Alaska Behavioral Health Expands Services in Fairbanks
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Alaska Behavioral Health has expanded services being offered to area residents through its two Fairbanks clinics, including longer hours, peer support for adult clients, the addition of child psychiatry, and new outreach services to homeless community members in need of mental healthcare.
Dr. Curt Wengel is now serving children and adolescents with psychiatric needs in Fairbanks. Clients attend in person at the Child & Family Clinic at 926 Aspen Street and meet with Wengel via telehealth. Wengel travels to Fairbanks regularly to meet in person as well.
The Alaska Child Trauma Center at Alaska Behavioral Health continues to partner with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and the State Department of Education and Early Development on the Alaska – Resiliency In Schools for Educational Success (AK-RISES) program to provide clinical services to students attending four Fairbanks area middle and high schools. When school is able to meet in person, clinicians are located in the school buildings to facilitate referral and access to services. Learn more about the program at our website: https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/ak-rises-program/.
Current Issue
December 2024
Alaska Behavioral Health’s Fairbanks Adult Clinic has expanded hours through telehealth to increase access; appointments are available until 7 p.m. weekdays and on Saturdays. A full-time Peer Support Specialist is now available to work with adult clients. Research indicates that when individuals with mental health conditions or challenges use peer support services, their quality of life, engagement with services, overall health, and self-management improve.
Alaska Behavioral Health is now also providing PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Services in Fairbanks. PATH provides assistance to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental illnesses. Staff partner with shelters, warming centers, food kitchens, and other providers to identify and connect with individuals who may benefit from mental health services.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health serves clients statewide via telehealth, currently out of Alaska Behavioral Health’s Anchorage office. The Cohen Clinic is considering opening a Fairbanks location in 2021, but for now is focused on delivering care virtually to the military community statewide.
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