S.H.H.

Chris Gettman, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, founded Self Help Hawaii, LLC (SHH) to provide compassionate, "ohana-style" therapeutic care. Growing up in a broken and blended family, Chris discovered his true calling early in life. This personal journey led him to the Hawaii Department of Education, where he served for 15 years as a Behavioral Health Specialist. There, he equipped K-12 staff, families, and children with innovative, child-friendly emotional and behavioral tools, focusing heavily on coping skills like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and mindfulness under the guiding philosophy: "Happy kids learn."Licensed in 2014, Chris launched Self Help Hawaii in 2015. Over the years, he has mentored and supervised exceptional graduate interns, inviting the very best to join the SHH counseling team. In 2016, Chris expanded the practice to accept VA referrals. This work holds a deeply personal meaning for him; both his father and his very first veteran client are now laid to rest at Punchbowl National Cemetery. In their honor, SHH proudly provides dedicated internment services and support for military families.Chris and his team are deeply committed to veterans and their families through service-related trauma, relationship challenges, and severe depression. From in-office sessions to "Boots on the Ground" in-home, community, hospital, and hospice care, they are always here to help.Outside of clinical therapy, Chris is a dedicated and caring cat father who actively adopts rescue cats and supports local pet organizations. Recognizing the profound healing power of animals, Chris also provides Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters for individuals in need, ensuring both people and their companion animals get the support they deserve.