Kenai is a small city in the Kenai Peninsula Borough that has over 7700 inhabitants. The town motto is “Village with a Past and City with a Future.” It was named after the Tanaina word, kena, which means flat, meadow with few trees. It started out as a fur trading town in 1786 and is now a popular fishing town, famous for its large salmon. Many people in the community enjoy fishing along the Kenai River where the salmon are plentiful.
Sometimes, you may not feel like fishing or doing anything else and this can be a sign of an emotional condition such as depression or anxiety. No matter what is bothering you, there are plenty of awesome mental health experts in and around the Kenai area who can help.

Anthony Washington
I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alaska. I graduated with my Master's degree in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama in 1999. Since that time I have worked with teens, adults, couples, individuals and families. I have worked with clients who have experienced trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, anger related issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, communication problems as well as grief and loss issues. I practice by utilizing an eclectic, strengths based approach to therapy. I have experience using cognitive behavioral therapies, motivational Interviewing, mindfulness techniques and emotionally focused therapy.

Trina McDonald
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.

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.

Steven Kirkilas
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.

Dr. Jean Balestrery
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working in the behavioral health field and as a life coach. I have worked with clients to address a range of concerns including stress and anxiety, life changes, career challenges, motivation, self-esteem and confidence. My counseling style is client-centered and engaging. I believe in seeing the future as full of possibilities. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and insight oriented elements. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. It takes courage to seek support for a more fulfilling and happier life. I bring compassion and patience to support one’s journey of growth and view this journey as a commitment worth pursuing. I look forward to working with you!

June Ober
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.

Jacqueline Arcand
I am licensed in Arizona with 10 + years of professional work experience. Throughout my evolution as a therapist, I have come to see myself as a guide for people seeking to better their lives and to improve motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, codependency, and attachment fractures. I believe that you are the expert of your story and have many strengths which will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. The counseling relationship is a sacred space where you have the opportunity to answer questions such as, "What is wrong?" "How did it get this way?" and "What can I do about it?" Utilizing multiple approaches has allowed me to assist in tackling these questions supportively and successfully. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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.

Pamela Huckaby
Hello, my name is Pamela Huckaby, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist. Congratulations for having the courage to ask for help. I really look forward to working with you to help you realize more of your goals and feel happier about your life. This process will not be easy, but as we work hard together, you can change your life for the better. It will take work and dedication, and it will be important for you to practice the things we talk about in our sessions together. Sometimes you may not like me very much, because I will need to confront you about things that are no longer working for you. But I am dedicated to helping you along the way, and hope that we can establish a trusting relationship. This is your journey. I am here to help, but not do it for you. The more you take this process seriously, the better results you will have. My experience as a bilingual case manager, counselor, crisis worker (Designated Mental Health Provider – DMHP), group facilitator, art therapist, psychotherapist with a strong background of treating trauma, treating severe and persistent mental illness, and as a diagnostician have prepared me well for providing compassionate and effective mental health services. I have 9 years’ experience as a mental health therapist. Previous to graduate school, I worked for approximately 10 years as a case manager in mental health, Head Start, and for a domestic violence shelter. I interned with Child Protective Services and Hospice before starting my work as a therapist. I also have experience working for the Family Advocacy Program, as a contracting social worker with the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan. So, I am experienced in working with military families as well. I have worked with all age groups - individuals and families. I have been well trained by 3 different public mental health agencies - Center for Living in The Dalles, Oregon, Comprehensive Healthcare in White Salmon, Washington, and Bear River Mental Health Services in Brigham City, Utah. I contracted with the Air Force in Okinawa, Japan, working in The Family Advocacy Program (FAP). I am a licensed clinical social worker/LCSW for the state of Utah. I am trained, and experienced at providing various evidence-based treatments, including, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Counseling, Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT for adults. I am certified in CBT Plus (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children to treat Anxiety, Behavior, Depression, or Trauma), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy to treat adults with Trauma and Major Depression), and CETA (Common Elements Treatment Approach - for the effects of trauma). I am also trained and experienced in providing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is a leading modality for treating trauma, and can be effectively done through virtual sessions. I have also recently been trained in Brainspotting. Together we can decide which treatment modality may work best for you, according to your treatment needs and goals. I have facilitated CBT Group, Multi-family Group for individuals with Schizophrenia, Art Therapy Group, DBT Group, Sexual Trauma Group, Relational Aggression Group, and a community Emotional Life Skills psychoeducational class. As a life coach and Master Rapid Eye Technician, I have also practiced the energy psychology modalities of RET (Rapid Eye Technology) and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) since 2001. My Bachelor’s degree is in Psychology, with a minor in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. My Master’s degree is in Social Work from Walden University. I am able to provide services in both English and Spanish, and I have been certified with the State of Washington as a DSHS Bilingual Counselor. Together we will explore the way your thoughts and perceptions have influenced your feelings, behavior, and experiences in life. We form our belief systems as we react to our individual experiences. Much of the time we blame ourselves, and express self-hatred when things don’t go the way we would like them to. This then affects how we experience life. But, as you discover why and how you think the way you do, you will be able to reframe your thoughts/beliefs, in order to create more positive outcomes and satisfaction in your life. That doesn’t mean your life will then magically be perfect, but you will be armed with the coping skills you need to work through the challenges you face. There will be homework, but no shaming. This is your journey, with me as your facilitator. We will go at your pace. Please feel free to ask me any questions, or to stop me, if we move in a direction you don’t want to go. I may gently push at times, but I will honor your wishes. I truly look forward to getting to know you personally, as we make important discoveries that will provide insight and skills for your life currently and in the future.

Kamaree Altaffer
I am licensed in Alaska and Hawaii with 19 years of professional work experience. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Alaska
Types of therapists available to clients in Kenai
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Kenai that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Kenai available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Kenai therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Kenai therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Kenai region and in the state of Alaska.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Kenai can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Kenai may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.