Life is all about having a good heart. You want to care about others and be the best person possible. However, this often comes with a struggle. You need to take care of yourself as well. How can you balance out these two challenges? Especially when you're battling mental health problems? 

A counselor based in Fairbanks can help. Fairbanks is a town that’s called The Golden Heart of Alaska. Your heart can be golden too, and a counselor can help you. Talk to a counselor today and learn more. You can improve as a person.

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Jennifer Roche-Sheets

Offering therapy in AK
License: 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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Dallas Norman

Offering therapy in AK
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Experienced Solution Focused based healthcare professional. Thirteen years experience working independently as part of multidisciplinary teams with clients of varying multi-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Has worked with adults, couples, families, children and adolescents. Proven work ethic, constructive clinical judgment and has responded appropriately to high stress crisis situations. Demonstrated experience in many environments including inpatient clinical, outpatient clinical telehealth and government installations. Clinical duties have included outreach based counseling, diagnostic care as well as long term therapy. Education includes a Masters of Science in Applied Psychology from Eastern Washington University, a nationally accredited program. Client feedback indicates that my therapeutic strength is adapting skills and techniques to a person's unique circumstance, identifying realistic and tangible action steps and providing a client with an easy to understand approach to personal growth.

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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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Fay Callam

Offering therapy in AK
License: LCSW, SAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

Using a person-centered approach and evidence-based, yet culturally safe techniques, I have had some successes in working with those who've experienced trauma, especially related to adverse childhood experiences (ACES) resulting in depression, anxiety or relationship and/or boundary issues. It is my belief that the client holds the reins and that goal attainment is within her/his grasp. My training at Columbia University and New York University, along with my Social Work code of ethics, are foundation for a philosophy of respect for the client's right to self-determination while monitoring for safety.

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Tracie Diamond

Offering therapy in AK
License: MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in Utah, New Mexico, and Alaska for 7 years. I have experience with substance abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a military veteran and have worked with veterans on combat stress/fatigue as well as career challenges and transitions when leaving the military. My therapy style is genuine and warm. I believe that treating others with respect and compassion will enable them to begin to handle their own issues, especially negative self-talk and challenging irrational beliefs. My approach combines cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies as well as mindfulness approaches. I work hard to ensure that each treatment plan is tailored to your unique and specific needs. If you are ready to take the first steps toward change I am here to meet you where you are at and support you towards that goal.

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Michaela Craft

Offering therapy in AK
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with over 10 years of professional work experience. I am internationally certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapist and nationally certified as a Master Addition Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Amy Reid

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado and Alaska with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Alexander VanGeffen

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 lasting change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey! I especially encourage anyone reading this who feels as if they’re struggling with regulating how they react or respond to situations, especially in relationships, to reach out to me. Things don’t need to stay the way they are, and if you’re ready to take accountability and make these changes I am here to help you on your way.

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Scott Taylor

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

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How to find counseling in Fairbanks

Finding the best therapist close by in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, elsewhere in Fairbanks North Star, 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 Fairbanks area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 99711 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, 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.

Fairbanks 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Fairbanks.

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

99701, 99703, 99707, 99711

Popular cities near Fairbanks, AK

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