Group Therapy and Support Groups in Alaska (original) (raw)
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Chugach Counseling & Consulting is a trauma-informed, LGBTQ affirming therapy practice in Eagle River, Alaska. Specializing in EMDR, somatic therapy, trauma, anxiety, and couples counseling for teens 16+, adults, and families. In-person in Eagle River and telehealth available statewide.
Hosted by Jayme Moudy-Ferrier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Chugach Counseling & Consulting is a trauma-informed, LGBTQ affirming therapy practice in Eagle River, Alaska. Specializing in EMDR, somatic therapy, trauma, anxiety, and couples counseling for teens 16+, adults, and families. In-person in Eagle River and telehealth available statewide.
Clarity Counseling Services was founded by Claire Gelvin-Smith in August 2022, and opened its doors to clients January 16th, 2023. Clarity Counseling Services, provides counseling services for the Fairbanks community, and throughout Alaska, by highly trained masters level clinicians who specialize in treating PTSD and healing trauma.
Hosted by Claire Gelvin-Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC-S
Clarity Counseling Services was founded by Claire Gelvin-Smith in August 2022, and opened its doors to clients January 16th, 2023. Clarity Counseling Services, provides counseling services for the Fairbanks community, and throughout Alaska, by highly trained masters level clinicians who specialize in treating PTSD and healing trauma.
This group is a support group for individuals in Juneau who are transgender or gender non-binary, which meets monthly. It is an opportunity to share resources and support in order to grow our local trans community.
Hosted by Margie Thomson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Juneau, AK 99801
This group is a support group for individuals in Juneau who are transgender or gender non-binary, which meets monthly. It is an opportunity to share resources and support in order to grow our local trans community.
Out-Patient and Intensive Out-Patint Court Ordered or self referred for alcohol and or other substance use and or abuse.
Hosted by Tyrone A Charles
Counselor, LPC, CCHP, MA, SAP, MAC
Out-Patient and Intensive Out-Patint Court Ordered or self referred for alcohol and or other substance use and or abuse.
A consultation group for seasoned psychotherapists wishing to explore the treatment of various sexual problems within the context of couples therapy.
A consultation group for seasoned psychotherapists wishing to explore the treatment of various sexual problems within the context of couples therapy.
The Mental Health Co-Op (TMHC) provides attachment focused and trauma informed psychotherapy services in the Mat-Su Borough. Our providers specialize in working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stressors and other adverse life experiences. We understand the importance of incorporating race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, spirituality, ability, and neurotype in your treatment and welcome you as you are.
Hosted by Bernice Nisbett
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Group meets in Palmer, AK 99645
The Mental Health Co-Op (TMHC) provides attachment focused and trauma informed psychotherapy services in the Mat-Su Borough. Our providers specialize in working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stressors and other adverse life experiences. We understand the importance of incorporating race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, spirituality, ability, and neurotype in your treatment and welcome you as you are.
We are a dedicated outpatient private practice staffed by compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, offering a blend of **medication management and psychotherapy** to support your mental wellness journey. Our practice provides inclusive and personalized care for individuals from **ages 8 up to age 70**. We welcome **women, men, transgender, and gender queer** individuals. We specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including: * Anxiety and Depression * Bipolar Disorder * ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) * Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) * Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Childhood Traumas * Perinatal Mental Health Disorders * Perinatal Loss, Grief & Bereavement
Hosted by Impavid Mental Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B, CNM
We are a dedicated outpatient private practice staffed by compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, offering a blend of **medication management and psychotherapy** to support your mental wellness journey. Our practice provides inclusive and personalized care for individuals from **ages 8 up to age 70**. We welcome **women, men, transgender, and gender queer** individuals. We specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including: * Anxiety and Depression * Bipolar Disorder * ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) * Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) * Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Childhood Traumas * Perinatal Mental Health Disorders * Perinatal Loss, Grief & Bereavement
At Beyond Limits Counseling, we’re dedicated to guiding you through life’s challenges with compassionate and care. Our practice offers both in-person and telehealth counseling to meet your needs, no matter where you are. ?Our skilled team of clinicians utilizes a diverse range of evidence-based and best-practice therapeutic techniques to provide you with personalized support. Whether you’re seeking individual, couples, or family therapy, we’re here to help navigate various concerns. ?We’re committed to partnering with you on your journey towards improved mental health and well-being, offering a safe and supportive space for you to explore and grow.
Hosted by Patty Bullick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Kenai, AK 99611
At Beyond Limits Counseling, we’re dedicated to guiding you through life’s challenges with compassionate and care. Our practice offers both in-person and telehealth counseling to meet your needs, no matter where you are. ?Our skilled team of clinicians utilizes a diverse range of evidence-based and best-practice therapeutic techniques to provide you with personalized support. Whether you’re seeking individual, couples, or family therapy, we’re here to help navigate various concerns. ?We’re committed to partnering with you on your journey towards improved mental health and well-being, offering a safe and supportive space for you to explore and grow.
We are a faith-informed practice. That means our work is shaped by a belief in the value of relationships, redemption, and whole-person healing. We respect each client’s background and will only bring spirituality into the room if it’s something you want to include.
Hosted by Joy Knight
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, CDC
We are a faith-informed practice. That means our work is shaped by a belief in the value of relationships, redemption, and whole-person healing. We respect each client’s background and will only bring spirituality into the room if it’s something you want to include.
Ethical integration of Modern Psychotherapy tools and Ancient Healing Art practices, including: Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Integrative Medicine and Jungian modalities with Magick, Tarot cards, Astrology, Hermetics, Chakra system balancing, and other Earth-based Spirituality practices. Competent teachings backed by formal clinical training, adherence to clinical regulation, integrity in my own history and knowledge working within ancient healing practices, and years of research and advocacy regarding earth-based spirituality as an an area of spirituality that deserves the same protection and cultural competencies as other belief systems.
Hosted by Novel Path Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Juneau, AK 99801
Ethical integration of Modern Psychotherapy tools and Ancient Healing Art practices, including: Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Integrative Medicine and Jungian modalities with Magick, Tarot cards, Astrology, Hermetics, Chakra system balancing, and other Earth-based Spirituality practices. Competent teachings backed by formal clinical training, adherence to clinical regulation, integrity in my own history and knowledge working within ancient healing practices, and years of research and advocacy regarding earth-based spirituality as an an area of spirituality that deserves the same protection and cultural competencies as other belief systems.
Recovering from toxic, dysfunctional, and abusive relationships, external (marital, extended family, parental or adult children, friends, supervisor, work environment, etc); and internal. Understand how toxic and irrational thinking drives emotional states, and how to take personal responsibility for your own happiness. Begin to break unhealthy behavioral and relationship cycles, sometimes referred to as codependency. Learn about healthy vs. toxic heart and brain connections, authentic self-care, and mind-body connection using mindfulness strategies. Create a survival plan for moving forward with Positive Psychology, Art Therapy, & the Science of Happiness.
Hosted by Deborah E Stamm
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Recovering from toxic, dysfunctional, and abusive relationships, external (marital, extended family, parental or adult children, friends, supervisor, work environment, etc); and internal. Understand how toxic and irrational thinking drives emotional states, and how to take personal responsibility for your own happiness. Begin to break unhealthy behavioral and relationship cycles, sometimes referred to as codependency. Learn about healthy vs. toxic heart and brain connections, authentic self-care, and mind-body connection using mindfulness strategies. Create a survival plan for moving forward with Positive Psychology, Art Therapy, & the Science of Happiness.
My LEGO Based Social Skills therapy group works through the use of LEGO to process challenges in social skills development. Group sizes are small (2-3), with an age range of 6-16. No diagnosis required. Registration is ongoing.
Hosted by Tashia Amstislavski, MA, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
My LEGO Based Social Skills therapy group works through the use of LEGO to process challenges in social skills development. Group sizes are small (2-3), with an age range of 6-16. No diagnosis required. Registration is ongoing.
Beyond Limits Counseling is a small private practice currently offering telehealth services to adolescents, adults, and families. Our licensed clinicians provide therapy services for individuals, couples, and families experiencing personal and relationship problems. Our clinicians are ready to walk with you on your path to improved health and wellbeing.
Hosted by Beyond Limits Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Group meets in Kenai, AK 99611
Beyond Limits Counseling is a small private practice currently offering telehealth services to adolescents, adults, and families. Our licensed clinicians provide therapy services for individuals, couples, and families experiencing personal and relationship problems. Our clinicians are ready to walk with you on your path to improved health and wellbeing.
A place for girls to explore who they are and how to celebrate who they are and who they want to become. A place to build healthy connections and explore inner strengths. This group is for girls to learn how to use art, and activities to bring awareness to self-expression and acceptance.
Hosted by Lifeologist Wellness & Educational Consultant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
A place for girls to explore who they are and how to celebrate who they are and who they want to become. A place to build healthy connections and explore inner strengths. This group is for girls to learn how to use art, and activities to bring awareness to self-expression and acceptance.
AKMFTA, LLC, began as a dream of transformation for marriages, relationships, and individual people in Alaska. Our clinic was founded in 2013 by Dr. Douglas Carpenter and his wife Shawnmarie Carpenter. Since then we have grown from a single therapist in a shared office to one of Anchorage’s largest outpatient psychotherapy clinics. Along the way our clinic has been able help over 4,000 clients and provide over 45,000 hours of therapy to Alaskan couples, individuals, and families.
Hosted by Shawnmarie Carpenter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
AKMFTA, LLC, began as a dream of transformation for marriages, relationships, and individual people in Alaska. Our clinic was founded in 2013 by Dr. Douglas Carpenter and his wife Shawnmarie Carpenter. Since then we have grown from a single therapist in a shared office to one of Anchorage’s largest outpatient psychotherapy clinics. Along the way our clinic has been able help over 4,000 clients and provide over 45,000 hours of therapy to Alaskan couples, individuals, and families.
This adult self-reflection class will be offered again starting in February 2024. For more information, visit www.makingspacetogether.com/events
Hosted by Katie Kajdan Bell
This adult self-reflection class will be offered again starting in February 2024. For more information, visit www.makingspacetogether.com/events
Telehealth is also available.
Hosted by Denise M Wray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCS, MAC, SAP
Telehealth is also available.
A new art medium will be explored each month, no skill or experience necessary. This is a space for anyone looking to decrease stress, anxiety and/or depression in a friendly, fun, supportive environment, 15adults,15 adults, 15adults,10 teens with materials provided. Please call/txt 907-321-5414 to reserve your space. Must RSVP. To see what type of art is offered go to https://facebook.com.kidzcounseling
Hosted by Shawn T Hatt Cohen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MEd, LPC
Group meets in Juneau, AK 99801
A new art medium will be explored each month, no skill or experience necessary. This is a space for anyone looking to decrease stress, anxiety and/or depression in a friendly, fun, supportive environment, 15adults,15 adults, 15adults,10 teens with materials provided. Please call/txt 907-321-5414 to reserve your space. Must RSVP. To see what type of art is offered go to https://facebook.com.kidzcounseling
Marriage, Couples, Families & Individuals and Children Counseling Sevice
Hosted by Refocus Counseling - Marriage
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Marriage, Couples, Families & Individuals and Children Counseling Sevice
**If you're interested in joining a men's group, please reach out and let me know. I hope to have one up and running in the spring** A body-centered group for male-identified individuals to explore the wisdom of the mind/body connection, to heal past wounds, and to shift entrenched patterns in order to open up to new possibilities.
Hosted by Heather Caldwell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
**If you're interested in joining a men's group, please reach out and let me know. I hope to have one up and running in the spring** A body-centered group for male-identified individuals to explore the wisdom of the mind/body connection, to heal past wounds, and to shift entrenched patterns in order to open up to new possibilities.
See more therapy options for Alaska
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Alaska?
To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.
Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.
How does group therapy work?
Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.
It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioral exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.
Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between 50and50 and 50and75 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from 100to100 to 100to200 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organizations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or nonprofit organizations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
As with individual therapy, insurance coverage for group therapy varies based on factors such as your specific insurance plan, the purpose of the group, your diagnosis, and whether the group provider is in-network. Many insurance plans cover group therapy sessions that address diagnosable mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, or depression.
However, groups that focus on topics not directly tied to a mental health diagnosis—such as parenting support or divorce recovery—are less likely to be covered. Because coverage can vary widely, it’s important to check with your insurance provider before joining a group to confirm whether the sessions will be covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.
The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalized and specialized care.
The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.