Natasha Ariyoshi, LCSW, CSAC
Natasha Ariyoshi, LCSW, CSAC, is a dedicated social worker, therapist, and educator based in Honolulu, Hawaii. She owns and operates a thriving private practice where she provides therapy and life coaching to high-functioning women navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and challenges with boundary-setting. Natasha’s work emphasizes empowerment, authenticity, and self-awareness, helping clients reconnect with their true selves and build sustainable, fulfilling lives.
In addition to her clinical practice, Natasha serves as full-time faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Social Work, where she teaches, supervises PsyD and social work students, and helps manage a doctoral program. Her academic leadership complements her clinical expertise, allowing her to mentor the next generation of social workers while staying deeply engaged in frontline behavioral health care. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work, expected in 2028, further strengthening her contributions to both practice and education.
Natasha’s career spans multiple sectors, including behavioral health care management, substance-use recovery, and vocational rehabilitation for forensic populations. She has developed programs in collaboration with organizations such as The Salvation Army and Microsoft, helping clients achieve educational and professional milestones, with several former clients and students now working in social work and substance-use treatment. Beyond her professional achievements, Natasha is an active advocate for self-care, women’s empowerment, and trauma-informed care, blending her personal experiences with a deep commitment to community well-being.
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
• Leading with Compassion, Empathy and Courage: How Psychology and Our Nation’s History Can Positively Change Our Country Certificate
• Resiliency and Vicarious Trauma for the Working Professional Certificate
• University of Hawaii at Manoa - MSW
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Phi Alpha Nu Sigma
• American Association of University Women — Honolulu branch
• Care-A-Van Hawaii
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying present and committed to the work I do, serving communities affected by substance use, the criminal justice system, and women seeking their voice. My lived experiences—as someone in recovery, a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, and a former system-involved individual—have shaped my ability to connect, empathize, and create meaningful change. While formal education is important, it’s these experiences that have truly prepared me to do this work effectively.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to live authentically and remain self-aware. I’ve learned the importance of being mindful of how my words and actions impact others, while always maintaining integrity in my work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to know yourself—or at least commit to the journey of self-discovery—and be honest about your values and limits. Life and work can be challenging, and remembering your “why” keeps you motivated and grounded. When you understand what you will and won’t tolerate, you can set clear boundaries, protect your space, and intentionally invite in the people, opportunities, and experiences that align with your goals. It sounds simple, but it takes experience—and yes, mistakes—to truly live by it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in social work is the lack of recognition, limited student loan support, and a shortage of professionals, along with pay disparities. Yet, the opportunities are immense—there is high demand, diverse roles, and real potential to create meaningful change. For anyone passionate about helping others, social work offers a path to make a lasting impact, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is central to both my work and personal life. When I’m not living authentically, everything feels harder, and I’ve seen how inauthenticity—whether in individuals or organizations—can negatively affect environments and relationships. Self-awareness is equally important, helping me recognize how my actions and the actions of others impact those around us.
Honesty with compassion is another core value. Being truthful is essential, but it must be delivered with care and intention to foster understanding rather than harm. These values guide how I show up, grow personally and professionally, and build meaningful connections.