November 23, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Cochran: 907-440-8047, jcochran@akbh.org
Expanding Services in Fairbanks
Alaska Behavioral Health is pleased to announce the expansion of services being offered to area residents through our two Fairbanks clinics, including longer hours, peer support for adult clients, the addition of child psychiatry, and new outreach services to homeless community members in need of mental health care.
Dr. Curt Wengel is now serving children and adolescents with psychiatric needs in Fairbanks. Clients attend in person at our Child & Family Clinic at 926 Aspen Street and meet with Dr. Wengel via telehealth. Dr. Wengel travels to Fairbanks regularly to meet in person as well.
The Alaska Child Trauma Center at Alaska Behavioral Health continues to partner with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and the State Department of Education and Early Development on the Alaska – Resiliency In Schools for Educational Success (AK-RISES) program to provide clinical services to students attending four Fairbanks area middle and high schools. When school is able to meet in person, clinicians are located in the school buildings to facilitate referral and access to services. Learn more about the program at our website: https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/ak-rises-program/.
Our Fairbanks Adult Clinic has expanded hours through telehealth to increase access; appointments are available until 7 pm weekdays and on Saturdays. A full-time Peer Support Specialist is now available to work with adult clients. Research indicates that when individuals with mental health conditions or challenges use peer support services, their quality of life, engagement with services, overall health, and self-management improve.
AKBH is now also providing PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Services in Fairbanks. PATH provides assistance to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental illnesses. Staff partner with shelters, warming centers, food kitchens and other providers to identify and connect with individuals who may benefit from mental health services.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health serves clients statewide via telehealth, currently out of our Anchorage office. The Cohen Clinic is considering opening a Fairbanks affiliate in 2021, but for now is focused on delivering care virtually to the military community statewide.
About Alaska Behavioral Health: Alaska Behavioral Health, formerly known as Anchorage and Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services, has been providing mental health services to the Anchorage community for more than 45 years and in Fairbanks since 2013. A not-for-profit 501(c)3, Alaska Behavioral Health is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is licensed by the State of Alaska. Services include individual and group therapy and skill development for children and adults, psychoeducation, psychiatric services, case management, structured family therapy, and vocational training. ###
Expandin Services in Fairbanks 11.23.2020
