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.
Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
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.
Linda Guidry
Hi! My name is Linda Guidry, but please, call me Lindy. (My mother was the only person to ever call me 'Linda!") Are your life challenges holding you back? Do your current problems drain your energy and undermine your ability to reach your full potential? I believe that within each of us is the desire and the ability to thrive, love, connect, and succeed in life. At times it can be overwhelming to surmount the difficulties and stress of living in today’s world. You do not have to do it alone! I am a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor and Counselor Supervisor. I am licensed to practice in the state of Louisiana and the state of Alaska. I have been working in the mental health field since 2004. I earned my master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Guidance and Counseling in 2008 from the University of New Orleans. Over the past 16 years, I have worked in several venues: private practice, in the foster care system, in a day program for chronically ill adults, and in the non-profit sector. My experience includes working with individuals with mood disorders, anxiety and depression, anger issues and self control, self-esteem, grief and loss, and adult onset disability and chronic illnesses. I would describe my approach as empathetic, goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution focused therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness to help my clients set goals and objectives and to work through their difficulties to reach their full potential We often find ourselves searching for balance and stability in our lives but have trouble figuring out how to achieve it. My job is to help you do just that. I am dedicated to assisting you, as my client, in pursuit of personal growth, to helping you to gain a better understanding and appreciation of yourself and others, and to support you as you make important changes and decisions about your life. People seek out therapy for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes it is an overwhelming lack of direction. Often, it's a result of major life changes, loss, psychological injuries, or specific issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, or grief. I offer a private, safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment for you to explore your concerns, find relief and to bring joy and passion back into your life. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, happiness, and wellness! Available hours Monday - Thursday 9 - 4 CDT Friday 12 - 3 CDT Saturday and Sunday by appointment If these hours are problematic, please call this to the counselor's attention. I will do my best to arrange a time that is workable for you! Linda D. Guidry, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-S Lic # 4416 Guidry Counseling Services 59324 Pineridge Road, Lacombe, LA. 70445 985-272-6810 University of New Orleans, M.Ed., in Educational Leadership, Guidance, and Counseling Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, General Counseling All fees for services are set by Better Help. Fee information can be obtained at www.betterhelp.com This information is required by the Board of Professional Counselors which regulates all licensed professional counselors: Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave North Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-295-8444 (phone) 225-295-8448 (fax) Email: lpcboard@lpcboard.org Alaska Dept. of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Divisions, and Professional Licensing Phone: (907) 465-1074 Email: ProfessionalCounselors@Alaska.Gov PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Dallas Norman
Experienced Solution Focused based healthcare professional. Thirteen years experience working independently as part of multidisciplinary teams with clients of varying multi-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Has worked with adults, couples, families, children and adolescents. Proven work ethic, constructive clinical judgment and has responded appropriately to high stress crisis situations. Demonstrated experience in many environments including inpatient clinical, outpatient clinical telehealth and government installations. Clinical duties have included outreach based counseling, diagnostic care as well as long term therapy. Education includes a Masters of Science in Applied Psychology from Eastern Washington University, a nationally accredited program. Client feedback indicates that my therapeutic strength is adapting skills and techniques to a person's unique circumstance, identifying realistic and tangible action steps and providing a client with an easy to understand approach to personal growth.
Joe Bray
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor LPC) in both Alaska and Colorado, and I hold a current Master Addiction Counselor national certification (MAC.) I have many years of mental health, emotional health, and addictive behavior counseling experience. I work with clients who struggle with a wide range of concerns that include depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse/addictive behaviors, lifespan developmental issues, and PTSD stemming from various traumatic life experiences. My counseling style is gentle, non-confrontive, honest and non-directive, while assisting clients to develop a path to initiate positive change in their lives. The goal is to assist clients to reach their highest desired personal and professional potential. I ensure each client has a comprehensive honest and thorough assessment, followed by a relevant and realistic goal-centered treatment plan jointly developed by both client and me. The treatment plan is treated as a fluid document that can be reassessed and goals changed if needed to bring about the desired outcome. A thorough and openly honest assessment expedites the treatment process so progress towards working through personal issues/struggles can be seen as attainable and achievable. My personal and professional goal has always been to never chastise or talk down to anyone. Please know that I will challenge irrational thoughts and inconsistencies (in a non-confrontational, noncondemning manner) if they appear to be blocking progress towards the client’s desired treatment outcome. My therapeutic model incorporates various therapy techniques and skill-building approaches. These approaches include motivational interviewing, active listening, cognitive-behavioral, client centered, and rational-emotive therapy. All is assimilated into the treatment plan to help facilitate self-awareness, motivation to change, and self-empowerment to make the identified changes. I believe life is all about moving forward and reaching our personal and professional potential. Everyone finds themselves “stuck,” at various times along life’s journey, and not able to figure out how to get back up and start moving forward again. That is what the goal of therapy is. If this approach towards therapy appears to be a good match for you, please let me know. Sincerely, Joe M. Bray MA, MS, LPC, MAC
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).
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.
Wendy Weston
Hello there. My name is Wendy Weston, and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Alaska since 2012. I graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and got my Masters degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Let me tell you a little about my background. Since 1999, it has been my privilege to assist families of all ethnic and social backgrounds in various situations. As a military family member myself, I understand the unique issues service members and their families face. The relationship between therapist and client is essential. The more comfortable you are with your counselor, the more effective the counseling, which is why my approach is client-centered and solution-focused, meaning you decide what you want from counseling then we work together to reach that goal(s). Sometimes, life’s challenges can seem overwhelming, taking away our confidence in our own abilities. It’s often helpful to have someone outside your life listen to your personal truths without placing judgment. Together, we will identify and use your strengths while adding new coping skills to meet your needs. I’m excited to get to know you and begin working together.
Grace Ferreira
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.
Isatu Sidibe
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience respectful, safe, and genuine. I believe that individuals are the expert of their stories and that they have many strengths that will assist them in overcoming things that challenge them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Fairbanks , Alaska with 7 plus years of experience working with people making a change in their life. I have worked with individuals challenged by depression, anxiety, anger issue, abuse, and life-changing situations. I have worked in several clinical settings including community mental health, hospitals, school, and prisons. I have experience in counseling couples, adolescents, and adults, and facilitating groups. My approach is strengths-based, solution-focused, client-centered, motivational interview, and cognitive-behavioral theory.
Karen Kelly
I am licensed in Alaska and Idaho with over 10 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, & trauma and abuse. 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. Keep in mind, while I am empathetic, I am also direct and blunt as needed; and somewhat gentle as needed, I usually tell clients what they don't want to hear vs what they want to hear.
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.
Richard Robb
I am licensed in Alaska with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Dr. Deirdre Moriarty
I have been a psychologist for 30 years. I have been working on military bases for the last 14 years and prior to that I worked in a military hospital doing inpatient and outpatient work. My specialty is anxiety disorders in their various forms.
Michon Whiterose
I am licensed in Alaska with 7 years of professional work experience. 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. I specialize in substance abuse, parenting and working with children, expressive arts therapy, rural behavioral health, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and working through trauma. I am Alaska Native and have extensive experience working with Native American and Alaska Native people. 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 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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