Our Team · behavioral health
Dr. Zachary Kuster
PhD, LMHC, Board Certified
Licensed Mental Health Counselor · Trauma Specialist
Dr. Zachary Kuster is a Board Certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor, trauma specialist, researcher, and educator dedicated to helping individuals move beyond symptom management and toward meaningful, lasting change. With extensive experience in trauma intervention, depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, Dr. Kuster brings both professional expertise and deeply personal understanding to his work with trauma survivors, veterans, and first responders.
veterans & first responders
ptsd & trauma
emotional dysregulation
behavioral patterns
*Currently accepting new patients · In person and telehealth available
best fit for
Individuals, veterans, and first responders navigating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or deeply rooted behavioral patterns who are ready to move beyond managing symptoms and toward lasting change. Dr. Kuster works best with people who want both genuine support and the accountability to keep moving forward.
background & training
Combat veteran, clinician, researcher. Bringing personal understanding and professional expertise to the work of healing.
Dr. Kuster holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University, where his doctoral research examined the impact of emphasizing grace, hope, and forgiveness within evidence-based PTSD treatment strategies. That work was published in 2025 and reflects the philosophical foundation he brings to every clinical relationship. He also holds a Master of Arts in Human Services from Regent University and a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies, along with a Post-Masters Certificate in the LMHC track from Northcentral University.
He is certified by the National Board of Clinical Mental Health Counselors, holds a Certified Trauma Therapist designation through Florida State University, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. His pastoral ordination and licensure as a chaplain through the National Association of Evangelicals inform the spiritual dimension of his approach for clients who want that integrated into their care.
His professional experience spans intensive outpatient treatment, inpatient psychiatric services, crisis intervention, individual therapy, family and marriage counseling, group psychotherapy, clinical leadership, and program development. His treatment approach has been refined through more than seven years of clinical application across a diverse range of individuals and challenges.
PhD in Developmental Psychology
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Liberty University
Master of Arts in Human Services
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Regent University
Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies
along with a Post-Masters Certificate in the LMHC track from Northcentral University
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kuster is passionate about therapeutic curriculum development, research, and psychoeducational training. His research has specifically explored innovative approaches to PTSD treatment and the factors that contribute to sustainable recovery and long-term well-being.
A combat veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq, Dr. Kuster understands firsthand that some aspects of pain, loss, and personal struggle cannot be fully understood through textbooks alone. He brings that lived experience into every session, creating an environment where individuals feel genuinely understood and respected while remaining challenged toward growth.
At the core of his work is a belief that grace, hope, and forgiveness are the foundation of true healing. His role is not to walk the path for his clients, but to help them understand themselves more clearly, challenge the patterns keeping them stuck, and move forward with greater confidence and openness.
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work with dr. kuster
Ready to take the next step?
Dr. Kuster is here to help you understand yourself more clearly and build the momentum to keep going.