In this newsletter:

• Road Closure Alert!
• Recap: 2th Annual Alaska Advanced Trauma Training Institute
• Trauma 101 and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training this month!
• Summer Groups at the Cohen Clinic
• Client Surveys now available

Road Closure Alert - Anchorage!

Anchorage residents: Lake Otis Parkway is currently closed at 42nd Avenue. This is affecting access to our clinics in the U-Med district:

• Adult Outpatient clinic at 4045 Lake Otis Parkway
• Medical Department and Adult PHP at 4120 Laurel Street
• Children's PHP and Child & Family Outpatient and Clinic at 4020 Folker Street

Please follow detour signs to the Seward Highway when approaching from the south, and access from Tudor Road when coming from the east. Access from the north should not be affected; left turns from Lake Otis into our parking lot will be possible (and easier with no oncoming traffic.)

The intersection is scheduled to re-open on June 10th. More project details here.

Another successful year for the 12th Annual Alaska Advanced Trauma Training Institute!

More than 200 Alaskans gathered at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage May 28 and 29 to advance their understanding of the effects of trauma, how to treat it effectively, and how to build systems of care that are trauma-informed, for both clients and providers. Some sessions introduced evidence-based practices, like MATCH and effective peer support, while others focused on provider burn-out, clinical supervision, and supporting first responders.

Trauma Institute founder and Alaska Behavioral Health COO Joshua Arvidson has been instrumental in organizing the annual Trauma Institute for the last years.

One of the best parts of the Institute is the chance to meet like-minded providers across Alaska, share notes and feel supported in doing work that is challenging and can often feel isolated. The Cohen Veterans Network team at AKBH took full advantage of the opportunity to spend time together!

Dr. Tracy Neal-Walden of the Cohen Veterans Network presented a plenary session encouraging participants to recognize what lies within their control as providers.

Carolyn Cooper, MS, NCC

Dana Fogelsong - LCSW, NCPS, CRPS

Paws for Purple Hearts trained service dogs (and adorable puppies in training) and their handlers joined us for a session to help attendees understand the certifications for service dogs and therapy dogs.

Celebrity guest!

Ms. Wheelchair Alaska Katy Arvidson held her audience rapt with attention as she told her story of living with a degenerative disease, including a period of severe depression, and the key role of therapy via telehealth in helping her get out if it.

Those attending said Arvidson, a former counselor, helped them understand why some of the tools they normally use with clients don't work as well with clients with disabilities, degenerative diseases or terminal diagnoses.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

June 13, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

BP Energy Center, Anchorage

Register here!

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. The training covers common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, how to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis, and how to connect them with help. Register here!

Trauma 101

June 24, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

BP Energy Center, Anchorage

Register here!

Trauma 101 training focuses on understanding how trauma impacts the body and the brain, how people adapt to trauma, and what we can do as providers, caregivers and community members to support recovery and resiliency. The Trauma 101 training is not a training on a specific type of intervention but is focused on how we can gain a better understanding of trauma, and become trauma informed. Register here!

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health is excited to announce a series of enriching summer skill development and therapy groups specifically designed for military-affiliated individuals and families. These groups aim to foster resilience and enhance mental well-being, offering both in-person sessions at our Anchorage location on Muldoon Road and convenient telehealth options available statewide.

• Anger Management for Adults, starting June 10
• Chatter That Matters Parenting Group, starting July 8
• Beyond Budgets: Transforming Financial Behaviors, starting June 2
• Anger Management for Adolescents, starting July 8
• Effective Communication; starting July 8

To enroll, contact the Cohen Clinic at 907-762-8668 or submit this form.

Please note that active duty and VA participants will need referrals to join the therapy groups, and an intake appointment is required prior to participation. With limited spots available, early enrollment is essential to secure your place in these transformative sessions. We are committed to supporting you on your journey toward personal growth and improved relationships, and we look forward to welcoming you into our community!

Each year, the State of Alaska conducts a consumer satisfaction survey to provide feedback about the quality of services provided. All of our clients are invited to participate in these surveys between now and July 1, 2025.

Survey for Adult Clients

Survey for Parents/Caregivers of youth up to age 12

Survey for Youth ages 13-17

Thank you for reading!