Katherine “Kati” Buckwalter-Hughes, LCSW

Katherine “Kati” Buckwalter-Hughes, LCSW, is a therapist at Relief Mental Health in West Allis, Wisconsin, providing therapy for preteens, teens, adults, and elders. She specializes in trauma and PTSD, neurodivergence (including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD), and grief. With 13 years of experience, Kati brings a strengths-based, person-centered approach to her work.

Kati has extensive experience supporting survivors of trauma, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence, as well as patients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She believes people can grow and change at any stage of life, and that meaningful progress comes with time, effort, and self-compassion. Her style is gentle yet grounded: warm and supportive, with appropriate boundaries. She works to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel free to open up.

In sessions, Kati integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic interventions, and play therapy, and is currently developing her practice in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Kati is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoys working with LGBTQ+ youth and adults. She provides affirming, culturally sensitive care for transgender patients, patients of color, single mothers, and people living with immune-related conditions.

Kati’s background includes six years providing behavioral treatment to children on the autism spectrum, three years as an initial assessment specialist with Milwaukee Child Protective Services, and five years in outpatient private practice, giving her deep familiarity with both the child welfare and court systems. She earned her Master of Social Work with a specialty in Behavioral Health from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and her Bachelor of Letters and Sciences in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Call (855) 205-4764 or click the button below to book a therapy appointment with Kati.