Living in Ketchikan can feel as wild and adventurous as the great outdoors surrounding this small town. Or life can feel dull and underwhelming because of difficult life challenges that get in the way of your happiness.

If you aren't enjoying all the beauty and wonder of Ketchikan and the surrounding area like you know you should be due to mental wellness issues, reach out for help today. Contact a local area mental health professional to get the support and services you need, whether it's to work through tough times, cope with trauma or loss, or battle mental illness. They are here to help.

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Jennifer Roche-Sheets

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Counselor License Type(s): 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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Rachael Woods

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepression
24 years of experience

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.

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Annie Forsyth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Counselor License Type(s): MEd,LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
21 years of experience

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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Wendy Weston

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years of experience

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.

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Karen Kelly

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
12 years of experience

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.

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Ku'upuamakamae Nalua'i

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
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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Jennifer Hensley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
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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Stephanie Wright

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Alaska and Hawaii with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and teens with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. 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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Karen House

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC,MSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
22 years of experience

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.

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Amber Taylor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK, Ketchikan
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 to find a therapist for counseling in Ketchikan

Finding the best therapist close by in Ketchikan can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Ketchikan that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Ketchikan. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Ketchikan, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Ketchikan region and in the state of Alaska. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Ketchikan or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Ketchikan therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Ketchikan area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Ketchikan, elsewhere in Ketchikan Gateway, or in the greater state of Alaska. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ketchikan area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ketchikan therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Ketchikan due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Ketchikan may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alaska may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Alaska you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Ketchikan online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ketchikan, Alaska working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Ketchikan psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Ketchikan above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Ketchikan provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Ketchikan?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ketchikan therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Ketchikan therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Ketchikan therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in AK, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 99901 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ketchikan counselor?

Before seeing your Ketchikan therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Ketchikan therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Ketchikan licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Ketchikan counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Ketchikan, Alaska can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Ketchikan has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Ketchikan, Alaska

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Ketchikan therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Ketchikan.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ketchikan:

99901

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