Feel Like Yourself
Again.
From the comfort of home.
Licensed, evidence-informed telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.
We accept 16+ insurance plans. Most clients pay $0 out of pocket.
Take the First Step — It’s Free
Schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation. No pressure, no commitment.
Your story is unique. Your care should be too.
We specialize in the challenges that come with island life.
Hurricane Survivors
"The storms are over, but I still can't sleep"
Residents still carrying psychological impact from Hurricanes Irma/Maria and ongoing hurricane seasons.
Anxious Professionals
"Everyone thinks island life is easy. It's not."
Tourism workers, tour operators facing exhaustion, seasonal swings, and high cost of living.
Veterans & Military
"I served. Now I need someone who gets it."
Active-duty, veterans, and military families stationed in or connected to the USVI. VA CCN accepted.
Couples in Crisis
"We can't keep having the same fight"
Couples experiencing communication breakdown, infidelity recovery, or contemplating separation.
Island Professionals
"I'm holding it all together, but barely"
Government workers, business owners, educators, and healthcare workers under pressure.
New to the Islands
"I moved to paradise but I feel more alone than ever"
Mainland transplants experiencing adjustment difficulties, isolation, and culture shock.
Why telehealth works in the USVI
No commute, no waiting room, no one who knows your business. Just quality therapy from wherever you are.
No commute needed
Skip the ferry, the traffic, and the parking. Connect from your living room, office, or anywhere private.
Complete privacy
On a small island, everyone knows everyone. Telehealth means no waiting room encounters.
Evening & weekends
Sessions available when you need them, including evenings and Saturdays.
Insurance plans
Most client copays
Islands served
Free consultation
Evidence-informed care, personalized for you
Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, and DBT.
Couples Therapy
Rebuild connection, improve communication, and navigate conflict together. Specialized in Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Family Therapy
Strengthen family bonds, resolve conflict, and support children through transitions. Structured approaches for lasting change.
Trauma Recovery
Specialized PTSD and trauma therapy for hurricane survivors, abuse recovery, first responders, and complex trauma. EMDR-trained.
Which of these sounds like you?
Select the option that best describes what you’re looking for.
“I’m struggling with anxiety or depression”
Our clinicians specialize in evidence-informed treatments that significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, often within 8–12 sessions.
- Reduced anxiety and panic attacks
- Improved sleep quality
- Lifted mood and renewed energy
“After 8 sessions, my anxiety attacks are down dramatically. I can finally sleep through the night again.” — Client from St. Thomas
“We’re having relationship issues”
Our couples therapy helps partners rebuild communication and conflict-resolution skills. Most couples see meaningful improvement within 10–12 sessions of emotionally focused therapy.
- Effective communication patterns
- Decreased conflict frequency
- Renewed emotional connection
“We were on the brink of separation. ZipHealthy helped us rebuild our communication from the ground up.” — Couple from St. Croix
“Our family needs help”
Our structured family therapy helps families improve interactions and establish healthy boundaries, often within 12–20 sessions.
- Clearer family communication
- Stronger parent-child bonds
- Reduced family conflict
“Our therapist helped us establish healthy boundaries. Our home is peaceful for the first time in years.” — Family from St. John
“I’m struggling with substance use”
Our evidence-informed approach helps clients develop recovery skills and address the underlying issues that contribute to substance use — with complete discretion.
- Effective coping mechanisms
- Reduced cravings and triggers
- Sustainable recovery plan
“I tried for years to quit on my own. With ZipHealthy’s support, I’ve maintained sobriety for 9 months now.” — Client from Charlotte Amalie
“I’m dealing with past trauma”
Our trauma-informed therapists help clients process difficult experiences using EMDR and cognitive processing therapy. Most clients see significant PTSD reduction within 8–12 sessions.
- Reduced trauma symptoms
- Improved emotional regulation
- Restored sense of safety
“The nightmares and flashbacks have finally stopped. I’m learning to trust people again.” — Client from Christiansted
“My child is struggling emotionally”
Our child and adolescent specialists provide age-appropriate therapy. Around 60% of children with anxiety respond to cognitive behavioral therapy within 12 weeks.
- Improved emotional expression
- Better academic performance
- Reduced anxiety and lifted mood
“Our son’s anxiety was affecting his grades. Now he has tools to manage stress and is thriving in school.” — Parents from Frederiksted
Mental health care for the U.S. Virgin Islands
Confidential, expert care across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John — telehealth and in-person — treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. A personalized, evidence-informed path with measurable outcomes. No waiting rooms, no referrals.
Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive assessment that examines the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting your wellbeing.
Personalized Treatment Plan
You and your therapist collaboratively formulate measurable goals and milestones — a clear, structured plan from day one.
Evidence-Informed Methods
We exclusively use techniques supported by peer-reviewed research — including CBT, EMDR, Gottman Method, and DBT.
Progress Tracking
Validated outcome measures track your improvement so we can adjust strategies for optimal results.
Outcome-Focused
We work toward lasting change — not endless sessions without direction.
Ready to begin with Step 1?
Book Your Free AssessmentYour journey starts with the right support
Licensed Experts
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Master’s and doctoral-level clinicians licensed in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with specialized training in evidence-informed therapeutic approaches.
Results in Weeks
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Most clients see significant improvement within 8–12 sessions using evidence-informed methods (Hofmann et al., 2012).
89%†
see meaningful improvement in 8 sessions
† Internal client-reported outcome measures. Individual results vary.
Personalized Care
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Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances. No cookie-cutter approaches.
Stephen Velasquez, MBA, MSW, LCSW
With over 15 years in clinical practice, Stephen has treated thousands of individuals, couples, and families across high-acuity settings — from military behavioral health and federal crisis programs to private practice. He founded ZipHealthy to deliver that same caliber of care to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Stephen is trained across a wide range of evidence-informed modalities and matches each client with the approach most likely to produce lasting results. He personally supervises every clinician on the ZipHealthy team and reviews treatment outcomes to ensure the standard never slips.
"Everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, no matter which island you call home."
Professional Memberships
Trusted by families across the Virgin Islands
Testimonials reflect individual client experiences shared with documented written permission. Names and identifying details have been altered or generalized to protect client confidentiality (NASW Code of Ethics, Standard 1.07). Individual results vary; ZipHealthy does not guarantee specific therapeutic outcomes.
"Before starting therapy, I was drowning in anxiety. Now I have the tools to manage my thoughts and feel like myself again."
I was skeptical about telehealth at first, but my therapist made me feel comfortable from day one. They helped me understand my anxiety patterns and gave me practical strategies that actually work.
Verified Client
St. Thomas
"Our marriage was on the brink. Couples counseling transformed our relationship and taught us how to truly communicate."
My wife and I had been struggling for years. Our therapist helped us understand each other's perspectives and gave us tools to communicate without fighting.
Verified Couple
St. Croix
"After years of nightmares, I finally feel safe in my own mind. EMDR therapy gave me my life back."
I put off getting help for my trauma for over a decade. My therapist was patient and never pushed me faster than I was ready. I sleep through the night now.
Verified Client
St. John
"Our family was falling apart. Constant arguments, tears every night. Family therapy brought us back together."
Our therapist helped each of us feel heard. The kids opened up about things we had no idea they were carrying. Now we actually talk at dinner.
Verified Family
St. Thomas
Wellness Tools for Your Journey
Curated journals, guided workbooks, and self-care toolkits designed by licensed therapists.
Helpful Resources
Benefits of Telehealth Therapy
Why virtual sessions work — especially on islands.
Read article TraumaUnderstanding PTSD Treatment
Evidence-informed approaches to trauma recovery.
Read article Getting StartedYour First Therapy Session
What to expect and how to prepare.
Read article RelationshipsWhen to Try Couples Therapy
Relationship red flags and when to seek help.
Read article16+ plans accepted. Most clients pay $0.
We handle the insurance paperwork so you can focus on healing.
Veterans & Military
UHC VA CCN accepted. We proudly serve active-duty, veterans, and military families stationed across the Virgin Islands.
Worker's Compensation
VI Government Worker's Compensation accepted for work-related stress, trauma, and mental health conditions.
Self-Pay Available
No insurance? Transparent self-pay at $275 per session, with HSA/FSA accepted. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement.
Free 2-Minute Check-Ins
Not sure where to start?
Take a free, confidential self-assessment — the same validated screeners clinicians use. No email required, instant results.
GAD-7 · 7 questions
Anxiety check-in
Feeling on edge, racing thoughts, or constant worry that won't switch off?
Start the check-inPHQ-9 · 9 questions
Depression check-in
Low energy, low mood, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy?
Start the check-inPSS · 10 questions
Stress check-in
Overloaded at work or home and running on empty more days than not?
Start the check-inSelf-assessments are educational tools, not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You'll receive a secure link before each session. Just click it from your phone, tablet, or computer. All you need is a private space and a stable internet connection. Sessions are 60 minutes for individual therapy and 60 minutes for couples or family sessions.
If stress, anxiety, sadness, relationship issues, or traumatic experiences are affecting your daily life, work, or relationships, therapy can help. You do not need to be in crisis. Many clients come to us simply wanting to improve their quality of life. Our free 15-minute consultation can help you decide if therapy is right for you.
We accept 16+ plans including Aetna, Cigna, Cigna Global, UHC, Triple S (Commercial, BlueCard, FEP), MAPFRE, ELAN, Optimum Global, UBH/Optum, BlueCross BlueShield, and more. We also accept UHC VA CCN for veterans and VI Government Worker's Compensation. Most clients pay $0 out of pocket. Contact us for a free benefits verification and we will confirm your coverage before your first session.
Your first session is an intake assessment where we get to know you, your history, and your goals. We will discuss what brought you to therapy, your current symptoms, and what you hope to achieve. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with.
We treat a wide range of behavioral health conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, adjustment disorders, life transitions, stress management, anger management, and self-esteem issues. We use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, EMDR, Gottman Method, and DBT tailored to your unique needs.
Yes. We offer evening sessions Monday through Friday and Saturday appointments to accommodate your schedule. We understand that island work schedules, tourism jobs, and family commitments make traditional 9-to-5 availability impractical for many clients.
Yes. Peer-reviewed research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for most mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Many clients in the USVI prefer telehealth for the added convenience, privacy (no waiting room encounters on a small island), and the ability to access specialized care without inter-island travel.
Most clients begin to see meaningful improvement within 8 to 12 sessions. Some find relief sooner, while more complex concerns may take longer. We use validated outcome measures to track your progress so you can see measurable change. During your free consultation, we will discuss your goals and give you a realistic timeline.
Absolutely. We serve clients across all three U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Because all sessions are conducted via telehealth, there is no need to take a ferry or fly between islands. You receive the same quality of care from wherever you are.
Yes. All sessions are fully HIPAA-compliant with end-to-end encryption. Your health records are stored securely and never shared without your written consent (except where required by law). We understand the unique privacy concerns of living in a close-knit island community, which is one reason telehealth is so valuable here.
Yes. We provide couples therapy using the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as family therapy for communication breakdowns, parenting challenges, and blended family dynamics. Both partners or all family members can join from separate locations if needed, making telehealth especially flexible.
Yes. Our clinical director is a veteran with extensive experience serving active-duty service members and military families. We accept UHC VA Community Care Network (VA CCN) insurance and specialize in PTSD, trauma, adjustment challenges, and the unique stressors of military life. If you have a VA referral, we can coordinate care with your VA provider.
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules. This allows us to offer that time slot to another client. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. Life happens, and we always try to be flexible when circumstances are beyond your control.
We welcome referrals from physicians, psychiatrists, schools, EAPs, and other healthcare providers. Call us at (340) 714-0429 or email [email protected] with the client's name and preferred contact method. We will reach out to them within one business day. We also offer clinical consultation and interdisciplinary collaboration for complex cases.
Mental health conditions we treat in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Licensed USVI clinicians. Evidence-informed care for the full spectrum of behavioral health — across the territory, by telehealth or in person.
From everyday worry to panic, we treat the full anxiety spectrum with CBT, ACT, and exposure-based methods.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry with restlessness, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent panic attacks — and the fear of the next one.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of being judged in social or professional settings.
Specific Phobias
Marked fear of specific objects or situations — flying, heights, needles.
Agoraphobia
Avoidance of places where escape feels difficult.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Excessive distress around separation from loved ones, in children and adults.
Selective Mutism
Consistent failure to speak in specific settings, most common in children.
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness.
Mood disorders respond well to structured, evidence-based care — we use CBT, behavioral activation, and ACT.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Persistent low mood or loss of interest lasting two weeks or more.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Chronic, lower-grade depression lasting two years or more.
Bipolar I & II Disorders
Mood episodes from depression to mania; therapy coordinated with your prescriber.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Chronic fluctuating highs and lows below full episode criteria.
PMDD
Severe premenstrual mood disturbance and irritability.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Recurrent seasonal depression, typically fall through winter.
Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
Depression during pregnancy or after delivery, including bonding difficulties.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation
Severe recurrent temper outbursts with irritable mood, ages 6–18.
Gold-standard trauma care — EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure — delivered at your pace.
PTSD
Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hyperarousal after trauma.
Acute Stress Disorder
Trauma reactions in the first month; early care can prevent PTSD.
Adjustment Disorders
An outsized emotional response to a major life stressor.
Complex Trauma / C-PTSD
Effects of prolonged trauma on mood, self-concept, and relationships.
Prolonged Grief Disorder
Intense grief that persists and blocks reengagement with life.
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Childhood attachment disruption from inadequate caregiving.
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) — the gold-standard OCD treatment — combined with CBT.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals that consume time and energy.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance.
Hoarding Disorder
Difficulty discarding possessions until living space is compromised.
Trichotillomania
Recurrent hair-pulling; treated with Habit Reversal Training.
Excoriation (Skin-Picking)
Recurrent skin-picking despite repeated attempts to stop.
Comprehensive assessment and practical-skills treatment for ADHD, autism, and learning differences.
ADHD
Validated assessment (ASRS, Conners, Vanderbilt) plus CBT for executive function.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social communication support, emotional regulation, and family psychoeducation.
Tic Disorders & Tourette’s
CBIT-informed behavioral treatment.
Specific Learning Disorders
Support strategies for reading, writing, and math differences.
Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Adaptive-skills support for individuals and families.
Long-standing patterns deserve structured, compassionate care — we use DBT-informed and schema-based approaches.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Emotional intensity, unstable relationships; DBT is first-line.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Grandiosity and fragile self-esteem affecting relationships.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
Rigid perfectionism and control that disrupt work and family life.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Social inhibition driven by fear of criticism.
Dependent Personality Disorder
Excessive need for care; difficulty with independent decisions.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Persistent disregard for others’ rights; structured behavioral treatment.
Evidence-based recovery without judgment — motivational interviewing, CBT, and relapse prevention.
Alcohol Use Disorder
From risky drinking patterns to dependence.
Drug Use Disorders
Prescription, stimulant, opioid, and other substance involvement.
Gambling Disorder
Behavioral addiction treated with CBT and stimulus control.
Specialized eating disorder therapy, coordinated with your physician and dietitian where needed.
Anorexia Nervosa
Restriction, intense fear of weight gain, body image distortion.
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge-purge cycles and compensatory behaviors.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Recurrent binge episodes with a sense of lost control.
ARFID
Avoidant or restrictive eating well beyond picky eating.
Phase-based, stabilization-first treatment for dissociative conditions.
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Identity disruption with memory gaps; careful, paced treatment.
Depersonalization / Derealization
Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings.
Dissociative Amnesia
Memory loss for important personal information, usually trauma-linked.
Mind-body conditions treated with CBT-I and somatic-focused therapy.
Somatic Symptom Disorder
Distressing physical symptoms with excessive health worry.
Insomnia Disorder
CBT-I — the first-line insomnia treatment, no medication required.
Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder
Neurological symptoms without a structural cause.
Sexual Dysfunction
Psychological treatment for desire, arousal, and performance concerns.
Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and families.
Couples Conflict & Communication
Breaking negative cycles and rebuilding connection.
Divorce & Separation
Decision support, co-parenting, and recovery.
Infidelity Recovery
Structured repair after betrayal — for one or both partners.
Family Dysfunction & Blended Families
Boundaries, roles, and step-family integration.
Codependency & Enabling
Healthier patterns of support and self-care.
Age-appropriate, parent-inclusive treatment for young people.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Defiance and anger patterns; parent management training works.
Conduct Disorder
Serious rule-breaking treated with family-based approaches.
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
Safety-first care with DBT-informed skills. In crisis? Call or text 988.
School Refusal & Academic Stress
Gradual return plans and anxiety treatment.
Bullying & Peer Victimization
Recovery, resilience, and family coordination.
High-performer care for careers and seasons of life that don’t slow down.
Occupational Burnout
Exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance.
Caregiver Stress & Compassion Fatigue
For the people who carry everyone else.
Life Transitions
Retirement, relocation, empty nest, and identity shifts.
Anger Management
Practical regulation skills grounded in CBT.
Low Self-Esteem & Identity
Building stable, durable self-worth.
Not sure where you fit? That’s what the free 15-minute consultation is for — let’s talk.
Refer a client. We make it easy.
Physicians, psychiatrists, school counselors, EAPs, and other healthcare providers across the USVI can refer clients directly. We handle intake, insurance verification, and scheduling so your patient gets connected quickly.
Same-day response
We contact referred clients within one business day and prioritize urgent referrals.
Insurance verification included
We verify benefits before the first session so there are no surprises for you or your patient.
Clinical consultation available
We offer interdisciplinary collaboration and telephone consultation for complex cases.
How to Refer
Contact us
Call (340) 714-0429 or email [email protected] with the client's name and preferred contact method.
We reach out
Our team contacts the client within one business day to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Coordinated care
With the client's consent, we provide progress updates and coordinate treatment with your practice.
Accepted referral sources include:
Therapy. This week.
In network.
Schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation. We'll listen, answer questions, and help you find the right path forward. No pressure, no commitment.