This is Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins

Offering therapy in AK
License: PhD,LCMHC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.

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Michelle Lesagonicz

Offering therapy in AK
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in Alaska who has worked with adult individuals for over 8 years. I use a person-centered approach that focuses on YOUR needs and explores healthy positive changes YOU want to make in your life using mindfulness, CBT, meditation, and other problem-solving approaches and therapeutic techniques. I understand the importance of trust, respect, listening, and clear communication skills because you are a unique person encountering unique experiences. I can teach you ways to manage chronic pain, lower depression and anxiety symptoms, work through traumatic events, explore changes in your life past and present, all in a supportive, caring, safe and confidential environment. You can discover ways to make clear, positive decisions and live the life you deserve to live. With support, knowledge, and self-awareness you can learn how to heal, to apply self-empowerment, and add balance to your life. I look forward to working with you.

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Brett Wilcox

Offering therapy in AK
License: M.Ed.,LPC-S,CDCII
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
25 years of experience

Brett Wilcox (M.Ed., LPC-S, CDCII) I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Alaska with 25 years of experience working as a mental health and substance abuse counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including PTSD, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and interpersonal violence. I have significant history facilitating group counseling for teens and adults focused on substance abuse, domestic violence, and sex offending. I also enjoy working with couples. Coherence Therapy is my preferred therapy model. Coherence Therapy is a system of experiential, empathic psychotherapy that enables therapists to consistently foster deep, lasting shifts, dispelling clients’ symptoms at their emotional roots often in a relatively small number of sessions. The steps of Coherence Therapy carry out the process of memory reconsolidation identified by brain researchers. Understanding reconsolidation shows us exactly what gives new therapeutic experiences the potency to actually replace and erase entrenched, unwanted behaviors, beliefs and states of mind. Coherence Therapy differs from the approaches of standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in that it does not attempt to correct or change troubling thoughts, emotions or behaviors. Rather it enables clients to access and identify unconscious constructs empowering them to erase, transform and rewrite neural pathways resulting in profound and lasting change. Stated differently, Coherence Therapy does not label, pathologize or fight against symptoms, rather it addresses and resolves problems at the root level. Clients who have had lengthy unsatisfactory experiences with other therapists have thrived in my practice and found resolution within just a few sessions. My counseling style is informed by my foundational belief in individual autonomy and agency. I believe it is my role to empower clients to achieve their full potential and destiny in a strong and healthy manner. I view my clients as the experts in their own lives and do my best to minimize the power differential that frequently occurs in counseling relationships. I do not view myself as an expert who is reaching down to help troubled souls. Rather I view myself as a fallible human being who is able to empathize with others especially when they are unable to empathize with themselves. I do my best to avoid interpreting clients’ situations according to my perspective, because such interpretations are often incorrect and empowerment is better found when clients discover truths from within their own unconscious and conscious landscape. Each client is unique, therefore treatment for each client is also unique. If between session assignments are given, they are usually in the form of asking clients to hold in their conscious minds the constructs that emerged during the session. This simple task often results in a surprisingly natural resolution to issues that were seemingly entrenched and unchangeable. If these concepts resonate with you, then we may form a good team. If so, I would be pleased to meet with you for a few sessions so you can determine whether we’re a good fit. You are, after all, in charge of the process. If you so choose, I look forward to working with you! Specialties Addressing root constructs which result in poor self-esteem, body image, depression, anxiety, under-achievement, unhealthy relationships, couples counseling and addictions. I do my best to honor and validate clients’ various spiritual and religious experiences.

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Dr. Linda Sheets Lockwood

Offering therapy in AK
License: PhD, LMFT, LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

My goal is to promote your health with competence, a caring attitude, and cultural sensitivity. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Florida and a licensed professional counselor in Alaska. Not only do I have a doctorate in Counseling, but I have many years experience working in the school system with special education families. I am sensitive to the needs of the siblings and parents of exceptional children. In terms of counseling, we shall look at the whole picture. We'll explore how your relationships have affected your current disposition. But we will also consider your diet, your sleep, and your lifestyle: how all these affect you. But do not fear, we want to find a solution and end therapy as soon as we can! I think of myself as a prospector, looking for gold. I firmly believe that inside of everyone is a streak of gold and gems. Our job, together, is to find your gold that has been covered up with the debris of life. I want to help you regain your strengths and values and joy of life. People with eating disorders is a specialty. Your body and mind are interwoven, so we will consider lifestyle not diets.

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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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Alfred (AJ) Knittel

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska and Idaho with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I use a strength based approach when working with clients that highlights a clients strengths and assist them in manifesting lasting change for themselves. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jennifer Hensley

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I’m Jennie, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Alaska, but more importantly, I’m a human being who is passionate about helping others identify the source(s) of their distress, and implement strategies that invite continuous growth and genuine contentment in life. I want to get to know you and what makes you tick, to assist you in gaining a thorough understanding of yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, your emotional ‘triggers’…all of the fun (and not so fun) characteristics that make you a unique individual or couple. From there, my work focuses on identifying problematic thinking, relational dynamics, and/or behaviors, then systematically replacing those maladaptive tendencies with positive self-talk, healthy communication and boundaries with others, and productive behaviors that help you reach your fullest potential. People have always deeply interested me. I grew up in a military family and have seen many parts of the world. I love to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I completed my Bachelor of Science in social psychology and graduated with highest honors while serving 7 years on active duty in the US Navy. Later, I earned a Master’s Degree in counseling psychology and opened a private practice specializing in treating trauma (PTSD) in combat veterans and victims of sexual assault. Years later, I discovered I have a real passion for couples’ work, and also for treating people with mood and personality disorders. I believe we are all doing the best we can in life with the tools we have, and the field of psychology offers a plethora of resources with which to improve your toolbox. I’m here to listen, guide, and support you as you identify and learn to utilize the tools that will help you reach and even surpass your life goals.

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Markia Anderson

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas and Alaska with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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. 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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Kristina Meyer

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Oregon and Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Stephanie Wright's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Wright

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Alaska and Hawaii with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and teens with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Seldovia

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia, 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 99663 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia 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 Seldovia, 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.

Seldovia 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 Seldovia.

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

99663

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