The City of Wasilla was born on the intersection of the Alaska Railroad station and Old Carle Wagon Road, living on the wealth of the nearby mining town. Soon, the town was boosted by Alaska’s North Slope oilfields as well. It is always good to get some help from that nearby friend or neighbor when you need it.

Wasilla-area mental health counselors are on hand to help anyone who may feel like they need extra help. They are here to provide help and support you may need to get through your days without so much trouble. Do not hesitate to contact one of the professionals in the Wasilla area today.

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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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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.

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Jana Gumley

Offering therapy in AK
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in the state of Alaska. I have experience working with a variety of populations, from teens to older adults, and across cultures. I am married to a member of the military and have moved around the country, and I currently live in Illinois with my partner and two children. Some of the issues that I have seen most often in my practice include anxiety and depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, early life traumas, sexual trauma, substance use issues, life adjustment challenges, and relationship difficulties. My style is warm, down-to-earth, and approachable. I come to each person with an open mind and compassion for each individual’s unique journey. People tell me that I make them feel accepted and comfortable opening up, which allows them to do the hard work of examining their lives more deeply. I draw from a range of modalities and tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of each person. Some of my favorites are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I believe strongly in the healing power that therapy can have for every person, and I commend you for taking this courageous step. I look forward to working with you!

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L. Jenae Macnaughton

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

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

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Dr. Jaime Sawchuk

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

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

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Isatu Sidibe

Offering therapy in AK
License: LCSW,182520 ,Isatu K Sidibe
Family conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience respectful, safe, and genuine. I believe that individuals are the expert of their stories and that they have many strengths that will assist them in overcoming things that challenge them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska with 6 plus years of experience working with people making a change in their life. I have worked with individuals challenged by depression, anxiety, anger issue, abuse, and life-changing situations. I have worked in several clinical settings including community mental health, hospitals, school, and prisons. I have experience in counseling couples, adolescents, and adults, and facilitating groups. My approach is strengths-based, solution-focused, client-centered, motivational interview, and cognitive-behavioral theory.

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Pamela Gray

Offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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Dr. Debra Tolliver

Offering therapy in AK
License: PsyD, LPC, SAP CPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
18 years of experience

Hello my name is, Dr. Debra Tolliver. My approach is dependent on you the client, you must be willing to truly work toward the issue that has brought you into counseling. It is not about what I know, this is about you as the client opening yourself up and seeing yourself to help yourself. When your ready I'm here to help, I look forward to hearing from you.

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Jennie Johnston

Offering therapy in AK
AddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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! It is important for you to know you are no alone in your journey.

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Esther Bold

Offering therapy in AK
License: LPC,LADC,CCPT-II
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

Hello and thank you for visiting my page. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - II (CCTP-II) I have 17 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. I have my Master's from Southern Nazarene University in Marriage and Family and counseling (MA). I have had extensive experience with addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma counseling, and adults. I also have experience with family counseling. My approach to counseling is eclectic. My goal is to match the right approach to the right person. some of the counseling approaches I use are Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and experiential therapy. I help people realize their purpose as well as challenge them to be the best that they can be. Counseling is hard work at times and my goal is to guide you as gently as possible through the process. If you are ready to start the process of healing I would be honored to accompany you in the process. Looking forward to working with you.

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How to find counseling in Wasilla

Finding the best therapist close by in Wasilla 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 Wasilla. 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 Wasilla, 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla, elsewhere in Matanuska-Susitna, 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 Wasilla area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla, 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 99654 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla, 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.

Wasilla 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 Wasilla.

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

99629, 99654

Popular cities near Wasilla, AK

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