Alaska Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Alaska
Much of Alaska is beautiful yet isolated and serene wilderness. In fact, many people love Alaska for precisely that reason: the quiet and solitude in nature. There are negatives to this winter wonderland, though, including a severe lack of mental health care.
12%
Alaska only has 12% of the psychiatrists required to fill the state's mental health needs
32%
Alaskans with mental health conditions
30.8
suicides per 100,000 people
According to the US Census Bureau, Alaska has about the same percentage of people with mental health conditions as the rest of the country: around 32%. The problem is that Alaska only has enough psychiatrists to meet about 12% of the need for mental health care according to the Bureau of Health Workforce.
Sadly, we can see the result of this in tragic ways because the suicide rate in Alaska is more than double the US average. Data from the CDC shows that while the US has 14.1 suicides per 100,000 people, Alaska has 30.8 suicides per 100,000 people.
Free Mental Health Resources in Alaska
The Web is a free program in Anchorage that serves individuals who are experiencing mental health problems or substance use disorder through peer driven, peer supported programs. This includes support groups, mind body spirit programs, art expression groups, and employment and housing services.
Provide Services for
Women
The Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) provides support for individuals who are impacted by eating disorders. Their website lists contact information for other support services and can help individuals locate treatment providers. They also offer a free and confidential in person peer led support group.
Provide Services for
Eating Disorders
The Anchorage Senior Activity Center offers programs to support older Alaskans. Their programs include educational classes, activities where individuals can interact with other seniors, Medicare counseling and benefits enrollment, and fitness programs that include exercise classes, access to gym equipment and personal training.
Provide Services for
Seniors
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
Hope Community Resources is a nonprofit disabilities service based in Anchorage that serves communities throughout the state. They provide assisted living support, in home support, independent living, child and family services, respite, day rehab, foster care support and recreational activities. They accept Medicaid and offer limited grants for those who qualify.
Provide Services for
Disability
The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is a nonprofit health consortium that serves the people of Southeast Alaska. Their services include primary care, long term care, physical rehab, specialty care, dental care, pharmacy and behavioral health and comprehensive addiction services. They accept Medicaid and Medicare and offer sliding scale discounts.
The State of Alaska Department of Health has an online database for individuals who are seeking information on mental health centers across the state. These mental health centers offer emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sitka Counseling is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services for youth, adults and families throughout the region. They provide crisis services, community outreach, in home therapy, residential treatment, outpatient care and support groups. They offer job training, assistance with housing, spiritual support and legal services
The VA Alaska Healthcare System provides services for Vets at their Colonel Mary Louise Rasmunson Campus in Anchorage. They offer primary care, mental health care, and specialty care services. Their mental health care includes addiction and substance use treatment, PTSD care, individual and group therapy and suicide prevention.
Provide Services for
Veterans
PTSD
Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is a nonprofit organization that serves Alaska Native and American Indian people and helps them to meet their unique health needs. Their Behavioral Health programs include addiction treatment, medication assisted treatment, domestic and sexual violence help, and substance use and suicide prevention services.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
The Anchorage Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center that offers Alaska residents medical, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, pharmacy and integrated care services. They will not turn away individuals for an inability to pay. For people who qualify, they offer a sliding scale fee program.
Careline Crisis Services is a free confidential service that is available 24/7, 365 days a year where individuals who are considering suicide or their loved ones can call and speak with someone without judgment.
Alaska Behavioral Health provides comprehensive mental health care for adults and children in Anchorage. Their services include crisis services, outpatient clinics, partial hospitalization programs and support groups. Their peer led Veteran support group provides a community for conversation and emotional support.
Provide Services for
Non-Profit
Veterans
PTSD
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Alaska is an organization that provides support, education and advocacy for individuals and their loved ones who are impacted by mental illness. They are a resource for locating treatment, finding support groups and online education programs on a variety of mental health topics.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anchorage (NAMI) is an organization that offers residents free mental health support, online groups, resources and education. Their website is a good resource for finding hotline numbers and organizations that support marginalized communities.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Juneau (NAMI) is an organization that offers mental health support, online connection groups, resources and training for individuals throughout the city. You can visit their website for a comprehensive list of resources, including hotline numbers and links to organizations that support marginalized communities.