Finding the right level of care for your child or teen at Alaska Behavioral Health
When seeking mental health treatment, it can be difficult to know what type of program would best fit your child’s needs. All services at AKBH start with a mental health assessment, and providers will work with you to determine what treatment options are the best fit for your child and family. Understanding the different options available can make the process less intimidating.
Outpatient services
Alaska Behavioral Health offers outpatient clinical services for children, teens, and families. This includes individual and family counseling for mental health conditions and life stressors. Outpatient services are typically hour-long sessions, and caregivers are included as part of the process. Various groups are offered, focusing on different skills, interests (one group teaches skills through Dungeons and Dragons!), or populations (including caregivers).
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The Intensive Outpatient Program, IOP, can complement outpatient services for youth who need additional support. It is recommended when traditional outpatient services are not enough to resolve challenges or when youth are stepping down from a higher level of care. IOP helps individuals to generalize skills learned in therapy to daily life. IOP frequency can vary based on need, up to 15 hours of service a week.
We have two IOP programs
Little Tykes is a therapeutic preschool for children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Little Tykes looks like a regular preschool but focuses on helping children learn and develop social emotional skills. The program offers a space where children can learn to regulate and manage emotions through therapeutic methods. Family therapy is also offered to help caregivers respond to challenging behaviors through positive parenting practices.
IOP for youth, ages 9-17, occurs on weekdays in the afternoon, after school hours, 3 to 5 days a week during the school year, and shifts to a morning schedule during the summer. IOP also offers specialized eating disorder treatment.
Day Treatment
AKBH’s Day Treatment program (also called Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP) for ages 9 to 17 runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Day treatment is used short-term to treat severe or persistent depression, bipolar and other mood disorders. It aims to help clients improve quality of life and manage symptoms to prevent the need for a higher level of care, or as a step down from a higher level of care. Day treatment is recommended if the patient has difficulty attending school due to mental health struggles.
Accessing care
Alaska Behavioral Health is here to ensure your child or teen receives the right level of care for their needs.
To schedule an appointment, call (907) 563-1000 and speak with our client access team. You may also fill out intake forms on our website.
