A peek into Alaska Behavioral Health’s peer drop-in center
Written by Kaitlyn Gaub, Communications Intern
I walked into the second-floor peer drop-in center on Gambell Street one Tuesday morning to see what an average day looks like.
I was greeted by the peer-support specialists and clinicians and pulled up a chair. There were a few clients sitting at tables having light conversations with the staff or just enjoying the comfortable chairs in the lounge.
The peer-support specialists’ desk is lined with intake forms and a wall of information about different resources in Anchorage: brochures and documents about organizations that help with housing, substance use disorder treatment, food insecurity, and more.
One client came in to share exciting news: they’d recently gotten a cell phone!
An individual who had not received care at Alaska Behavioral Health came in requesting a shower. They were noticeably shivering and wet from the rainy morning. A staff member helped them fill out intake forms and then directed them to the showers. The individual received a set of dry clothes to wear, and help putting their clothes in the washing machine.
A few clients came in requesting help navigating case management issues, like finding organizations that could help with housing, inquiring about mini grants, or help signing up for social security benefits. The staff took time with each client, meeting them with kindness and knowledge of services that are available.
The comforting smells of soup and hot coffee provided by the staff for clients filled the room while rain was hitting the windows outside.
Clients were scattered throughout the center. The center feels spread out enough where each person has a bit of their own space to work on whatever they need. The staff was very receptive to clients asking questions or simply wanting to talk about what was going on in their lives. Many of the clients have rapport with the peer-support specialists and clinicians in the office and were clearly excited to see them.
The Gambell office has clinical outpatient services, psychiatry, and primary care on-site. The drop-in center offers showers, laundry, food, and regular skill development and therapy groups to help clients practice life skills, coping skills, and address substance use. Walk-in hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A receptionist on the third floor can help schedule appointments for any AKBH services. The office is located at 1231 Gambell St. Anchorage, AK 99501.
