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Brenda Thayer

Offering therapy in AK
License: LPC-S,CDC II,NCC
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 22 years, LPC for five years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I have recently become a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. 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.

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Alaine Lagasse

Offering therapy in AK
License: BSW, MS,LPC Minnesota & Alaska
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and Alaska with 10 years of experience. As a readjustment counselor I worked with military veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. I assisted clients with various concerns associated with combat and sexual trauma including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substances abuse, and career challenges. As an independent contractor working with the BetterHelp platform I help many people from all walks of life who have experienced physical and emotional trauma and/or abuse. My counseling style is interactive but somewhat direct as I believe in honesty and facing our fears. I also believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I respect and honor all, including those who identify as Straight, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and acceptance & commitment therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Annette Senger

Offering therapy in AK
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Have you ever felt disconnected from yourself or loved ones, while wondering what life really means? Have you lost your joy or enthusiasm for life? Many of us have experienced these feelings from time to time. Some of us have had anxiety that was so overwhelming, we forgot how to cope. We usually benefit from a helping hand and sensible guidance, and most of us can feel better with direction and a good set of coping techniques. I am a licensed clinical social worker for both Alaska and Hawaii. I have been on a path to help others heal and grow since my early twenties, when I worked as a teacher’s aide in a tiny, rural community. From there, I went on to help folks with serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders who were incarcerated or living on the streets. I worked in a number of psychiatric institutions, where I came to see how deeply we need to meet our emotional needs in order to achieve happiness and form good relationships. Throughout my journey, I have gathered my own resources for coping, which I am committed to sharing with others. Since the pandemic started, I have worked as a telehealth therapist helping individuals suffering with complex trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, attention problems, career issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, and a number of other concerns. From my experiences, I have learned that we are all basically the same. Everyone wants to be happy and free, and we all benefit from techniques for clearing our thoughts, examining our feelings, and helping our bodies be well. My primary orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy, with a focus on mindfulness, and I emphasize helping the body and mind to relax and clear, so balance can be achieved. As a licensed clinical social worker, I am dedicated to helping individuals discover a sense of meaning, through techniques aimed at developing deeper relationships with ourselves, our loved-ones, and our world.

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Michael Pretz

Offering therapy in AK
License: MS,LPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I served the State of Alaska as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for 7 years. I’ve had my own private practice for 2 years. I am a client centered therapist with an existential philosophy. I believe an empathetic judgement free space is essential to any therapeutic process. I also believe that all change must be individualized and client directed through a co-created therapy process. I believe client’s are experts of their own experiences and have both the power and knowledge to make the choices needed to make lasting change to significantly improve quality of life. I have worked with a wide variety of clients with various backgrounds, mental health disorders, neurological disorders, and physical disabilities. I also utilize therapeutic methodology from reality therapy, solution focus therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), behavioral therapy, and others. However, my most utilized method is to be curious of client’s inner experience and how I may be of help.

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Dr. Jean Balestrery

Offering therapy in AK
License: PhD,LICSW, MAC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

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!

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Princilla Ursery

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska and Michigan with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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June Ober

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, 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.

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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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Liza Joseph

Offering therapy in AK
License: MS,LMHC-QS-CTP,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

Hey you! First off, give yourself a lot of credit for taking this first step into your therapy journey; it is never easy making a decision to seek help. But I am glad you are here, and I am ready to help. I am Liza Joseph, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor for registered interns in the state of Florida. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona. I have been a Counselor for 9 years. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, existential crisis, adjustment life issues, and stress management. I have also helped many people who have experienced traumatic life events. I always aim to create a safe and trusting space, so you feel free to discuss any type of concern or presenting issue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, cultural sensitivity, and compassion. I also believe that therapy is a collaborative partnership, and I don’t believe in stigmatizing labels where great transformation can occur when one is ready. My approach combines a variety of therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, strength-based, positive psychology, culturally sensitive, trauma-focused, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Everyone is unique, so I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your individual and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards change. But, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I am bilingual and can conduct therapy in Haitian Creole/Kreyol. I look forward to working with you!

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Kristina Hentges

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Kristina Hentges and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska and Texas and have ten years experience. I believe that counseling is an opportunity to walk along side a person who is experiencing a challenge and help them over come it. A counselor will provide knowledge and experience to help get through difficulties and assist in making and reaching goals to better one's life. I have had the privilege to aid those facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, addictions and so much more. I believe that signing up for counseling is a brave act. Its shows strength when we ask for a new perspective. I hope I can help you with that! Welcome to Better Help! *Please note I prefer counseling people via video or audio only.

How to find counseling in Chignik

Finding the best therapist close by in Chignik 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 Chignik. 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 Chignik, 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik, elsewhere in Lake and Peninsula, 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 Chignik area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik, 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 99564 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 Chignik 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 Chignik 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 Chignik, 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.

Chignik 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 Chignik.

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

99564

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