Trying to deal with depression issues all by yourself is not going to be easy. When you are faced with depression it can make you feel weak and it becomes more difficult for you to focus. Wrestling with depression all alone is not unlike coming face-to-face with a bear. Without the right equipment and help, you are going to be very vulnerable. Depression is dangerous and it can severely harm your life if you do not get help.

A Kodiak-area online counselor will be ready to assist you when you make the decision to reach out. Counselors can help people to deal with their depression problems in an effective way. Their ability to help you cope with depression symptoms is top-notch and they will also simply be your ally in the fight to heal from depression. You can get through these times and see yourself to safety once more. Allow an online counselor to be your partner in the fight against depression today.

This is Lauren Kelly's avatar and link to their profile

Lauren Kelly

Offering therapy in AK
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

I know asking for help is not always the easiest thing to do and I seek to honor the effort it takes to stretch, grow, change and open yourself up in order to reach out. I love working with families, couples and individuals alike. I am a well seasoned therapist with over 20 years of experience helping others with many and varied challenges in their lives. As a Family Therapist, I believe life is all about relationships and connection and this gives me a unique and valuable perspective most individual therapists may not have. I have experience helping people recover from trauma, deal with grief and loss and restore broken relationships. I specialize in helping clients work toward life balance, working from wherever they are to wherever they want to be. I am authentic, non-judgmental, honest, hilarious (or at least I think I am), and look forward to helping you on your journey. I will be available to work with you on Monday through Friday (I take Saturdays and Sundays off) via live chat, asynchronous texting, phone or video. I currently live and travel in my small motorhome in the West and Southwest so my time zone may be a bit different than yours, which is often advantageous. I grew up in California (please don't hold that against me as I left as soon as I could) and I have lived in WI, UT, AZ, GA and Alaska (at the Top of the World in Barrow). I look forward to speaking with you.

This is Michael Pretz's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Steven Kirkilas's avatar and link to their profile

Steven Kirkilas

Offering therapy in AK
License: Msw,Lcsw
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 10 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR therapy and enjoy using somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles. Lastly, I believe every person deserves to be understood, please feel welcome.

This is Wendy Weston's avatar and link to their profile

Wendy Weston

Offering therapy in AK
License: 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.

This is Wroksie Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Wroksie Jackson

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia and Alaska with 24 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 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.

This is Jacqueline Arcand's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Arcand

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 10 + years of professional work experience. Throughout my evolution as a therapist, I have come to see myself as a guide for people seeking to better their lives and to improve motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, codependency, and attachment fractures. I believe that you are the expert of your story and have many strengths which will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. The counseling relationship is a sacred space where you have the opportunity to answer questions such as, "What is wrong?" "How did it get this way?" and "What can I do about it?" Utilizing multiple approaches has allowed me to assist in tackling these questions supportively and successfully. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Krista Haller's avatar and link to their profile

Krista Haller

Offering therapy in AK
Parenting issues
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska, Colorado and Idaho with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, specifically related to how pregnancy and parenting affects relationships and self-identity. 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.

This is Kimberly Curtis's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Curtis

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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.

This is Kristina Hentges's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Juliet Daniels's avatar and link to their profile

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 Kodiak

Finding the best therapist close by in Kodiak 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 Kodiak. 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 Kodiak, 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak, elsewhere in Kodiak Island, 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 Kodiak area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak, 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 99619 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak 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 Kodiak, 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.

Kodiak 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 Kodiak.

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

99615, 99619

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist