Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins

My Approach

As a queer, neurodivergent, chronically ill therapist, I am keenly aware of the negative role healthcare providers can and do play in the lives of patients. While I am imperfect and consistently work to grow as an individual and professional, I am extremely passionate about divesting from the mental health industrial complex and creating true connection with my clients. That connection will be the foundation of the work that we do together.

I specialize in Autism, ADHD, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, grief, and working with individuals who feel stuck or are in major transition. My approach helps clients break free from perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and emotional overwhelm to build a more fulfilling, balanced life that is centered around their values. I integrate Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to uncover the deeper patterns that keep clients from lasting confidence and balance.

Given my experience working in hospital settings, as well as my personal experiences as a chronically ill person, I am passionate about helping my clients navigate the US healthcare system while learning that the challenges they face are not their fault. Our country is rooted in flawed systems and systems of oppression that prevent connection, community, and access to basic human rights. I help my clients identify how these systems impact their mental and physical health, and work with my clients to problem solve how to navigate these systems while addressing internal needs and values.

Additionally, I offer neurodivergent-affirming testing for autism, ADHD, OCD, and CPTSD, providing a collaborative, strengths-based assessment process that helps clients gain clarity and self-understanding. I also offer presurgical evaluations.

No matter what role I am stepping into—psychologist, wellness coach, or case manager—I prioritize my clients’ autonomy and provide consistent insight into what my approach to their care is and why. I value when my clients offer me feedback and aim to create safety and trust that empowers them to do so. Both in and out of sessions I maintain curiosity about how I’ve been trained to uphold systems of oppression and actively challenge these in myself and help my clients identify how these systems impact them. Importantly, while I am direct in communication, I move from a place of gentleness, compassion, and a true dedication to do no harm.

My hobbies and interests are always rapidly changing and evolving, though I tend to circle back to each one eventually.
Currently, I am playing a lot of video games—especially those with Zombies (7 Days to Die; The Last of Us). Reading has been a lifelong passion of mine and right now I’m mainly reading Zombie novels, some variation of romance (WLW, MLM, Sports, Dark…pretty much any and all romance), nonfiction books that help me learn about the history of Black and Indigenous people in the United States, and books that help me learn about my ancestry (Irish, Polish, Spanish, Melungeon). I am also enamored with film and music, often watching films or listening to music in my free time, analyzing them with my husband. When I’m not being a homebody, I love being outside near running water or sitting at a local coffee shop working on my next short story or novel. I’m also always exploring ways to express myself — through writing, painting, music, building models, or whatever craft I happen to discover in a hobby store.