Alaska Behavioral Health

02/18/2026

“We’re not meant to absorb the stress of 8 billion people," says Dr. Angie Salvato, PhD, Cohen Clinic Clinician. "We have never consumed as much trauma and stress in the past as we do now from our phones."

Dr. Salvato shared information about how our nervous systems work, and some of her favorite nervous system calming techniques at a recent lunch and learn.

Read more here: https://loom.ly/DERahO0 or watch the full video on YouTube. https://loom.ly/oLZCPcE

02/16/2026

Eating Disorders affect 1 in 10 people in the United States sometime during their lifetime. Anyone can experience an eating disorders, but women are 5 times as likely to be diagnosed and 1.5 times as likely to seek treatment. Some people are at greater risk: athletes are 2 to 3 times as likely to develop an eating disorder.

02/12/2026

Eating disorders are not just a problem for girls and young women: 13% of middle age women report symptoms of eating disorders. Some may be long-standing issues, long-ignored and rising to the surface. Others may develop in middle age as life changes and the physical changes of menopause play a role in self-perception and mental health.

Eating disorders in midlife can contribute to poor bone health, muscle loss, and heart disease.

Recovery is possible with effective treatment! Reach out for help today.

02/11/2026

You can now reach us at one phone number, across the state!
907-563-1000

We’re upgrading our phone systems! Phone numbers for Fairbanks staff with the 317 prefix will be phasing out. Rest assured, you’ll still be able to connect with a live human being located in Fairbanks when you call 907-563-1000!

02/10/2026

Recently staff were trained in Family Based Treatment, the leading evidence-based treatments for anorexia in children and teens. FBT involves the whole family in solving their child's eating disorder. Parents are the experts on their children, and FBT puts them in charge.

Training in a new EPB is a lot of work, with lectures, role playing (pictured), and follow-up consultation and supervision with our trainers from Stanford University. But it's worth it: Alaska needs more effective in-state treatment options for eating disorders, and we're proud to be able to meet this need.

We are now accepting new patients for FBT in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks, and statewide via telehealth.

Call us at 907-563-1000!

02/09/2026

What's the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating?

Both include problematic eating behaviors and often distorted body image, but eating disorders are marked by more obsessive thoughts about food, feelings of distress around eating, significant changes in weight and impaired functioning.

Both are cause for concern: disordered eating is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder and early intervention improves treatment outcomes.

If you're concerned about someone's eating behavior or attitude, help them connect and seek support.

disorders

02/06/2026

📣 Calling all Alaskans who are interested in learning how to make an impact!

Our next Mental Health First Aid class will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, February 17th from 9am - 4pm. This class is all about learning the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge and how to intervene appropriately. This class is free of charge and still has a few openings! We'd love to see you there.

Click here to register: https://loom.ly/DtTyWks

AKBH and The ACTC provide training in trauma care through partnerships with the National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network and the State of Alaska’s Trauma Training initiative.

02/05/2026

Talking about an eating disorder can feel scary, whether you're concerned about yourself or someone else.

Early intervention is key for reducing risk factors, increasing self-awareness and motivation to seek help and treatment, so here are some tips for having these tough conversations!

https://loom.ly/W4xwUvE
https://loom.ly/WuTjamw

02/04/2026

Mat-Su, we'd love to see you next week!

We host regular sessions in all locations to get feedback from clients and community members on how we're doing, what's working well, and what needs to improve.

Stop by our Mat Su clinic on Wednesday, February 11, 4:30 - 6:00 pm for light refreshments and conversation.
351 W Parks Highway

Please RSVP at the QR Code/link!

https://loom.ly/wDegHns

02/03/2026

Lots of training opportunities coming up!

Alaska Behavioral Health offers mental health awareness training for community members who want to be better prepared to assist when mental health challenges arise.

Coming up in February:
February 12: Question, Persuade, Refer - an evidence-based su***de prevention training
February 17: Mental Health First Aid - like CPR, but for mental health. Learn how to offer aid until professional help is available
February 26; A.I.D. - Awareness, Interaction, Direction mental health awareness training

Learn more and register at https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/trainings

Also check out Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health Monday Mental Health Lunch & Learn Series!

02/02/2026

This February, we're recognizing Eating Disorder Awareness Month.

Eating disorders can affect anyone: all ages, races, and genders - and you can't tell by looking at someone if they have one. They can be serious, even fatal, but with treatment, full recovery is possible!

If you're worried about your relationship with food or eating habits, talk to your primary care provider or schedule a mental health assessment.

01/29/2026

Recovery from co-occurring disorders looks different for everyone, and that's okay! For some, it means complete abstinence. For others, it means managing symptoms and reducing harm. What matters most is that you're moving toward health, safety, and wellbeing in whatever way works for you.

📈Progress isn't always linear—setbacks don't erase your progress, they're part of the journey.

🥳Celebrate the small victories: making it to an appointment, reaching out for help, learning a new coping skill, or simply getting through a difficult day. You deserve support, compassion, and the chance to heal on your own timeline.