Online or In-Person Therapy During Subsistence?

By June, the days stretch long and full. Nets are checked, boats get packed, and fish camp routines settle in. Smokehouses start up, kids tag along—or take off—and the pace shifts in that familiar way only summer can bring. For those living a subsistence lifestyle, this isn’t just busy—it’s the heart of the year. And it runs deep. 

There’s pride in this rhythm, in carrying what’s been passed down. But even in the fullness of the season, some things get harder to carry—grief that’s been sitting quiet since winter, tension that creeps in after long days, or that sense of being stretched too thin. The work doesn’t pause for feelings. But sometimes, the feelings catch up anyway. 

And maybe, in a quiet moment, the thought surfaces: Would talking to someone help? 

It’s not an easy question. Therapy can feel distant, unfamiliar, or even a little risky. Will it be private? Will the person on the other end understand your world? Will it work around your life—or ask you to step away from it? 

If that question has been sitting with you lately, you’re not alone. This post offers a simple breakdown of what therapy could look like—online or in person—during subsistence season. No pressure. Just options, grounded in your life and your pace. There is no right answer, there’s just what works best for you.

The Strength in Online Therapy 

One of the biggest benefits of online therapy is flexibility. For those whose schedules depend on the tides, the drying racks, or the school bell, therapy from home (or from your truck, or during a quiet moment at the school) can be a lifeline. You don’t need to rearrange the whole day. You don’t have to drive into town. You don’t even have to change out of your work clothes. 

Online sessions can also offer a deeper sense of privacy—an important factor in smaller communities where everyone knows each other. For people who worry about being seen entering a clinic or having others question their need for therapy, the discretion of a phone or video call can bring relief. 

If you’re unsure about opening up to someone on a screen, know that emotional connection can translate—especially with a therapist who listens well, speaks plainly, and honors your life experience. 

When In-Person Feels More Grounded 

That said, there’s real value in sitting across from someone in the same room. For some, it’s easier to trust when there’s a face in front of you, hands folded in real time, silence shared without screens. Especially if you’re new to therapy, that physical presence can help you feel seen and understood. 

For some, Anchorage or Wasilla is home base. For others, it’s the place you pass through—for supplies, work, or time with family. Either way, being in town can make in-person therapy more accessible. Some folks start online and later choose to meet their therapist face-to-face when the timing feels right. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Therapy can be flexible—just like life often needs to be. 

Therapy Isn’t About Crisis—It’s About Care 

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, therapy can be a place to hold stories, process change, explore identity, and build emotional strength for the long haul. It can be a space to remember who you are beyond the roles you play. 

Whether you’re coping with grief, feeling overwhelmed by parenting, navigating marriage stress, or just need a quiet place to hear yourself think, support is available—and it can fit within your way of life. 

You can process emotions while keeping traditions alive. You can seek healing without stepping away from your responsibilities. And you can choose the form of therapy—online or in-person—that meets you where you are. 

Final Thoughts

Our therapists are locals. They know what it means to call Alaska home—how the seasons shape daily life, how culture and community are deeply tied to wellness, and how generational trauma and resilience often walk side by side. You don’t have to explain everything from scratch. Our providers understand the unique challenges Alaskans face, and they approach care with respect for your story, your values, and your strength. 

Your mental health matters, even when (especially when) your days are full. Choosing therapy isn’t about weakness. It’s about honoring all the parts of you—provider, caretaker, knowledge-keeper, human being.

Blog written by Headlight’s Alaska Therapy Team