Therapy Off the Road System: Online Counseling for Rural Alaska
By Christi Kersten, MA, LPC · Telehealth for adults 18+ in Alaska
In much of Alaska, the nearest therapist may be a flight away. Even in larger towns, waitlists can run for months. For adults in rural and off-road-system communities, that distance can mean going without support at all.
Telehealth changes that. With a private space and a phone, tablet or computer, you can meet with a licensed counselor from wherever you are in the state.
What you need to get started
- A private space. Home, a parked car or an office with the door closed all work. Headphones help.
- A device. A phone, tablet or computer with a camera. There is no app to download; you join from a secure link.
- A connection. A steady cell or Wi-Fi signal is usually enough. If the call drops, you rejoin the same link, and we plan for that at the first session.
- To be in Alaska. Sessions need to happen while you are physically located in the state.
Common questions
Is online therapy as effective as in-person? For many concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD and more, a review of 281 outcomes across 4,336 clients found video therapy works largely as well as meeting in person.
What about privacy in a small community? Sessions use a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platform. No one in your town needs to see you walking into an office.
What if my schedule depends on weather, fishing season or work rotations? We can talk openly about what is realistic for you and plan around the rhythms of your life.
Communities I serve
I work with adults across Alaska, including Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Utqiagvik, Dillingham, Kodiak, Sitka, Ketchikan, Homer, the Kenai Peninsula and villages reachable only by plane or boat, as well as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and the Mat-Su Valley.
Distance should not decide whether you get support.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see whether working together is a good fit.
Schedule a ConsultationIf you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Related: Teletherapy in Alaska · Forms, Insurance & FAQs