Meet our Team™
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Cynthia Palmer MSC, LCPC, NCC
Cynthia Vlahos Palmer is a highly esteemed licensed psychotherapist based in Billings, Montana, where she practices under the vast and inspiring Big Sky and Partner and Director of Clinical Operations at Helios Counseling of Montana. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her work.
Her educational journey is rooted in the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana, where she earned both her Master of Science in Counseling and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This strong academic foundation has underpinned her successful career in mental health and personal development.
With over 18 years of professional experience, Palmer has worked across a variety of settings, including mental health centers, school-based services, home-based services, emergency department crisis intervention, and private practice. This diverse experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges individuals face and the effective strategies for addressing them.
Cynthia’s passion for personal development is a driving force in her practice. She views it as a privilege to support and guide others on their unique journeys, helping them navigate their personal and emotional challenges with empathy and expertise. Her commitment to fostering growth and well-being reflects her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
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Russell Palmer
Russell Palmer is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with a deep connection to Montana. As the Partner and Director of Operations at Helios Counseling of Montana, Palmer is instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic vision and ensuring its operational success. His commitment to personal and professional development is evident in both his professional roles and his broader contributions.
A Montana native, Palmer began his entrepreneurial journey in 1989, marking the start of a distinguished career in business. He is renowned for founding and growing several prominent tech companies in Billings, MT, including Echo Computer Networks and Connect Telephone and Computer Group. Under his leadership, these companies have achieved significant success and established themselves as key players in their industries. Palmer's expertise in technology and business development has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
In addition to his accomplishments in the tech sector, Palmer has made a notable impact in real estate. His strategic investments in short-term rental properties have generated over a million dollars in revenue, showcasing his keen ability to identify and exploit profitable opportunities in the real estate market.
Palmer's entrepreneurial drive is complemented by his dedication to coaching and mentorship. His coaching practice is centered on essential areas such as mindset, focus, discipline, and effective marketing and accounting techniques. He is particularly passionate about assisting young business owners in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, offering guidance through both strategic and operational challenges.
Through his diverse career and coaching efforts, Russell Palmer continues to influence and inspire, using his extensive experience to support the growth and success of individuals and businesses alike.
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Janet Ross MSW, LCSW
I’m glad you’ve found me here, and I applaud you for taking the first step toward seeking help—whether for yourself or a loved one. It’s a big step, and I’m here to support you through it. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to process life or need help navigating more significant challenges, I am committed to walking with you on this journey.
As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I take a holistic approach to wellness, believing in the transformative power of relationships. I work from a humanistic, attachment-based framework, which means I see the connection between therapist and client as a vital element in successful therapy. Together, we will create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I utilize creative methods such as art, music, and movement to enhance the therapeutic experience, especially when words alone may not suffice. My background and personal experiences have led me to develop a special interest in supporting adoption and military families, areas that I am deeply passionate about.
I am here to help you explore the challenges you face, build resilience, and discover new paths toward healing. Therapy is a powerful tool, and whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions, I am here to guide you with compassion and care.
I know that for some, this decision has been years in the making. Please know that there is hope, and things can get better. It would be an honor to walk with you on this path toward healing. I invite you to reach out for an initial conversation so we can determine if we are a good fit for working together.
Therapeutic Approaches:
Attachment-Based Therapy
Christian Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Existential Therapy
Experiential Therapy
Family/Marital Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Relational Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Somatic Therapy
Strength-Based Therapy
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Savannah York MSW, SWLC
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, with a strong belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. She takes the time to truly listen, tailoring her care to the unique needs of each individual. With experience guiding clients through complex transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, Savannah offers a steady presence and collaborative support, helping clients gain clarity and strength on their path forward.
Central to Savannah’s practice is her integration of trauma-informed care, where safety, trust, and respect are emphasized. She understands the lasting impact past experiences can have on the healing process and is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and begin the journey of healing, laying the foundation for growth.
Savannah is currently pursuing licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW) and continues to deepen her expertise through ongoing professional development. She is proud to be part of the Helios Counseling team, where she combines her compassion and experience to help clients feel supported and empowered as they navigate their personal life journeys. -
Raylene Vassau LAC
Raylene is a Licensed addictions and a LCPC Candidate 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.”
My passion is helping others and understanding the human mind. My personal struggles with mental health along with the suffering I have witnessed in others, started my enthusiastic drive to dedicate my life to a career in mental health and addiction counseling.
I witnessed every aspect of human suffering due to mental illness while working at a crisis facility. I have seen the worst of what psychosis can do to a person and learned how to work with numerous populations and a multitude of disorders.
I graduated from the University of Montana with my bachelors in Psychology in May of 2022 with honors and I am currently in the Masters of Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation program at Montana State University Billings. I am thrilled to be working as a remote LAC for Helios Counseling of Montana, as I am currently earning hours to meet the requirement to test for my LCPC.
I enjoy learning everyday, even if the topics are heavy, intricate and often humbling. I specialize in trauma and its impact on addiction. I am excited to do this in rural areas of Montana.
Growing up in a rural area, with little to no mental health services, has given me a passion to serve this community. My career path aligns with my deepest values and gives me purpose in life therefore I am happily working toward bettering the world diligently with the talents and skills I have been given and will continue to grow.