This is Rachael Woods's avatar and link to their profile

Rachael Woods

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepression
23 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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L. Jenae Macnaughton

Offering therapy in AK
License: MA, MBA, LPC
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Life happens; the effects of loss vary; and the impacts of stress/trauma are more ‘normal’ than most people realize. You are not alone; your struggles are real; and your mental wellness is and should be treated with as much vigor as your need for food and shelter. It is natural for our bodies to want to heal themselves; and our human strength and natural behavior is to adapt and evolve. We develop negative coping skills as we adapt to stress/trauma, grief/loss, major life changes/transitions, chronic illness/pain, identity struggles, and relationship conflicts. As these behaviors can be learned through our abilities to adapt and evolve, so can they be unlearned through behavioral health and strengthening (aka counseling). I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS), a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), Certified in Brainspotting (BSP-C), and formally trained by the IFS Institute in Internal Family Systems (IFS) work (and will continue my journey to certification). I am independently licensed in AK, AR, ME, OR, SD, UT, and WA; and a Child Mental Health Specialist in WA. In addition to the specialties mentioned above, I also have experience and expertise in serving individuals struggling with addiction, chronic and/or terminal illness, adolescents, persons identifying as queer or LGBTQIA2S+, First Responders, Veterans, Government Personnel, Alaskan Native / Native American (AN/NA), and individuals struggling with high conflict situations. With over 23 years in the behavioral health field, I use my clients’ strengths to find natural healing, unique to their needs. I work with clients who may be struggling with trauma and loss/grief. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first few sessions and sustained improvement thereafter. I consider myself a Solution-Focused Therapist (SFT), meaning we focus on finding the strengths and solutions you already have within yourself (often a re-discovery process). I often use techniques such as strengths-based talk therapy, Brainspotting (learn more at www.brainspotting.com), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychoeducation; it all depends on your comfort level with each method.

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Jana Miner Collins

Offering therapy in AK
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
20 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Alaska. I have worked in the mental health field for over 40 years. I have been licensed in the state of Alaska for almost 20 years. In my private practice I have worked with many clients suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and grief/loss issues. I have also worked with clients struggling with parenting and many other of life's challenges. In my work with clients I have always believed it is not my job to judge or tell another person how to live their life. I focus on what the client's goals and stated needs are. My approach is varied depending on the needs of the client. I focus on respect, warmth and kindness above all else. It is scary to begin this journey but please know my first job is to relieve you of that anxiety and let you know you will be okay and this is a safe place. I would love to be able to support you through this phase in your life.

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Dr. Jaime Sawchuk

Offering therapy in AK
License: Ed.D.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

My style is interactive and collaborative as I pull from Motivational Interviewing, Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe that counseling is an integral part of healing whether it is from trauma or addiction. My goal is to help clients build their resiliency by processing trauma, identifying their strengths, setting long and short-term goals, helping build their support network and creating positive coping skills.

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James Dempsey

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 30 years of professional clinical social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, identity issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Richard Robb

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

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!

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Guilford Prickette

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & 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 am proud of you for getting started!

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Cecilie Cody

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

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Esther Bold

Offering therapy in AK
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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Juliet Daniels

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Delaware and Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! You can change therapists by logging in to your account, clicking on the icon in the top right corner of the therapy page, and choosing "Change therapist" from the drop-down menu. Make sure you specify in the feedback what you are looking for. If you have any trouble with this, please reach out to the Member Success Team at contact@betterhelp.com

How to find counseling in Atka

Finding the best therapist close by in Atka 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Atka. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Atka, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Atka or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Atka area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Atka, elsewhere in Aleutians West, or in the greater state of Alaska.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Atka due to a higher cost of living. 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 Atka 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Alaska you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Atka, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

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

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Atka 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 lead by a therapist in Atka helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Atka 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Atka therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Atka 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 lot of people in AK, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 99547 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, 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 feedback and advice. A Atka 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Atka, 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.

Atka has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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 Atka.

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

99547

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