Alaska is a beautiful state with a lot to offer. The cool temperatures make it great for those who don’t like the sun too much. The beautiful Northern Lights shine rays that are breathtaking to watch. There is ice and snow everywhere you go.
But sometimes, your life can be like Alaska in the worst aspects. Cold, dark, empty. If your mental health resembles any of those aspects, it’s time to talk to a counselor and make your life shine brighter than those northern lights.
Bobbi Cleary
Holistic health is complemented by the counseling process as emotional and mental wellness contributes to overall balance. This philosophy is part of my professional framework. It is a joy when a tool is learned and successfully implemented by those for whom I have the privilege to provide care. Empowerment is key to locating one's innate fortitude, a place from which to achieve healing, peace and ultimately joy. It is important for me to consider the specific needs of each client as no one is wired exactly the same. As such, I call my style "eclectic" in that I draw from different approaches to address a given goal - or set of goals - based on the unique challenges of each individual or couple. I utilize several approaches: reflective (Rogerian), cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, self-compassion, self-regulation techniques, and Gottman. The theory utilized lies beneath the overarching goal of making a connection that establishes a safe place in which to experience healing. I graduated from Alaska Pacific University in 2005 with my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in psychiatric inpatient and residential settings, I.e. group, family, individual therapies and intake assessments, and in outpatient settings including agencies and private practice. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies (minor in French) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1998. Living in Japan for a combined 2 years reinforced my love of people and learning what motivates them to behave the way they do. With this came an enjoyment of learning how language reflects a culture. Similar to Kachemak Bay that hugs the coastal town of Homer, Alaska in which I was born and raised, I perceive humans as evolving creatures whose "waters" can be stormy, calm, and affected by the tides. No matter how brutal the storm, calmer waters inevitably make their way to shore.
Rachael Woods
Hello there! My name is Rachael and I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Alaska with 20 years of experience. I have served clients of all ages. It has been my privilege to support people as they overcome issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, self-injury, and thoughts of suicide. These are the most common concerns that my clients have brought to their sessions. My goal is to be someone who you feel is listening fully, without judgement, helping you identify your needs and find within yourself the answers that you are seeking. I tend towards a client-centered approach and have found a lot of success in using Motivational Interviewing techniques. Over the past 20 years, I have built a large therapeutic "tool box" so I am able to adjust my style and approach to meet the needs of each unique individual that I have the privilege of working with. You made a great decision to seek help through counseling. It would be an honor to accompany you in this part of your life's journey.
Alaine Lagasse
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and Alaska with 10 years of experience. As a readjustment counselor I worked with military veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. I assisted clients with various concerns associated with combat and sexual trauma including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substances abuse, and career challenges. As an independent contractor working with the BetterHelp platform I help many people from all walks of life who have experienced physical and emotional trauma and/or abuse. My counseling style is interactive but somewhat direct as I believe in honesty and facing our fears. I also believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I respect and honor all, including those who identify as Straight, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and acceptance & commitment therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Robin Hughes
Hello, my name is Robin Hughes, I have been a resident of Alaska since 2007, and a licensed clinical social worker since 2010. In the past I have lived and worked in Nome, and had the privilege to travel to remote villages, and have been working in the Matanuska Valley for the past 5 years. I love connecting with a diverse number of people, and have successfully worked with people from all walks of life including Native Alaskans and Veterans. Topics I am competent in addressing include chronic health issues, relationship or parenting issues and many other recent or long term, life and mental health challenges. I have a background in alternative medicine, and these more eastern outlooks, continue to greatly influence my perception of illness and dis-ease as a mental health provider. I strive to see the balance within people, and strengthen and empower my clients to develop and strengthen their existing, as well as new strengths in order to achieve greater life harmony. The building of a healthy and trusting therapeutic relation is tantamount to the success of therapy, and I am honored by the trust and courage it takes when invited to partner in creating a place where healing can begin. The healing process can be likened to building a garden, where there is first an identification of what may no longer serve, and what needs to be planted for future harvest.
Michael Pretz
I am a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I served the State of Alaska as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for 7 years. I’ve had my own private practice for 2 years. I am a client centered therapist with an existential philosophy. I believe an empathetic judgement free space is essential to any therapeutic process. I also believe that all change must be individualized and client directed through a co-created therapy process. I believe client’s are experts of their own experiences and have both the power and knowledge to make the choices needed to make lasting change to significantly improve quality of life. I have worked with a wide variety of clients with various backgrounds, mental health disorders, neurological disorders, and physical disabilities. I also utilize therapeutic methodology from reality therapy, solution focus therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), behavioral therapy, and others. However, my most utilized method is to be curious of client’s inner experience and how I may be of help.
Wroksie Jackson
I am licensed in Georgia and Alaska with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dr. Rachel Berke
Welcome! My name is Dr. Rachel Berke, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Alaska with over five years of experience providing compassionate therapeutic services to folks from all walks of life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, OCD, and ADHD. I also have helped many people who are struggling with coping during a global pandemic (spoiler alert: everyone is)! My clinical approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered, and mindfulness orientations. I believe everyone is unique and deserves a therapeutic approach that is tailored specifically for their needs. I believe therapy requires a true partnership (we BOTH put in the work) in order to see positive results. Together we can create a space where we can have difficult conversations, collaborate on your personalized treatment plan in order to clearly define your goals, and practice effective evidence-based solutions to help you reach them! When working with me you will be treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion (and just like what happens in Vegas, what happens in therapy, stays in therapy). It takes courage to confront life’s difficulties and to take the first steps towards change. I am SO proud of you for being here and very much look forward to working with you!
Alfred (AJ) Knittel
I am licensed in Alaska and Idaho with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I use a strength based approach when working with clients that highlights a clients strengths and assist them in manifesting lasting change for themselves. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Khuyen Luu
I am licensed in Alaska with 7 years of professional work experience. I am a certified EMDR therapist (SAFE approach) by EMDRIA. I have been taking a lot of further training on trauma treatment including but not limited to EMDR, Internal Family System, Polyvagal theory among others. I also combine art therapy and play therapy techniques to help my clients connect better with themselves. I have been helping clients (from age of five (05) up to 75) to heal their emotional trauma (also known as developmental or attachment trauma) which is critical to ease stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Besides working with individuals, I also work with couple or parents and children to help them to strengthen their relationships or reach their goals for the relationship.
Megan Spears
I am licensed from Oklahoma and transplanted to Alaska with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How can therapists in Alaska support you?
Therapists in Alaska can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 507,294 people live in Alaska, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Alaska may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why are many residents in the state of Alaska working with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in Alaska, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
Mental health counselors in Alaska support clients with varying issues, which can include:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some commonly asked questions can be found below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
How do I know if I should get a therapist?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in Alaska can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy safe?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in Alaska
- Anchorage, AK
- Fairbanks, AK
- Juneau, AK
- Wasilla, AK
- Sitka, AK
- Ketchikan, AK
- Kenai, AK
- Palmer, AK
- Bethel, AK
- Kodiak, AK
- Homer, AK
- Soldotna, AK
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