Palmer was a planned town populated through efforts to assist devastated families in the Midwest during the Great Depression. The town has continued to be a safe haven for many residents. However, even in a safe and quite place it can be hard to get by mentally or emotionally.

If you are having problems with mental or emotional stability, it is important to seek help as quickly as possible so that it doesn’t affect your life. Palmer-area counselors are available now to offer this assistance. Contact a confidential and licensed therapist today.

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Beverly Rivard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,CCH
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefCoping with life changesADHD
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! Welcome! I have been a counselor, social worker, life coach , and energy healing practitioner for more that 20 years. I am currently licensed in the states of Alaska and Utah. I work from a positive psychology perspective because I have found that building upon strengths is just as important as solving problems. I incorporate mindfulness and qigong to help people manage stress and become happier and healthier. I enjoy working with both U.S. and international clients. I honor differences in culture, gender, religion, race, lifestyles and beliefs. I welcome clients who want to recover from pain they experienced because of their race, gender, beliefs, or neuro-divergent way of thinking. I am presently living in the desert southwest. I enjoy traveling, writing, and creating things with pen and paper, yarn, beads, and clay. I have personal practice of mindfulness meditation and qigong. I am a deeply spiritual person. I look forward to meeting you and helping you become happier and healthier! Beverly

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Raymond Butts

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed, Counselor Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor, ( NCC) with other 30 years experience in both counseling and education. I started my professional career as an elementary special education teacher in the early 80's. I obtained my M.Ed in counselor Education in 1989 from the University of Arkansas and in 1989 I went to Alaska for the first time as along term substitute teacher. I worked in the Bering Strait School District, in Unalakleet, Alaska. I would return a year later, and work a total of 11 years as a teacher, itinerant school counselor, and village school principal in the district. I would go on to work in two other school districts before retiring from Alaska in 2004. After returning to Arkansas, and home, I worked as a kindergarten counselor in a center with 180 kids and 18 teachers. I fully retired in 2007. In 2009, I became a military and family life counselor and have been doing this for 10 years. My treatment approach is based on my training and my personality. I was trained in CCT and it fite my style, even though I so specialize in crisis counseling. I have found helping the client, and not necessarily directing the client is more effective for me. As I stated I specialize in crisis and PTSD counseling right now with the military, and their families.

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Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,LCMHC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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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Lauren Kelly

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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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Cora Benedict

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alaska with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I want to congratulate you for getting started!

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Ku'upuamakamae Nalua'i

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alaska with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, 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! My therapy style and approach mainly draws from Meaning Centered Psychotherapy with a Psychodynamic and Person-Centered focus. I utilize different modalities from Positive Psychology; Mindfulness; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); Strength-Based Therapy to empower my clients to face challenges and overcome problems they have. It takes a lot of power and courage to work toward a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here for you if you are ready to take that step and you feel I would be a good fit for you. Pua Nalua'i

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Tiffany Chenery

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Texas with over 7 years of professional work experience. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Stephanie Wright

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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.

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Theresa Rutchka

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alaska with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Elizabeth Wasonga

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alaska and Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Palmer

Finding the best therapist close by in Palmer 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 in Palmer that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Palmer. 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 Palmer, 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 in the Palmer region and in the state of Alaska. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Palmer or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Palmer area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Palmer 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 Palmer, elsewhere in Matanuska-Susitna, or in the greater state of Alaska.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Palmer area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Palmer 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 Palmer 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 Palmer 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Palmer online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Palmer, 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 Palmer psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Palmer 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 Palmer helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Palmer 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Palmer 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 in Palmer?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Palmer 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.

Palmer therapists 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 Palmer 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 Palmer 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in AK, therapists 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 99645 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Palmer counselor?

Before seeing your Palmer 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Palmer.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Palmer 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 with a Palmer counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Palmer, 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.

Palmer 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Palmer, Alaska

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 to customer service 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 Palmer.

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

99645

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