Human beings have many psychological needs, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when they are not being met. If you live in Alaska, Anchorage and other large cities may be too far to travel to if you’re seeking mental health care. Other barriers, like worries about therapy cost or transportation, can make it challenging to find in-person treatment in Fairbanks, Juneau, or Anchorage, AK, as well as any place in between. 

With BetterHelp, you can work with social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals from anywhere you have an internet connection at a time that works for you. Note that there are no psychiatrists or advanced nurse practitioners on the BetterHelp platform, so providers cannot write prescriptions or help with medication management at this time.

While BetterHelp does not currently offer group therapy, every provider on the platform has at least a master's degree and is familiar with counseling psychology. They work to create a welcoming environment where you can receive one-on-one treatment to work toward your goals.

Whether you live in a rural area or a big city like Anchorage, therapists are available online. If you need support with stress management or want to work through overwhelming feelings, connect with a licensed therapist. AK has many providers available, and you can learn more about them below.

 

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Bobbi Cleary

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years of experience

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.

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Jennifer Roche-Sheets

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. My counseling style is client-centered and supportive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and I honor those that choose to trust me with the details of their mental health journey. My job is to work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and concerns. I have been described as passionate and direct. I applaud you for taking these necessary first steps towards a more positive life. I am honored to be part of your journey and forward to working with you! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help.

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Brenda Thayer

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LPC-S,CDC II,NCC
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 27 years, LPC for seven years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alaska. I believe in meeting the person where they are at, helping them reach their potential. I believe in treating the whole person for overall wellness and striving for reaching one’s goals and values in life. I use an eclectic approach; cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy fused with motivational interviewing. I have experience using rational emotive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and solution focused therapy. What you can expect from sessions include; questions so that I can get to know you better and to see how I can best help you, nonjudgmental and compassionate support, and energy to help you see your potential.

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Raymond Butts

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: M.Ed, Counselor Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor, ( NCC) with other 30 years experience in both counseling and education. I started my professional career as an elementary special education teacher in the early 80's. I obtained my M.Ed in counselor Education in 1989 from the University of Arkansas and in 1989 I went to Alaska for the first time as along term substitute teacher. I worked in the Bering Strait School District, in Unalakleet, Alaska. I would return a year later, and work a total of 11 years as a teacher, itinerant school counselor, and village school principal in the district. I would go on to work in two other school districts before retiring from Alaska in 2004. After returning to Arkansas, and home, I worked as a kindergarten counselor in a center with 180 kids and 18 teachers. I fully retired in 2007. In 2009, I became a military and family life counselor and have been doing this for 10 years. My treatment approach is based on my training and my personality. I was trained in CCT and it fite my style, even though I so specialize in crisis counseling. I have found helping the client, and not necessarily directing the client is more effective for me. As I stated I specialize in crisis and PTSD counseling right now with the military, and their families.

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Grace Ferreira

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LPC,MEd,NBCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Alaska. I have over 13 years of experience working with adults and families in the areas of anxiety, depression, relationship issues and parenting problems. My counseling style focuses on building a trusting, authentic, therapeutic relationship. My hope is to create a safe, nonjudgemental environment where clients can explore and examine life's challenges. Goal setting, skill building and self explorations are helpful in achieving positive outcomes. I believe that counseling is an empowering experience that fosters growth, highlights strengths, and reveals options for new ways of interacting and solving problems. I graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2005 with a Masters in Education, focus in Guidance and Counseling. I became certified as a Nationally Certified Counselor in 2015. My approach combines client centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and solution focused therapy. I look forward to working with you.

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Dr. Linda Sheets Lockwood

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: PhD, LMFT, LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

My goal is to promote your health with competence, a caring attitude, and cultural sensitivity. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Florida and a licensed professional counselor in Alaska. Not only do I have a doctorate in Counseling, but I have many years experience working in the school system with special education families. I am sensitive to the needs of the siblings and parents of exceptional children. In terms of counseling, we shall look at the whole picture. We'll explore how your relationships have affected your current disposition. But we will also consider your diet, your sleep, and your lifestyle: how all these affect you. But do not fear, we want to find a solution and end therapy as soon as we can! I think of myself as a prospector, looking for gold. I firmly believe that inside of everyone is a streak of gold and gems. Our job, together, is to find your gold that has been covered up with the debris of life. I want to help you regain your strengths and values and joy of life. People with eating disorders is a specialty. Your body and mind are interwoven, so we will consider lifestyle not diets.

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Ku'upuamakamae Nalua'i

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
9 years of experience

I am licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alaska with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My therapy style and approach mainly draws from Meaning Centered Psychotherapy with a Psychodynamic and Person-Centered focus. I utilize different modalities from Positive Psychology; Mindfulness; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); Strength-Based Therapy to empower my clients to face challenges and overcome problems they have. It takes a lot of power and courage to work toward a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here for you if you are ready to take that step and you feel I would be a good fit for you. Pua Nalua'i

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John Sundeen

Offering therapy in Alaska
Parenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues & 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.

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June Ober

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 20 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 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. 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. I work with folks with ages anywhere from 18 to 80. Both men and women, all genders and sexual preference. I am here to help you take back your power that you have lost along the way.

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Amber Taylor

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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:

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.

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