Depression counseling in the Palmer / Wasilla area
Mat-Su Mental Health provides depression counseling in Wasilla, Alaska, helping teens and adults across the Mat-Su Valley navigate sadness, low motivation, and disconnection while building more stability and engagement in daily life.
The symptoms of depression can feel pretty terrible. From persistent sadness and loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, to apathy, lack of connectedness and hopelessness about the future, depression doesn’t discriminate.
At Mat-Su Mental Health, our depression counselors recognize how isolating depression can feel. We know that it can leave someone feeling numb, disconnected and unable to see their way forward. But you don’t have to wander around in the dark, and you don’t have to go it alone.
Why clients choose our wasilla office
Real feedback from clients who have received counseling at our Wasilla office.
“I was overwhelmed when I first considered therapy and almost didn’t go, but I’m really glad I did. It ended up being a very helpful experience.”
— Client Review, 2025
“I felt supported during a really difficult time, and that made things feel a little more manageable.”
— Client Review, 2024
Currently rated 4.9 out of 5 stars in google business reviews.
Locally voted in 2025 as a top mental health clinic in the “Best of the Valley” competition by the Mat-Valley Frontiersman Newspaper.
Meet Our Depression Therapists in Wasilla
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Dr. Abegail Millard - PsyD
Abegail has been serving clients in the mental health field since 2017, and has experience working with people across the lifespan. She enjoys carrying a diverse caseload, and has worked with an array of clients across a variety of settings. As a 10-year Veteran of the United States Coast Guard, she is especially passionate about providing psychological support to Veterans, and Active Duty personnel. She is thrilled to call Alaska home, while taking advantage of every opportunity for adventure. When not at work, you will find Abegail practicing yoga, paddle boarding, ice fishing, or entertaining friends and family.
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Erika McGough - LPC
Erika has been working in the mental health field since 2016, and brings experience in working with individuals across the lifespan and in various different settings. She is most passionate about supporting postpartum mothers and moms navigating parenting in early childhood, and also enjoys working with women transitioning through major life adjustments, dealing with depression and anxiety, or experiencing family and relational stressors. Erika also enjoys working with children and teens. When not at work, she can be found spending time with her family, in her mini backyard ‘urban homestead,’ or exploring and capturing the landscapes of Alaska via photography or painting.
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Haidyn Simmons - LPC
Haidyn is dedicated to guiding her clients through their unique journeys toward healing and personal growth by fostering a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts and emotions.
Originally from Louisiana, Haidyn moved to Alaska two years ago and has fallen in love with the state’s breathtaking natural beauty and her community. In her free time, you can find her reading, spending time outdoors with her pets, practicing yoga, or enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends.
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Jennifer Dotur - MS
Jen is a pre-licensed clinical mental health counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years and is passionate about walking alongside individuals and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, PTSD, and relationship challenges. Jen is especially attuned to life’s complexities and brings curiosity, warmth, and compassion to her work. Outside the therapy room, she enjoys time with her family, teaching classes in homeschool and charter school communities, exploring creative expression, and collecting meaningful quotes—one of her favorites being, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
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Kelly Jordan - MA
Kelly Jordan is a pre-licensed clinician who works with women, teens, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, identity development, and life transitions. She is especially passionate about helping women and teens heal from complex trauma—including survivors of sex trafficking—and offers a steady, compassionate presence rooted in empathy, empowerment, and safety.
Originally from a small ski town in Colorado, Kelly has lived across the country but now calls Alaska home. She loves spending time with her family, spoiling her dogs, and enjoying the seasons—whether that’s hiking in the sun or curling up by the fire with a book and coffee. She also loves partner dancing and finds joy in the creativity, connection, and movement it brings.
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Mary Kuepper - LPC-S
Mary has over a decade of experience working in community based mental health. Though she has worked with people across the lifespan, she specializes in work with kids, teens and families, as well as in maternal mental health. Mary is passionate about giving people the tools they need to not only function well, but to thrive in their everyday life. Though not native to Alaska, she has fallen in love with the abundant resources of this beautiful place. When not working with clients, Mary can be found adventuring, hiking and exploring. She loves to fly fish our local creeks, dig in the dirt of her backyard garden, and get in quality time with her friends, and beautiful family.
What can you expect during depression counseling?
Our Mat-Su Mental Health providers in the Valley believe in treating the whole person, looking not only at the symptoms causing distress, but by building a relationship that allows for connection and safe exploration of the variables that may be underlying the distress. Effectively and comprehensively addressing depression with your MSMH providers may include, but is not limited to:
Psychoeducation and brain based science to help you understand what’s happening with depression on a physiological level.
Coping skills to support you in managing and effectively addressing your symptoms of depression
Ongoing discussion and evaluation of lifestyle choices that may be contributing to or exacerbating your symptoms of depression. Areas of exploration may include:
Sleep
Diet/Nutrition
Supplementation
Exercise/Movement
Connectedness (time with family, friends)
Play
Time in nature
Self care
Exploration and treatment of life events or unresolved traumas that may be at the root of the depression you experience.
A practical and effective self-care plan to support you in staying ahead of depression and effectively managing your symptoms prior to them becoming overwhelming and unmanageable.
Can specialized counseling for depression really help?
If the challenges identified above sound like you, or anyone you know, and are keeping you or yours from experiencing life fully, and with a sense of joy and connection, counseling may be helpful. At Mat-Su Mental Health, our providers in Wasilla are going to work with and for you to understand and treat not only the symptoms you’re experiencing, but what might be underlying them. Unresolved trauma, negative core beliefs and lack of connection and belonging, are just a few of the culprits that are often at the root of depression. Exacerbating factors, such as being chronically under-slept, poor diet, inefficient supplementation, lack of movement, and too much technology use, usually make things worse. Any of that sound familiar? If so, please reach out. We’re here to help, and we would be honored to to come alongside and support you on your journey to emotional health and wellness.
How long does depression counseling typically last?
The length of time an individual is in counseling is situation specific and can vary. However, we at Mat-Su Mental Health are passionate about giving our clients the tools and skills they need to thrive and function well. We will cast a wide net at the onset, looking for all the contributing variables. We will build skills for managing symptoms and explore root causes that may be underlying your distress. We will take as little or as much time as you need, but we will do our very best to get you back about the business of living your life.
How to schedule a professional counseling session in Wasilla.
Ready to get started? Call or email us today. Our contact info is at the bottom of this page.
Once you reach out, our on-boarding admin will contact you to gather information regarding your specific situation. They will explore with you what provider will likely best meet your needs, and support you in getting set up in our electronic health record.
Mat-Su Mental Health uses Simple Practice, a medical record and portal system that will allow for confidential and HIPAA compliant messaging that ensures your privacy. You will be sent a portal link that directs you to online documentation to be completed prior to your initial session.
This is a great time to ask any questions you might have. After all, where you go for support is your choice, and we want you to feel empowered to assess whether or not we are the right fit for you! Here at Mat-Su Mental Health, our providers believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in the process of creating change. These initial conversations are important in assessing fit, as therapy is not “one size fits all.”
Our MSMH office is conveniently located in Wasilla. Feel free to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled session to grab a cup of tea and relax before session begins. We look forward to meeting you, and are honored you have chosen us to do this work alongside you.
“I was nervous to start therapy, but I’m really glad I did. It made a meaningful difference for me.”
— Client, 2025
FAQ’s
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Yes. Mat-Su Mental Health provides depression counseling in Wasilla and works with individuals across the Mat-Su Valley, including Palmer and surrounding communities.
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Depression counseling focuses on helping individuals understand and work through feelings of sadness, low motivation, disconnection, or hopelessness. Therapy provides support, structure, and tools to help you begin moving forward.
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Depression can show up as low mood, fatigue, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.
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If you’ve been feeling stuck, low, or disconnected for an extended period of time, or if it’s affecting your daily life, relationships, or ability to function, therapy can be helpful. You don’t have to wait until things feel severe to seek support.
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Yes. Therapy can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and develop ways to respond to it. Over time, many people begin to notice changes in mood, motivation, and how they relate to their thoughts.
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Sessions typically involve conversation, reflection, and practical strategies to help you understand patterns, build structure, and take small, manageable steps forward.
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That’s very common with depression. Therapy is designed to meet you where you are, and even small steps toward getting support can make a difference.
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Yes. We provide depression counseling for both teens and adults, with approaches tailored to each person’s age and needs.
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Getting started is simple. You can contact our office by phone or through our website, and we will help connect you with a therapist who fits your needs.

