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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Dr. Michael Vigil
Dr. Mikey Vigil, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), received his Doctor of Philosophy in clinical-community psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), a Master of Science in clinical psychology from UAA, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Guam (UOG), and is an American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow. Dr. Vigil has a decade of experience working in numerous behavioral health settings, including Veteran’s Affairs, substance use treatment, college counseling, community mental health outpatient treatment, and psychiatric emergency stabilization. And, he provides services for adolescents, adults throughout the lifespan, and couples. He has worked with individuals from diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds and understands that an individual's culture is important to how thoughts, beliefs, and emotions influence and shape patterns of behavior. This conceptualization, scaffolded with research-based interventions, guides Dr. Vigil’s treatment of psychiatric disorders. Dr. Vigil's approach to psychotherapy is from an assimilative theoretical orientation grounded in person-centered and behavioral theories. He also operates from a strength-based model that capitalizes on the individual’s internal attributes to successfully navigate through problems. He is formally trained in various evidence-based psychotherapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (CBT SUD), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT).
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Annie Forsyth
Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with many clients with a wide range of concerns including - - but not limited to - - anxiety, stress, depression, grief, trauma, self esteem issues, work issues, and relationship/family issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am non-judgmental and believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and dignity. When working with a client, my approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, rational-emotive counseling and solution focused counseling. I provide a comfortable atmosphere as we work together to meet your specific needs. It takes a lot of courage to take the first steps towards change by seeking help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Services are provided by live video; telephone; or live chat. I look forward to working with you.
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Joan Dewey
Hello! My name is Joan Dewey. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25+ years experience. I am licensed to provide psychotherapy services in both Alaska and Arizona. I have worked with many clients of all ages, and life circumstances including individuals with histories of traumatic events, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, parenting special needs children, addictions and substance misuse and trauma and stressors related to racial, cultural and historic impacts. I support clients in building positive communication, fostering meaningful relationships, and healing from past life events, to promote optimum growth and empowerment. My therapy style is respectful, compassionate and with unconditional positive regard for you, the client. My therapy framework is the person-in-environment utilizing CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am trained in narrative therapy, mindfulness, Trauma Focused CBT, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and addictions recovery. Reaching out for the tools that therapy can offer is a worthwhile and potentially life changing event. I encourage you to take these first steps and open the door to a more fulfilling life, I look forward to working with you!
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Alfred (AJ) Knittel
I am licensed in Alaska and Idaho with 4 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.
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Tiffany Chenery
I am licensed in Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Texas with over 7 years of professional work experience. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Gabe Duran
I am a Licensed Therapist in the state of Alaska with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Juliet Daniels
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in several state with over 10 years of active professional work experience. My experience has ranged from working in Dialysis to residential substance abuse programs. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence and addiction. 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! You can change therapists by logging in to your account, clicking on the icon in the top right corner of the therapy page, and choosing "Change therapist" from the drop-down menu. Make sure you specify in the feedback what you are looking for. If you have any trouble with this, please reach out to the Member Success Team at contact@betterhelp.com
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Sharon Lilja
I am licensed in Alaska with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, lack of motivation or poor self-esteem, grief, coping with life limiting illness for patients and caregivers (palliative care, kidney disease and hospice), geriatric and adoption related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I consider you the expert on what will work best for you as I walk alongside you to help guide you to achieve your goals. 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!
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Karen House
Hi! I'm Karen and I'm so happy that you've gained the courage to ask for help! I've been a counselor for 18 years, and have worked with a broad range of clients. My style is casual, but I really like to focus on problem solving. My hope is that you'll come out of your first session with a couple of tools that, if you apply them, will help relieve the problem. During every session, we build onto the foundation we've laid, increasing your tools and addressing any new issues. I'm a great listener, and am able to tease out things that might guide you to relief. Counseling is a great tool, but its a two way street - you'll have some homework and activities to do between sessions, and it's important that you fully engage in your healing. I have expertise with Military - active duty or veterans and have worked with Regular and SOF troops, spouses and families. I believe in empowerment for my clients, and my hope is that through our work together, you can heal and move through your problems with strength, integrity and grace.

Edward Driver
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists 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 AK, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals 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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Alaska support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- 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 to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 feature
- 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.
When should I get a therapist in Alaska?
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 can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?
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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