Behavioral & Mental Health Supports

 

 
 
 
 
Behavioral and Mental Health Supports

At Hope, we believe that everyone benefits from support to live a healthy and productive life. Individuals who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities often face mental health or behavioral challenges stemming from a variety of issues. We are committed to meeting their needs whenever possible, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary to lead fulfilling lives.

 

Who We Serve

We support people who experience:

  • Emotional Disturbance (ED)
  • Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED) in youth
  • Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in adults
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ABA)

Many of our clients experience co-occurring mental/behavioral health challenges and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our clinicians meet with potential patients to assess their needs and determine the best support strategies.

 

Behavioral Health Supports

We employ well-trained and qualified Behavioral Health Technicians who assist individuals' support teams in identifying and developing appropriate, meaningful, and sustainable behavior supports that align with our values. We utilize effective positive behavior support models that integrate seamlessly into our person-centered planning process.

Once developed, these strategies are integrated into the person's overall support plan to help them lead a full and meaningful life. Our Behavioral Health Technicians focus on creating environments that encourage positive behavior, minimize challenges, and promote the well-being of the people we support.

 

Mental Health Supports

Our mental health support team specializes in supporting individuals who are dually diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Our well-trained and qualified Mental Health Associates assist them in developing healthy, sustainable relationships while learning to live with their mental health challenges.

Services Hope provides:

  • Mental Health Assessment: Comprehensive evaluations to understand an individual's mental health needs.
  • Psychotherapy: Individual, group, and family therapy to address various mental health issues.
  • Case Management: Adaptive services that respond to individual needs, assist with service connections, and help individuals integrate into their communities.
  • Therapeutic Treatment Home: Specialized homes for children with severe emotional disturbances, providing 24-hour therapeutic intervention.
  • Community-Based Rehabilitation: Services targeting symptoms of behavioral health issues that impact daily functioning.
  • Utqiagvik Adult Behavioral Health Services: Currently serving four individuals, our assisted living home in Utqiagvik, Alaska includes community-based and case management services, and is continually evaluated to meet the needs of the community.

 

Autism Services

Hope provides a range of autism services, including:

  • Behavioral Assessment
  • Adaptive Behavioral Treatment by Protocol
  • Protocol Modification

Since 2019, Alaska regulations have allowed the provision of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Typically, a referral from a physician or a physician's affidavit of diagnosis is required. Ongoing treatment frequency is tailored to each child's needs. Currently, about 20-25 patients receive autism services, and we are well poised to expand these services as needed.

 

Community and State Advocacy

Hope is a member of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association, with whom we advocate for mental and behavioral health issues to be at the forefront of public awareness. We engage in advocacy with the legislature and the Division of Behavioral Health to ensure extensive and accessible mental and behavioral services for our community.

 

Behavioral Consultation

Our team provides time-limited consultations to assist in supporting individuals in various environments. We offer assessments and education to staff and teams, focusing on person-centered support and best practices in behavioral health.

 

Join our team!

Are you or someone you know interested in making a positive difference in the lives of people with mental or behavioral health challenges? We are actively seeking qualified professionals to join our mental and behavioral health team and invite you to explore our career opportunities.

  • Mental Health Clinician: Requires a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, with two years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or mental health diagnoses. A professional license or the ability to obtain one within two years is also required.
  • Mental Health Supervisor/Case Manager: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, with two years of social services experience, including case management and/or supervision.
  • Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs): Requires a High School Diploma or GED. Preferred qualifications include an Associate’s degree in a relevant field and experience working with individuals with challenging behaviors or mental health issues.

View Current Job Openings

 

Mental Health Challenges in Alaska: The Statistics

In Alaska, mental health needs are significant and often unmet:

  • Adults Reporting Unmet Needs: 36.8% of adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression that are not being met, compared to 28.2% in the US (data from April-May 2022).
  • Youth with Unmet Mental Health Needs: At least 80% of youth with mental illness do not receive the necessary support.
  • Homelessness Rate: As of 2022, Alaska has a homelessness rate of 78.2 per capita, significantly higher than the US average of 38.3.
  • Suicide Attempts: Alaska has a suicide attempt rate of 133.1 per capita, compared to 40.5 in the US.

 

Mental Health Resources in Alaska

If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health assistance, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Other resources include:

Hope's commitment to behavioral and mental health support is consistent. We continuously evaluate and tailor our services to meet the evolving needs of our community, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.

For more information on the services we offer, contact Hope's Clinical Director, Paul Ingram or call 907-433-1733. If you are looking to make a referral for mental health services, email our mental health team or call 907-433-1732.

 

We are privileged and thankful for our community's recognition and voting Hope 'Silver' in the Behavioral & Mental Health Provider category in ADN's 2023 'Best of Alaska!' Thank you to all our supporters, staff, partners, and communities across Alaska!