Therapists in Akiak, AK
Bobbi Cleary
Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years offering treatment
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.
Brenda Thayer
Clinician
License Type(s): LPC-S,CDC II,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years offering treatment
Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 27 years, LPC for seven years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alaska. I believe in meeting the person where they are at, helping them reach their potential. I believe in treating the whole person for overall wellness and striving for reaching one’s goals and values in life. I use an eclectic approach; cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy fused with motivational interviewing. I have experience using rational emotive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and solution focused therapy. What you can expect from sessions include; questions so that I can get to know you better and to see how I can best help you, nonjudgmental and compassionate support, and energy to help you see your potential.
Raymond Butts
Clinician
License Type(s): M.Ed, Counselor Ed.,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years offering treatment
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor, ( NCC) with other 30 years experience in both counseling and education. I started my professional career as an elementary special education teacher in the early 80's. I obtained my M.Ed in counselor Education in 1989 from the University of Arkansas and in 1989 I went to Alaska for the first time as along term substitute teacher. I worked in the Bering Strait School District, in Unalakleet, Alaska. I would return a year later, and work a total of 11 years as a teacher, itinerant school counselor, and village school principal in the district. I would go on to work in two other school districts before retiring from Alaska in 2004. After returning to Arkansas, and home, I worked as a kindergarten counselor in a center with 180 kids and 18 teachers. I fully retired in 2007. In 2009, I became a military and family life counselor and have been doing this for 10 years. My treatment approach is based on my training and my personality. I was trained in CCT and it fite my style, even though I so specialize in crisis counseling. I have found helping the client, and not necessarily directing the client is more effective for me. As I stated I specialize in crisis and PTSD counseling right now with the military, and their families.
Dr. Michael Vigil
Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years offering treatment
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).
Tiffany Lemery
Clinician
License Type(s): LMSW, CATP, CDC II
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
10 years offering treatment
I enjoy working with many types of people and assisting them in the challenges they are facing. My specialties are the areas of trauma and interpersonal violence, including the secondary effects, such as anxiety, depression, anger, relationship/trust issues, self-medicating, and stagnation. I use a wide range of approaches in working with my clients, meaning that I like to employ many different therapeutic styles in sessions. I approach issues honestly, openly, and directly. I have been described as warm, genuine, easy to talk to, and dedicated. I holistically view every client. Rather than asking, "what's wrong with you?" I ask, "what have you been through?" The effects of trauma and grief/loss can wreak havoc on lives and often cause anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, relationship/Intimacy issues, and many other problems. The good news is there is hope, and I am delighted that you are ready to take the journey towards healing. I use multiple evidence-based treatments, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Brainspotting, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness/Zen, TBRI and other modalities to best suit each client and their individual needs. Together we will tailor a plan that works for you.
Edmore Mangena
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
16 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Alaska with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Alfred (AJ) Knittel
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
4 years offering treatment
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.
Kyria Chrisp-Stashak
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Alaska with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Acea Starks
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
11 years offering treatment
I am a non-traditional therapist with a holistic approach to mental health. I am licensed in Georgia, Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Florida with more than 10 years of experience working with diverse populations. I would like to provide some information about myself. I am a little 'out there.' I have piercings, tattoos, and purple hair. I am a bit of a goth. I came to mental health services a little later than some. I was an English major when I first went to college out of high school. That did not work out very well. I love writing and the English language is beautiful so occasionally I use obscure words or references. If I ever say something that is not understood just tell me and I will rephrase. My second attempt at higher learning was when I was in the nursing program. I knew I wanted to make a difference and ease suffering but to be honest, I do not like to watch people die. I have and can, but I did not want to do it all the time. I was in my 30s when I started my program. I did an associate degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology and then a master's degree in mental health counseling all in one go. It was very stressful as I was also working at the time. I have worked a lot of jobs I did not like and have had some very interesting experiences. I have worked at Wal-Mart (twice) and did a stint as a grave digger (with a shovel). I have many hobbies and interests. My approach is eclectic because there are no one size fits all treatments. I am very open but believe in setting goals and having accountability. My role is to provide clients with tools to navigate their unique issues and concerns. I am very big on self care and work life balance. I am not on line everyday and try as often as possible to strap a pack to my back and hide in the woods.
Joanna Sanchez
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years offering treatment
Hi, I’m Joanna. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Alaska with over 14 years of experience supporting individuals through emotional, relational, and life transitions. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and my clinical background spans outpatient therapy, residential treatment, and leadership in mental health and substance use care. I have experience helping clients work through stress, anxiety, addiction recovery, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, and major life changes. I believe in treating everyone with deep respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Therapy with me is never one-size-fits-all—our work will be tailored to meet your unique needs, goals, and pace. My style is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented. I believe in the power of deep, meaningful conversation—therapy that goes beyond surface-level coping skills and invites true understanding and transformation. If you're someone who finds healing in talking things through and uncovering the “why” behind your patterns, we’ll likely be a good fit. I work from a relational and psychodynamic lens, while integrating trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, and CBT as needed. But above all, I listen deeply. My goal is to help you feel truly seen and supported as we explore what’s holding you back and what healing might look like for you. You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself—therapy can offer a path back to clarity, connection, and wholeness. I strive to create a safe, affirming space where you can reflect, process, and grow in your own way. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and grounded life takes real courage. If you’re ready, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Find a therapist serving clients in Alaska
What types of therapists are available to clients in Akiak?
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 Akiak that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic 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 Akiak available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Akiak 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, Akiak therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Akiak region and in the state of Alaska.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Akiak 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 Akiak may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Akiak offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
Popular cities near Akiak, AK
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist