Teen Counseling in Soldotna and Homer, Alaska
Teen counseling in Soldotna and Homer, Alaska for adolescents dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and family stress. We work with teens and their families to build practical skills for managing emotions, improving communication, and handling daily life more effectively.
Our therapists focus on building trust and creating a space where teens can talk openly about what they are dealing with. The work is informed by an understanding of the developing adolescent brain and how it affects emotions, decision-making, and behavior.
Counseling is structured around helping teens strengthen their sense of self, clarify values, set goals, and build skills they can use in real situations. The focus is not just on symptoms, but on understanding and addressing what is driving the distress.
We also look at factors like sleep, diet, stress, movement, and daily habits that can influence how teens feel and function. Parents are included as part of the process, helping support consistency and follow-through outside of sessions.
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Daniela Kopec - LPC-S
Daniela has over 15 years of experience working as a counselor in the mental health field. Though she has experience working with clients across the life span, she has found that she is most passionate about walking alongside those that have experienced trauma, addressing the symptoms of anxiety and depression that are often co-ocurring. Daniela believes in utilizing an integrative approach to health and wellness that looks at mind, body and spirt, and is motivated to give people the tools to develop their inner strength and confidence to make the changes they desire. Native to the Soldotna community, Daniela has called Alaska home for many years.
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Molly Meyers- MA
Molly is a pre-licensed clinician who works with individuals, couples, and groups, with particular experience supporting teenagers, young adults, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her counseling style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in helping clients better understand themselves, build confidence, and move toward a more authentic life.
Her approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, drawing from ACT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. Molly supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, identity-related concerns, and emotional or behavioral challenges, offering both practical tools and space for deeper long-term growth.
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Mira Featherstone - LPC
Mira works with individuals navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Her approach is practical and grounded, focusing on helping clients better understand what is contributing to how they feel while building skills that support more steady, day-to-day functioning. She provides counseling in both spoken English and American Sign Language and has experience working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients in clinical settings.
What you expect from teen counseling?
The structure of adolescent therapy sessions can vary greatly, depending on the circumstances that bring a family in for counseling. An initial session will vary depending on your wishes, and may include just the teen, the parent and the teen, or the parent and the provider.
Our Kenai Peninsula Mental Health counselors serving Soldotna, and the surrounding areas, believe that as the parent, your involvement is essential in helping your adolescent make positive changes. While respecting confidentiality and being mindful of your teens privacy, our providers make a habit of facilitating open communication between you and your teen. There will always be the opportunity to do a “check in” either prior to or following session, to ensure everyone on the treatment team is “on the same page.” During this time, your adolescent will be encouraged to share their experience of session, what they learned, what they’re taking away, or what their “homework” is.
Generally, therapy sessions with teens and adolescents occur one time weekly for 50-60 minutes. However, depending on the circumstances that bring your teen into therapy and the interventions being used, it is at times helpful to flex this schedule according to your specific needs. It is not uncommon for adolescent sessions to occur two times weekly, or to occur in 90 minute increments rather than the traditional 60 minute session. These details will be discussed with you and your teen throughout the process.
Could your teen benefit from counseling?
There are numerous emotional difficulties that your teen may be facing. From low self esteem, depression, anxiety and eating disorders, to engaging in risky decision making, such as substance abuse, these behaviors need to be addressed, not ignored. Common issues that bring teens and adolescents in for counseling include, but are not limited to:
Depression
Anxiety
Poor sense of self
Anger Issues
Disordered eating patterns
Organizational and academic difficulties
Difficulty with focus, attention concentration
Difficulty with motivation, apathy, follow through
Bullying
Sleep problems
Behavior problems
History of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
History of trauma
Social skill issues
Coping with grief, loss
Coping with parents separation, divorce, transitions
Coping skills problems
Our providers serving Soldotna, and the surrounding areas, are experienced at exploring the underlying factors that may be contributing to your teen’s difficulties, and identifying the root cause of their behavior.
How long does professional teen counseling typically last?
The length of time an individual is in counseling is situation specific and can vary. However, we at Kenai Peninsula 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 variables that may be contributing to your teens distress. We will build skills for managing symptoms and explore underlying root causes. We will take as little or as much time as they need, but we will do our very best to help your teen get back on track.
How do I get started with counseling services?
Ready to get started? Call or email us today. Our contact info is at the bottom of this page.
Once you reach out, our KPMH Intake Coordinator will contact you to gather information regarding your specific situation. We will explore with you what provider will likely best meet your needs, and support you in getting set up in our electronic health record.
KPMH 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.
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 KPMH, 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.”
KPMH’s Soldotna office is conveniently located near the intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. Our Homer location is centrally located as well. Feel free to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled session to grab a cup of tea and relax before meeting with your provider. We look forward to meeting you, and are honored you have chosen us to do this work alongside you.
Why Trust Us With Your Mental Health Care
4.4 out of 5 stars on google business reviews
Client Testimonials
“She met him where he was at and helped him open up in a way other therapists hadn’t. The progress we saw made a real difference.”
— Previous ClientFAQ’s
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Yes. Kenai Peninsula Mental Health provides teen counseling services in both Soldotna and Homer, supporting adolescents and families across the Kenai Peninsula.
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Teen counseling can help with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, behavioral concerns, school challenges, social difficulties, trauma, and other emotional or developmental concerns.
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Teen counseling sessions are typically held once per week for about 50–60 minutes, though frequency and session length may be adjusted based on the teen’s needs.
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Yes. Parent involvement is an important part of the process. Therapists support open communication while respecting the teen’s privacy and may include check-ins with parents as part of care.
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The length of counseling varies depending on the situation. Therapy focuses on building skills, addressing underlying concerns, and supporting progress at a pace that fits the teen’s needs.
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Many parents consider counseling when their teen is struggling with emotions, behavior, motivation, school performance, or relationships. Counseling can provide support, structure, and tools to help them manage these challenges.
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You can contact our office by phone or through our website to begin the process. Our intake coordinator will gather information and help match your teen with a therapist who fits your needs.