Under the vast and inspiring Big Sky of Montana, Cynthia Vlahos Palmer has built a reputation as a deeply compassionate and highly skilled psychotherapist. As Partner and Director of Clinical Operations at Helios Counseling of Montana, she brings together wisdom, empathy, and leadership to guide both clients and clinicians toward healing and growth.

A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Cynthia holds a Master of Science in Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. Her strong academic and ethical foundation informs her holistic approach to mental health, blending evidence-based practice with heartfelt human connection.

With more than 19 years of experience, Cynthia has worked across diverse settings — from community mental health and school-based programs to crisis intervention and private practice. This broad clinical background allows her to meet individuals wherever they are in their journey, with insight, respect, and compassion.

At the heart of Cynthia’s work is a genuine passion for personal development and emotional healing. She views it as a sacred privilege to walk alongside others as they rediscover resilience, meaning, and self-worth. Grounded in empathy and guided by authenticity, Cynthia is devoted to helping people not only heal from the past but also create a life that feels deeply aligned, empowered, and whole.

Russ Palmer is a distinguished coach, entrepreneur, and business leader with deep roots in Montana. As Partner and Director of Operations at Helios Counseling of Montana, Russ plays a key role in shaping the organization’s strategic vision and ensuring its operational success. His commitment to personal and professional development is reflected in every aspect of his work and leadership.

A Montana native, Russ began his entrepreneurial journey in 1989, marking the start of a dynamic and accomplished career in business. He is best known for founding and growing several successful tech companies in Billings, including Echo Computer Networks and Connect Telephone and Computer Group. Under his leadership, these companies became industry standouts, establishing Russ as a forward-thinking innovator in technology and business development.

In addition to his achievements in the tech sector, Russ has made a notable impact in real estate. His strategic investments in short-term rental properties have generated over a million dollars in revenue, demonstrating his sharp business acumen and ability to identify profitable opportunities.

Russ’s entrepreneurial success is matched by his dedication to coaching and mentorship. His coaching practice focuses on core areas such as mindset, focus, discipline, and effective marketing and accounting strategies. He is especially passionate about guiding emerging entrepreneurs through the challenges of building and sustaining successful businesses.

Through his diverse experience, Russ Palmer continues to lead, inspire, and empower others—using his expertise to help individuals and organizations achieve meaningful, sustainable success.

Trish Lauwers is a compassionate and skilled mental health therapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Sacred Heart University and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. She brings years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in both outpatient and school-based settings, with a focus on trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and behavioral transformation.

Trish has served in therapeutic roles at Elysian Mental Health Foundation and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, providing individual, group, and family therapy. Her clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), SMART Recovery tools, Play Therapy, and Art Therapy. She is deeply committed to helping clients heal, grow, and reconnect with their strengths through meaningful, evidence-based care.

In addition to her therapy work, Trish is a NASW Registered Supervisor and trained in substance use assessment and Narcan administration. She is known for her warmth, dedication, and ability to create safe, trusting relationships with the individuals and families she serves.

Savannah York is a compassionate therapist-in-training at Helios Counseling in Billings, Montana, where she is deeply committed to walking alongside her clients through life’s challenges—meeting each person exactly where they are on their unique journey.

Savannah’s approach is centered on empathy and respect, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. She takes the time to truly listen, tailoring her care to the specific needs of each individual. With experience helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges, Savannah offers a steady, collaborative presence that fosters clarity, strength, and healing.

Her practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, trust, and respect as the foundation of all therapeutic work. She recognizes the profound impact of past experiences on present wellbeing and is dedicated to providing a non-judgmental, supportive space where clients can explore their stories and begin the process of healing and growth.

Savannah integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) into her work, drawing from evidence-based techniques to support clients in building resilience and reclaiming a sense of empowerment.

She is currently pursuing licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and continues to expand her expertise through ongoing professional development. Savannah is proud to be part of the Helios Counseling team, where she combines compassion, skill, and insight to help clients move forward with confidence and hope.

Raylene Vassau is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate (LCPC-C) at Helios Counseling in Billings, Montana.

“There comes a point in life when one finds the unique passion that will lead them to become part of the change they wish to see in the world.” For Raylene, that passion is helping others and understanding the human mind. Her own struggles with mental health, coupled with the suffering she has witnessed in others, inspired her unwavering drive to dedicate her life to mental health and addiction counseling.

Her time working in a crisis facility shaped much of her clinical perspective. There, Raylene witnessed the full spectrum of human suffering that comes with severe mental illness, including the devastating effects of psychosis. Those experiences taught her resilience, empathy, and adaptability as she worked with individuals from all walks of life facing a multitude of challenges.

Raylene graduated with honors from the University of Montana in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation at Montana State University Billings. She is thrilled to serve as a remote counselor for Helios Counseling while earning the clinical hours required for full LCPC licensure.

Specializing in trauma and its impact on addiction, Raylene integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other evidence-based modalities into her work. She brings warmth, authenticity, and a grounded presence to her sessions, meeting clients with both compassion and a deep respect for their unique stories.

A lifelong learner, Raylene embraces the complexity of mental health work—even when the topics are heavy, intricate, or humbling. Growing up in rural Montana, where access to mental health care was scarce, has given her a profound passion for serving these communities. Her career is not just a profession—it’s a calling that aligns with her deepest values and sense of purpose. Raylene’s dedication, curiosity, and genuine care for others continue to guide her as she works toward helping individuals and communities heal and thrive.