OPINION: We need your help to improve Alaska’s behavioral health care system

In December 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a findings report regarding Alaska’s system of behavioral health care for children under age 18, as reported in Michelle Therriault Boots’ Dec. 16, 2022, article on the topic. Essentially, the Justice Department found that too many Alaskan children are placed in long-term residential care, often out of state, because of a lack of services to support them in their home communities. DOJ found reasonable cause to believe that the State is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide services to children with behavioral health disabilities in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

Since the report was researched and written, there have been improvements. As of April, the Department of Health reported fewer than 100 children in out-of-state care, down from a high of more than 900. Under Medicaid’s Section 1115 waiver program, new programs are opening to meet more needs locally.

As a company, Alaska Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing the support children and families need to avoid out-of-home placements. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (or PHP), launched in summer 2022, is one example of a new program made possible through the Medicaid 1115 waiver. PHP is a short-term, intensive group program for children through age 17 who are experiencing significant or persistent mental health issues, including extreme depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideation. With two hours of family therapy weekly, PHP supports the whole caregiving system to avoid the need for hospitalization or help transition from hospitalization to living at home.

We think providing outpatient support like this is the best way to support children and families, but the state wants to know what you think.

Since June, the state of Alaska has been working on a Behavioral Health “roadmap project” to improve the continuum of care for Alaska’s children. The state says this region-focused roadmap will form the basis of a plan that will be implemented over time to build out the continuum of care.

As part of this roadmap process, Alaskans have the chance to share their experiences with the children’s behavioral health care system and their suggestions for improvement. A virtual listening session for Southcentral Alaska is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 8. You can participate in person in Mat-Su or online, but pre-registration is required. Learn more about the roadmap process and register for listening sessions at the Department of Health’s website.

Let’s work together to build a better system of care to support our youth who are struggling.

Jim Myers, MBA, is the CEO of Alaska Behavioral Health. Joshua Arvidson, LCSW, is chief operating officer for Alaska Behavioral Health.

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