Division of Behavioral Health

Randall Burns staff photo
Randall Burns
Director

"Partners promoting
healthy communities."

Mission & Values

Serve clients with challenging
behaviors? Help is available.

Welcome to Behavioral Health

The Department’s redesign and reform efforts include filing an application to CMS by the middle of 2017 for the authority to put in place an 1115 Behavioral Health Medicaid Demonstration Waiver to provide greater system flexibility and offer a broader range of alternative services to fill existing service gaps and reduce Alaska’s reliance on crisis services. In addition, the State will contract with an Administrative Services Organization (ASO) to offer an improved system of care management. To Learn more, please visit our Medicaid Reform in Alaska page.

Behavioral Health Continuum of Care

The Division of Behavioral Health has a commitment to improving the quality life of Alaskans through the right service to the right person at the right time. The continuum of care represents a commitment to mitigating the risk of behavioral health with prevention and early intervention, ensuring Alaskans are served effectively at the lowest level of care possible while recognizing that the most acute and chronic conditions require a corresponding increased level of services, supports, and resources.

The central purpose of the Division is to provide a continuum of statewide behavioral health (mental health and substance use) services ranging from prevention, screening, and brief intervention to acute psychiatric care. Included are services for the general population (prevention & brief intervention), individuals experiencing emotional disturbance and emergency/crisis, seriously mentally ill adults, seriously emotionally disturbed youth, and substance use disorder services for youth and adults.

Current Events & Announcements

Please join us for the upcoming Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Institute and Child, Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Conferences April 9-13, 2018. Each conference is $100, and there is discount of $175 to attend both. k
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and may contribute to overall good health. Alaskans should select foods that are high in vitamin D, such as Alaska salmon, and should talk with their healthcare provider about vitamin D and the risks and benefits of supplementation.

Department of Health and Social Services Answers to Questions Received Through Public Comment Related to the Proposed Autism Services Regulations

Self-care after a major-traumatic event

2017 Change Agent Conference

Guidance Document for Medical and Tuberculosis screening 2-27-17

Decisions in Recovery: A new treatment tool for Opioid Use Disorder

Are you finding it difficult to stop using? If you've thought about cutting down or stopping, this site can help. If you are using narcotics, prescription pain medications, heroin, or any other opioid drug, this site has information about some of your treatment options and ways to locate a provider who can help.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers 4/2/18
Medication Assisted Treatment Providers - Updated 12/12/17

Opioids Fact Sheet
Regulations Adopting DSM5, ICD-10-CM, DCR-03R, and the ASAM Criteria (3rd Ed.)

FY2016-2017 Combined SABG/MHBG Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan

The State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health is pleased to announce the presentation for public comment the Alaska - FY2016-2017 Combined SABG/MHBG Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan to the Substance Abuses and Mental Health Services Administration. This draft application is in the final edit process and your input and comments are critical to the design and delivery of mental health and substance abuse services in Alaska.

To view the application please visit the website below and use the citizen login: