About Dr. Bogdahn

Dr. Bogdahn has returned home to Hawai‘i Nei after spending several years traveling between Hawai‘i and Washington State, caring for his uncle. Family is the essential heart of our mo‘olelo. While recently attending his 50th high school reunion on O‘ahu, he reconnected with classmates, reinforcing, of course, the joy of eventually returning home for good.

I recognized early on in my career an often missing and unfortunately painful need within our community—a lack of compassionate, experienced, and committed mental health services. Many of you and your family members may have encountered a modern, cold, uncaring environment when seeking care, leading to a lifetime of brief but inadequate care plans.

With 38 years of experience as both a clinical social worker and clinical psychologist in Hawai‘i, I bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, and creativity to my approach. Throughout my career, I’ve observed, at times, a significant lack of thorough, skilled, and up-to-date assessments—something I strive to address through both experience and diagnostic ability.

My extensive experience spans the treatment of addiction, the impacts of fetal alcohol and drug exposure on development, Autism Spectrum and related disorders, neuro screenings, and comprehensive psychological assessments. As a state and federal disability examiner, I’ve developed complex diagnostic formulations, conducted child custody evaluations based on a unique model I created, and provided individual and couples psychotherapy. What sets my work apart is my belief that my role extends far beyond the hour of therapy.

I take an active role in advocacy, developing care teams for my patients, and building much-needed community services, drawing on my extensive experience and knowledge. In 2013, I began developing the Window of Hope program for pregnant women struggling with addiction. This initiative was inspired by my work in the 1980s with Helping Hands Hawai‘i. The program in Hilo—which included an outreach team and shelter for pregnant women facing addiction, as well as outreach with Hilo Hospital’s birthing center—was designed to build vital relationships and services to reduce the growing impact of drugs and alcohol on the development of future generations. I personally funded and rehabilitated the shelter, designed the program, and hope that younger providers and stakeholders will revisit this concept in the future.

I invite you to contact me directly to explore how I can help you and your family. Together, we can uncover why previous treatment plans may have had limited success. I bring skilled and knowledgeable diagnostic engagement to your care and am committed to building or finding the follow-up care necessary to restore trust in our mental health system. Our work is not just for today—it’s for our children, grandchildren, and future generations. By understanding complex genetics, embracing novel treatments, and fostering teamwork, I develop treatment plans that consider all of your providers and engage you fully in your journey to wellness.