Alaska Behavioral Health

09/22/2025

🚨 Our Youth Need Us 🚨
The statistics are alarming:

12.7% of US teens (12-17) had serious thoughts of su***de in 2021
Nearly 1 in 4 high school students (22%) seriously considered attempting su***de

Gender disparities:

30% of female students vs. 14% of male students considered su***de
45% of LGBTQ+ students vs. 15% of heterosexual peers

In Alaska: Youth su***de rates (ages 15-24) are 49.8 per 100,000 - nearly double the national average.

What can we do?
✓ Listen without judgment
✓ Take concerns seriously
✓ Connect youth to professional help
✓ Create supportive environments
✓ Reduce stigma around mental health

Every conversation matters. Every young life is precious.
Crisis support: 988 or text "HELLO" to 741741

***dePrevention

09/19/2025

🤝 The Power of Lived Experience 🤝

Our Peer Support Specialists understand because they've been there too.
Peer Lounge Anchorage (1231 Gambell St, 2nd Floor):

🛋️Safe community space for clients and potential clients
📆Open Mon-Fri: 8am-1pm drop-in, 1-3pm scheduled activities
🚿Access to showers, laundry, kitchen, food
👬Staffed by peer support specialists

Peer Support includes:
Hope through shared experiences
Practical skills and coping strategies
Connection to resources and community
Advocacy and empowerment

"Recovery is not only possible, it's expected." - Our peer specialists embody this truth every day.

Whether part of outpatient care or residential treatment, peer support adds a unique dimension to your healing journey.
Learn more: 907-563-1000

09/18/2025

Are you looking for more ways to get connected to your community and want to support NAMI Alaska in their Su***de Prevention efforts? We'll be supporting NAMIWalks in Wasilla at the Iditapark on Saturday, September 20th. We hope to see you there!

Sign up here! https://loom.ly/8gAEGvE

09/17/2025

Fairbanks! We are so excited to support this year's Out of the Darkness Walk hosted by American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - Alaska Chapter on Saturday, Sept 20th! Come say hi and learn more about the resources we provide 😊

Register here and join a team! https://loom.ly/L8V3KqU

09/16/2025

Are you a Veteran, Active Duty Service Member or have some connection to the military community? Join us at the Anchorage Veteran Stand Down hosted by the Alaska VA on September 19th from 10am - 2pm at the North Terminal of the Ted Stevens Airport!

We'll be providing resources for all of the ways we support the military community. If you know a veteran or anyone who has been impacted by military service, invite them! We hope to see you there 😊

Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health

09/15/2025

💙 For Survivors of Su***de Loss 💙

Did you know? 40-50% of Americans have been exposed to su***de in their lifetime. Over 5.4 million people are survivors of su***de loss - that's 1 in every 60 Americans.

Your grief is valid. Your questions are normal. Healing takes time, and support is available.

Resources available:
- Survivor support groups
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Peer connections

You don't have to navigate this alone.
Reach out: 907-563-1000

09/12/2025

🆘 When Crisis Hits, We're Here 24/7 🆘

Our Fairbanks Mobile Crisis Team provides immediate support when you need it most, in-person or by phone.

Our trained professionals offer:
✓ Risk assessment, safety planning and stabilization
✓ Connection to ongoing care
✓ Support for families in crisis
✓ Follow up after a crisis call

Remember: You don't have to face a mental health crisis alone. Services are available around the clock.

📳In Fairbanks, dial 911 to get connected to the Mobile Crisis Team.
📶Anywhere, call 988 to connected to local help.
🏥All of our clinics welcome walks-ins during clinic hours; call first if possible: 907-563-1000.

***dePrevention

09/11/2025

Proud to say one of our awesome staff members is on the Board of this organization!

Running Free Alaska is hosting their annual fundraising run in a couple of weeks- check it out!

Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Alaskan women who are incarcerated through a structured running program and to provide running-related support after release.

09/10/2025

Did you know?

Alaska Behavioral Health hosts up to 25 student interns each year, and many of them go on to become staff!

Fernanda completed her internship with the Little Tykes program and has now joined the Child & Family Team in Anchorage.

“Throughout my internship experience, I gained knowledge and experience through trainings, shadowing, hands-on learning, and supervision. Overall, the community and culture of the team provided me with great support and encouragement to push myself to do more and to continue advancing, which is why I decided to seek employment at AKBH.”

Welcome to the team, Fernanda – we’re so glad to have you!

09/09/2025

Are you within the ages of 13 to 19 and looking for more opportunities to positively contribute to your community? The Alaska Department of Health Division of Behavioral Health will be hosting the Alaska Youth Su***de Prevention Summit at the Egan Center on Friday, September 12th - Registration is still open and we hope to see you there!

Register here: https://loom.ly/GioLJsQ

09/08/2025

September is Su***de Awareness and Prevention Month.

📊 The Reality in Alaska 📊

Alaska faces unique mental health challenges:
- 2nd highest su***de rate in the nation (27.5 per 100,000)
- Highest rates among Alaska Native/American Indian populations (28.1 per 100,000)
- Males account for 80% of su***de deaths nationally
- Young Alaskans (15-24) have particularly high rates at 49.8 per 100,000

These aren't just statistics - they're our neighbors, friends, and family members. 💚

Understanding our challenges is the first step toward creating solutions. Every life matters, and help is available.

If you're struggling: 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, or 907-563-1000 for walk-in and scheduled appointments.

***deAwareness

09/05/2025

✨ Program Spotlight: Intensive Case Management (ICM)

When you're experiencing significant mental health challenges, having a whole team in your corner can make all the difference.

Our ICM program provides comprehensive, wrap-around support designed to help you function better in daily life.
Your ICM Team Includes:

👥 Clinical Associates for case management support and skill development
🤝 Peer Support Specialists with lived experience who walk alongside you
🧠 Therapists specializing in anxiety, paranoia, and depression management
💊 Psychiatric prescribers for medication management

Evidence-Based Treatments:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Therapy for Recovery (CT-R)
Motivational Interviewing

Real-World Support:
🏠 Help maintaining stable housing
🏥 Support navigating medical appointments
🛡️ Advocacy assistance with landlords and services
🍎 Focus on meeting basic needs - good sleep and healthy food significantly contribute to mental health

Many clients are able to maintain stable housing for the first time with these supports, and report significant reduction in distressing symptoms like paranoia and anxiety.

How to get started: Call 907-563-1000 for an outpatient assessment.