Kari became a volunteer advocate in the harm reduction field. She became the secretary of her state advocacy chapter and grew into the position of president of this chapter. Kari has spoken in front of local, state, and federal legislators as an advocate for harm reduction and was known as a leader in her trade. During this time, Kari held volunteer positions on the following boards: Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board and the Homeless Day Center in Redding, CA.

In 2020, Kari enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at the University of California, San Jose. She graduated in 2022 with Magna Cum Laude honors. Kari is now a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. During her practicum, Kari provided therapy to the underserved population and started a teen coping skills group. Kari enjoys working with adolescents and adults to guide them toward finding their own hope and inner peace in today’s chaotic world. Kari believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live happy, joyous, and free.

Kari has spent the majority of her life in Northern California and relocated with her family to Melbourne in 2022. Kari enjoys gardening, cooking, the beach, and spending time with her family and two mini Aussies, one of whom is deaf.

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Areas of Specialization:
Anxiety and Depression
Substance Abuse and Co-occurring MH/SUD Disorders
PTSD and Trauma Related Disorders
Mood Disorders
LGBTQIA+
Support during life transitions
Self-esteem
Assertiveness and Communication

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Treatment Modalities:
Person-Centered, Strengths-Based Approach
DBT and Mindfulness
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care