
Our Team
Connect with our experienced therapists to begin your journey toward healing and self-improvement. Reach out today to learn more about our personalized therapy services designed to meet your unique needs.
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Dr. Krista Buda (They/Them)
FOUNDER | LCSW
Krista is the founder of Utah Alternative Therapy, dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where healing is possible—especially for those who have felt unseen or misunderstood in traditional therapy. They specialize in working with LGBTQIA+, ENM, and kink-identified individuals, bringing a trauma-informed and affirming approach to every session.
Their commitment to this work is deeply personal—shaped by lived experiences within kink and queer communities and insight into the shortcomings of mainstream therapy. This fuels Krista’s dedication to creating truly transformative healing experiences.
With a PhD in Natural Medicine and certification as a psychedelic-assisted therapist through MAPS and IPI, Krista blends evidence-based therapies like EMDR, DBT, and IFS with holistic practices. They offer virtual outpatient therapy as well as in-person psychedelic and integrative healing modalities, including work informed by mentorship under a Peruvian shaman.
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Brandon Bissell (He/Him)
THERAPIST | CSW
Brandon is a queer-identifying therapist who specializes in working with teens, young adults, individuals, and couples within the LGBTQIA+ and ENM communities. With a compassionate and empowering approach, Brandon helps clients build deeper self-understanding, heal from trauma, and navigate life’s complexities with authenticity and courage. His therapeutic approach is grounded in his education and training in evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and The Gottman Method, offering personalized support that honors each client’s unique experience and goals. Brandon is deeply committed to creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive therapeutic space—one where clients can explore their identities, emotions, and relationships without fear of judgment. He also brings experience in psychedelic integration work, helping clients process and make meaning from expanded states of consciousness. Whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, or meaningful change, Brandon is here to walk alongside you with sensitivity, insight, and a belief in your innate capacity for transformation. Brandon offers both telehealth therapy and in person plant medicine integration sessions.
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Sarah Mohanavilasam (She/Her)
THERAPIST | CSW
Sarah is a compassionate and affirming therapist who supports adults and adolescents in navigating anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges in a safe and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to LGBTQIA+ affirming care, Sarah helps clients uncover deeper meaning, develop resilience, and reconnect with their core values. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, focusing on personal growth, emotional clarity, and cultivating a renewed sense of purpose. Sarah specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing, empowering clients to build healthier relationships with their thoughts and emotions while making meaningful, values-based changes. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking a more fulfilling path, Sarah offers a grounded and supportive presence to help guide your journey. Virtual sessions available.
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Shilyn Alex (She/Her)
THERAPIST | MSW-I
Shilyn is a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the weight of trauma, including those with complex trauma histories, sexual trauma, family estrangement, and late-diagnosed Autism. With a special passion for working with high-achieving, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ clients, Shilyn creates a safe and affirming space where healing—no matter how messy or complicated—can begin. Blending evidence-based practices like CBT with relational, somatic, and strengths-focused methods, Shilyn tailors therapy to each client’s unique needs. Her approach also welcomes curiosity around plant medicine and holistic practices, offering space for clients interested in exploring these as part of their healing journey. At the heart of Shilyn’s work is a commitment to showing up with care, curiosity, and authenticity. She believes clients don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out—therapy is a place to explore, grow, and feel truly heard. Whether you’re just beginning to wonder if you’re ready for therapy or you’re ready to take the next step, Shilyn is honored to walk alongside you on your path to growth and transformation. Offers in person or virtual sessions and works alongside Krista or Brandon to offer plant medicine sessions.
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Maxine Parker (She/Her)
THERAPIST | MSW-I
Maxine is a therapist who specializes in supporting individuals healing from trauma, including PTSD and C-PTSD, as well as those navigating challenges related to self-esteem, life transitions, and relationships. With a deep passion for working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and those impacted by discrimination, loss, or financial hardship, Maxine creates a safe, affirming, and compassionate space where clients can begin to release old wounds and reconnect with resilience. Drawing from a holistic approach, Maxine integrates talk therapy with somatic and mindfulness-based practices, including Internal Family Systems (IFS)/parts work, EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy, breathwork, and trauma-informed yoga. This integrative style supports both mind and body, helping clients move beyond survival toward curiosity, compassion, and abundance. Informed not only by clinical training but also by personal experience navigating attachment wounds, trauma, and grief, Maxine brings authenticity and empathy to the therapeutic process. Her journey of overcoming fear of abandonment, strengthening self-esteem, and cultivating secure, meaningful relationships shapes her belief in every client’s capacity for growth. Whether you’re seeking to heal, reconnect, or step into a more grounded and empowered self, Maxine is honored to walk alongside you. Offers in person or virtual sessions and works alongside Krista or Brandon to provide in person plant medicine sessions.
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Brittaney Basak (She/Her)
THERAPIST | RCSWI | FLORIDA BASED
Brittaney is a compassionate therapist who creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University and her Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Grounded in a person-centered approach, Brittaney emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, working alongside clients as they navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD/neurodivergence, relationship issues, and life transitions. She also has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through play therapy and parenting support. Brittaney integrates a range of evidence-based and creative modalities—including CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, expressive arts, play therapy, and trauma-focused approaches—tailoring each session to the individual’s unique needs. Above all, she is committed to ensuring her clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they move toward healing and growth. Offers virtual sessions for Florida based clients.
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