What should I do if I am in a mental health crisis in Alaska right now?

Call or text 988 immediately — it is free, confidential, and available 24/7. If you are in danger, call 911. Many Alaska communities also have mobile crisis teams or crisis stabilization units; dial 2-1-1 to find the nearest crisis resource in your area, including options in rural regions.

How do I find a mental health provider in rural or remote Alaska?

Start by calling 2-1-1 Alaska, which has a database of providers including those offering telehealth — a critical option for residents in bush communities. Your tribal health organization (if applicable) may also provide or coordinate behavioral health services. The Alaska Division of Behavioral Health website lists licensed providers by region, and the Indian Health Service serves Alaska Native and American Indian residents in many communities.

I do not have insurance. Can I still get mental health care in Alaska?

Yes. First, check whether you qualify for Alaska Medicaid by calling 1-800-478-7778 or applying at myalaska.state.ak.us — many adults with low incomes are eligible. If you do not qualify, community mental health centers often offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Call 2-1-1 to find a low-cost or free mental health provider near you.

Are there mental health resources in Alaska specifically for Alaska Native people?

Yes. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and regional tribal health organizations across the state provide behavioral health services, including counseling, crisis support, and substance use treatment, to Alaska Native and American Indian residents. These services are often available at no cost to eligible individuals. Contact your local tribal health organization or the Indian Health Service to learn about services in your specific region.

Mental Health Resources Resources in Alaska

Last updated September 12, 2026

Alaska faces some of the most significant mental health challenges of any U.S. state, including high rates of depression, suicide, and substance use — compounded by geographic isolation, long winters, and limited provider availability in rural and bush communities. Whether you are in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, or a remote village, there are real pathways to support, and knowing where to start can make all the difference.

The Alaska Department of Health oversees behavioral health services across the state, including funding for community mental health centers, crisis stabilization units, and substance use treatment programs. Medicaid in Alaska covers a broad range of behavioral health services for eligible residents, including therapy, psychiatric medication management, and crisis intervention. If you are uninsured or unsure of your eligibility, the first step is often contacting 2-1-1 Alaska or your regional behavioral health provider network.

For anyone in immediate distress, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by call or text, and has Spanish-language and LGBTQ+-specialized support options. Alaska also has a Veterans Crisis Line option through 988 (press 1) for military veterans and their families. Do not wait for a crisis to get connected — many programs offer walk-in assessments, telehealth visits, and sliding-scale fees to reduce barriers to care.

Key programs in Alaska

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis support for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Veterans can press 1 for specialized support. Also available via text (text 988) and online chat.

How to access: Call or text 988 from anywhere in Alaska, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No insurance or ID required.

2-1-1 Alaska

A free statewide helpline and searchable database that connects Alaskans to local mental health providers, substance use programs, crisis services, housing, food assistance, and other social services — including options in rural and remote areas.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, or visit alaska211.org. Available 24/7. Specialists can help identify sliding-scale or low-cost mental health providers near you.

Alaska Medicaid Behavioral Health Services

Alaska Medicaid covers mental health and substance use disorder treatment for eligible low-income residents, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, crisis services, and residential treatment. Managed through the Alaska Department of Health.

How to access: Apply for Medicaid online at myalaska.state.ak.us or call the Division of Public Assistance at 1-800-478-7778. Once enrolled, ask your provider whether they accept Medicaid or contact 2-1-1 for a referral to a Medicaid-enrolled behavioral health clinic.

Alaska Department of Health – Division of Behavioral Health

The state agency that funds and oversees community mental health centers, residential treatment, crisis stabilization units, and peer support programs across Alaska. Their website lists licensed behavioral health providers by region, including those serving rural and tribal communities.

How to access: Visit health.alaska.gov/dbh or call the main Division of Behavioral Health line at (907) 465-3370. Staff can direct you to the appropriate regional provider or tribal health program in your area.

VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides mental health care to eligible veterans, including individual therapy, PTSD treatment, substance use counseling, and the Veterans Crisis Line. The Alaska VA Healthcare System serves veterans throughout the state, with community-based outpatient clinics in several locations.

How to access: Contact the Alaska VA Healthcare System at (907) 257-4700 or visit va.gov/alaska-health-care. Veterans in remote areas may qualify for VA-funded telehealth or community care through non-VA providers. Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line at any time.

Mental Health Resources resources for Alaska

AK Child and Family

SAMHSA-listed mental health treatment facility.

Anchorage, Alaska907-346-2101

Mental Health Resources Resources in Alaska

Key programs in Alaska

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

2-1-1 Alaska

Alaska Medicaid Behavioral Health Services

Alaska Department of Health – Division of Behavioral Health

VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)

Mental Health Resources resources for Alaska

AK Child and Family

Akeela Inc — Akeela House

Alaska Behavioral Health

Alaska Marriage and — Family Therapy Associates

Alaska Psychiatric Institute

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association

Arc of Anchorage

Chugachmiut — Chugachmiut Behavioral Health

Daybreak Inc

Denali Family Services

Discovery Cove Recovery and — Wellness Center

Hope Community Resources

Mountain View Community MH and — Recovery Center LLC

Salvation Army Clitheroe Center — Outpatient

Southcentral Foundation — Four Directions

Wisdom Traditions Counseling Services — DBA Alaska Wisdom Recovery

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Find Support Today

NAMI HelpLine

Other resources in Alaska

Mental Health Resources in other states