News Flash: we will receive a donation of 10% of all sales on Sunday 3/14
at Anchorage Pita Pit through their Pitas for a Purpose program!
Stop by for a tasty lunch or dinner (or Door Dash it!) and support
Alaska Behavioral Health!
Reaching High Standards:
The COA Seal of Approval!
We did it! Alaska Behavioral Health has achieved national certification through the New York-based Council on Accreditation! (COA). Our reaccreditation was approved through an expedited review process with no out-of-compliance ratings found in our pre-commission report. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. Read more.
" COA’s program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services. COA is proud to recognize Anchorage Community Mental Health Services, Inc. [dba Alaska Behavioral Health] as one of these outstanding providers, and we wish you the very best in your continuing work with the individuals you serve. " - Jody Levison-Johnson, President & CEO, Council on Accreditation
Spring Education Series
Alaska Behavioral Health is hosting a series of webinars on mental health topics this spring. Join us to increase your understanding of mental wellness!
March 17 @ 12:00: Sleep Wellness with Pamela Kennedy
Sleep hygiene is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show significant lack of sleep impairs your ability to manage even small daily stressors. All areas of life can be impacted by poor sleep hygiene: driving a car, functioning at work, problem solving, managing your mental health, managing complex situations. The process to make lasting change in your sleep habits takes commitment, consistency, practice and problem solving, but it is possible to improve your sleep behaviors and as a result improve your mental health.

In this brief introduction to sleep hygiene we will cover the impact poor sleep has on preexisting anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as new emerging symptoms of depression and anxiety exacerbated by poor sleep. We will briefly explore clear, direct sleep hygiene activities and routines you can do to improve your quality of sleep. Lastly, we will briefly touch on diet and fitness, use of meditation and use of smartphone applications to assist in tracking sleep as well as providing a soothing atmosphere to encourage sleep. Register today!

Upcoming Topics
April 14 @ 6:00: Building Resilience through Safe Connections: A Sexual Assault Awareness Month presentation Co-hosted with STAR Alaska
 
May 12 @ 6:00: Managing Depression & Anxiety: Role of Medications with
In this presentation, our psychiatrist Dr. Curt Wengel will discuss the role of medications in managing common mental health issues – including how psychiatric medications can help, and what their limits are.

Please feel free to share this flyer with anyone you think would be interested in attending!
2020 Annual Report
Our FY2020 Annual Report is now available to read on-line!

Our 2020 fiscal year started July 1, 2019, and resilience was our theme for the year long before the coronavirus pandemic hit. We've been working to improve our systems to continuously improve, streamline processes, and eliminate waste in our systems - all with the goal of putting more time and energy into helping our clients build their own personal resilience.

If you'd like a paper copy of the annual report, pick one up in our lobbies, or send an e-mail to info@akbg.org.

Thanks for reading!
Residential Treatment Services
Photo Album
On January 4, we began to transition the way we support adult clients needing significant support to live in community (vs hospital) settings. Our new Residential Treatment Services are provided under a Medicaid waiver program approved by the State of Alaska and the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS). These services focus on teaching clients skills to improve their quality of life, and allow a place to practice routines that support wellness with the goal of moving toward more independent living. 
To help clients reach their goals, staff take clients out into the community, to work on being comfortable around people, social skills, and finding activities that bring joy.
The Fur Rondy snow sculptures were worth a repeat visit! On the first trip, they saw work in progress. But everyone wanted to come back to see the finished sculptures.
Clients appreciated the warm, moist air on a trip to the municipal greenhouse. It became a chance to practice mindfulness and reflect on the way the warm air made them feel.
Practicing cooking skills is an essential step on the road to independence! One client wanted to make fry break and stew, so we put out a call to our staff for donations of game meat. A moose roast was quickly donated. Staff and clients worked together to prepare the meal, slow cooked in a crock pot.
Then it was time for a feast!
Cohen Clinic Update
Join the Cohen Clinic for a free webinar for teens! Register here!
Don't forget to Pick.Click.Give!
The deadline is coming up - don't forget to file for you Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend by March 31! We know it's been a tough year for many, which makes support from those who are able to give even more important for Alaska's nonprofits. There are MANY worthy non-profits to consider; we hope you'll consider supporting our vision of "Wellness for Everyone!". You'll find us listed under Alaska Behavioral Health. Get started at myAlaska.gov
Thank you, New Growth!
Our New Growth fundraiser for Alaska Seeds of Change and the Power Center was a success! We raised more than $15,000 for these two transition age youth programs. Along the way, we learned a TON about hosting a virtual event and polished up on public speaking skills. A huge THANK you to everyone who attended, donated and sponsored the event - including Enstar Natural Gas, First National Bank of Alaska, Alasconnect/Ampersand, Qualifacts/Credible and Cook Inlet Tribal Council!