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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Beverly Rivard

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LCSW,CCH
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefCoping with life changesADHD
22 years of experience

Hello! Welcome! I have been a counselor, social worker, life coach , and energy healing practitioner for more that 20 years. I am currently licensed in the states of Alaska and Utah. I work from a positive psychology perspective because I have found that building upon strengths is just as important as solving problems. I incorporate mindfulness and qigong to help people manage stress and become happier and healthier. I enjoy working with both U.S. and international clients. I honor differences in culture, gender, religion, race, lifestyles and beliefs. I welcome clients who want to recover from pain they experienced because of their race, gender, beliefs, or neuro-divergent way of thinking. I am presently living in the desert southwest. I enjoy traveling, writing, and creating things with pen and paper, yarn, beads, and clay. I have personal practice of mindfulness meditation and qigong. I am a deeply spiritual person. I look forward to meeting you and helping you become happier and healthier! Beverly

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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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Joe Bray

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LPC, MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

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

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Dr. Michael Vigil

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

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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Trina McDonald

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LCMHC,LCAS,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I have experience working with those who have Mental Health issues as well as Substance Use Disorders and have worked with military personnel, those living with HIV/AIDS, the incarcerated, and in Private Practice. I use a strength-based, client-centered approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; yet draw from an eclectic approach, to assist the client make therapeutic gains. I utilize my Spirituality and Christian belief implementing the tenets of faith, hope, and love to strengthen confidence, self-worth, and help one maintain their recovery and excel in their mental, physical, social, and emotional health.

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Brett Wilcox

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: M.Ed.,LPC-S,CDCII
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
25 years of experience

Brett Wilcox (M.Ed., LPC-S, CDCII) I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Alaska with 25 years of experience working as a mental health and substance abuse counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including PTSD, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and interpersonal violence. I have significant history facilitating group counseling for teens and adults focused on substance abuse, domestic violence, and sex offending. I also enjoy working with couples. Coherence Therapy is my preferred therapy model. Coherence Therapy is a system of experiential, empathic psychotherapy that enables therapists to consistently foster deep, lasting shifts, dispelling clients’ symptoms at their emotional roots often in a relatively small number of sessions. The steps of Coherence Therapy carry out the process of memory reconsolidation identified by brain researchers. Understanding reconsolidation shows us exactly what gives new therapeutic experiences the potency to actually replace and erase entrenched, unwanted behaviors, beliefs and states of mind. Coherence Therapy differs from the approaches of standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in that it does not attempt to correct or change troubling thoughts, emotions or behaviors. Rather it enables clients to access and identify unconscious constructs empowering them to erase, transform and rewrite neural pathways resulting in profound and lasting change. Stated differently, Coherence Therapy does not label, pathologize or fight against symptoms, rather it addresses and resolves problems at the root level. Clients who have had lengthy unsatisfactory experiences with other therapists have thrived in my practice and found resolution within just a few sessions. My counseling style is informed by my foundational belief in individual autonomy and agency. I believe it is my role to empower clients to achieve their full potential and destiny in a strong and healthy manner. I view my clients as the experts in their own lives and do my best to minimize the power differential that frequently occurs in counseling relationships. I do not view myself as an expert who is reaching down to help troubled souls. Rather I view myself as a fallible human being who is able to empathize with others especially when they are unable to empathize with themselves. I do my best to avoid interpreting clients’ situations according to my perspective, because such interpretations are often incorrect and empowerment is better found when clients discover truths from within their own unconscious and conscious landscape. Each client is unique, therefore treatment for each client is also unique. If between session assignments are given, they are usually in the form of asking clients to hold in their conscious minds the constructs that emerged during the session. This simple task often results in a surprisingly natural resolution to issues that were seemingly entrenched and unchangeable. If these concepts resonate with you, then we may form a good team. If so, I would be pleased to meet with you for a few sessions so you can determine whether we’re a good fit. You are, after all, in charge of the process. If you so choose, I look forward to working with you! Specialties Addressing root constructs which result in poor self-esteem, body image, depression, anxiety, under-achievement, unhealthy relationships, couples counseling and addictions. I do my best to honor and validate clients’ various spiritual and religious experiences.

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Steven Kirkilas

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: Msw,Lcsw
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 10 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR therapy and enjoy using somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles. Lastly, I believe every person deserves to be understood, please feel welcome.

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Heather Dominguez

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
26 years of experience

Hi, my name is Heather Dominguez. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Alaska with over 20 years of experience working as a clinical therapist with various populations throughout the United States. I began my career in Alaska 8 years ago as a Parenting with Love and Limits Therapist. I worked to help put many families back together again. My most recent experience, the last 4 years, has been as an Itinerant Therapist in the North West Arctic. My experience includes but is not limited to: vocational counseling, crisis intervention, trauma, chemical dependency, grief and loss, family, and spiritual matters. • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, Mississippi 1993. • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling, Southwestern, Fort Worth, Texas 1997. • Certified in EMDR for those with trauma • Proficient in Spanish Due to the fact that I was born in North Mississippi and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, I like to say that I am a “little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.” I have lived in Alaska since 2013. I have worked 4 of those years in the Northwest Arctic and 4 years on the Kenai Peninsula. My years in the Northwest Arctic were often spent doing crisis counseling with first responders and family members of those tragically lost to unexpected tragedies. I have a great deal of respect for those who are brave enough to say that sometimes I need a little help. I am a woman of Faith but I do not impose my values on others. Often times Faith can be a source of healing for ourselves and our families. It takes courage to come to a stranger and share some of your most shameful, often painful moments with. I will be honored to assist you and your family with achieving a balance in life that you are looking for.

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Cora Benedict

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 want to congratulate you for getting started!

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Jennifer Hensley

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I’m Jennie, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Alaska, but more importantly, I’m a human being who is passionate about helping others identify the source(s) of their distress, and implement strategies that invite continuous growth and genuine contentment in life. I want to get to know you and what makes you tick, to assist you in gaining a thorough understanding of yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, your emotional ‘triggers’…all of the fun (and not so fun) characteristics that make you a unique individual or couple. From there, my work focuses on identifying problematic thinking, relational dynamics, and/or behaviors, then systematically replacing those maladaptive tendencies with positive self-talk, healthy communication and boundaries with others, and productive behaviors that help you reach your fullest potential. People have always deeply interested me. I grew up in a military family and have seen many parts of the world. I love to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I completed my Bachelor of Science in social psychology and graduated with highest honors while serving 7 years on active duty in the US Navy. Later, I earned a Master’s Degree in counseling psychology and opened a private practice specializing in treating trauma (PTSD) in combat veterans and victims of sexual assault. Years later, I discovered I have a real passion for couples’ work, and also for treating people with mood and personality disorders. I believe we are all doing the best we can in life with the tools we have, and the field of psychology offers a plethora of resources with which to improve your toolbox. I’m here to listen, guide, and support you as you identify and learn to utilize the tools that will help you reach and even surpass your life goals.

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Pamela Gray

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Gabe Duran

Offering therapy in Alaska
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
25 years of experience

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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Esther Bold

Offering therapy in Alaska
License: LPC,LADC,CCPT-II
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

Hello and thank you for visiting my page. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - II (CCTP-II) I have 17 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. I have my Master's from Southern Nazarene University in Marriage and Family and counseling (MA). I have had extensive experience with addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma counseling, and adults. I also have experience with family counseling. My approach to counseling is eclectic. My goal is to match the right approach to the right person. some of the counseling approaches I use are Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and experiential therapy. I help people realize their purpose as well as challenge them to be the best that they can be. Counseling is hard work at times and my goal is to guide you as gently as possible through the process. If you are ready to start the process of healing I would be honored to accompany you in the process. Looking forward to working with you.

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Edward Driver

Offering therapy in Alaska
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

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.

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David Klajic

Offering therapy in Alaska
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska and Montana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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