When a Teen Is in Crisis: Finding Higher Levels of Care in Alaska
A guide for Alaska parents on finding help when a teen is in a behavioral or mental health crisis, crisis lines, mobile crisis, residential options, and how to navigate care.
When a teenager's mental health reaches a crisis, threats of self-harm, dangerous behavior, or a break from reality, parents are often left terrified and unsure where to turn. Higher levels of care exist for young people in Alaska, though finding and accessing them takes persistence. This is a starting guide. Because availability changes, confirm current details as you go.
If your teen is in immediate danger
If your child is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, at any hour to talk through what is happening and what to do next.
Crisis and navigation resources
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, day or night.
- Careline Alaska: a statewide crisis line for support and referral.
- Alaska 211: dial 211 to be connected with local youth and family services.
- Mobile crisis teams: available in some Alaska communities to respond in person to a mental health crisis.
Higher levels of care for youth
Depending on need, options can include crisis stabilization, acute inpatient hospitalization, and residential treatment, sometimes called a psychiatric residential treatment facility. These provide structured, around-the-clock care when outpatient support is not enough to keep a young person safe. Availability in Alaska is limited, and some families are referred to programs elsewhere.
How to navigate placement
Getting a teen into the right level of care usually involves an assessment, coordination with providers, and sometimes Medicaid or insurance approval. A therapist, a care coordinator, or the 211 line can help you understand what exists and how to reach it. Keep records, ask about waitlists, and do not be afraid to advocate loudly for your child.
Take care of yourself too
Supporting a teen in crisis is exhausting and frightening. Your own support matters, both so you can keep showing up, and because you deserve care too.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my teen threatens suicide?
Take it seriously. Stay with them, remove access to means, and call or text 988 or 911. A crisis line can help you decide whether an emergency room visit is needed and what to do next.
Are there residential programs for teens in Alaska?
Yes, though options are limited and availability varies. Crisis lines, care coordinators, and the 211 line can help you find current openings, and some families are referred to programs out of state.
How do I pay for higher levels of care?
Medicaid and private insurance often cover medically necessary care. An assessment usually establishes need, and a care coordinator can help you navigate approvals and costs.
If you are not safe right now, call or text 988 in the U.S. or dial 911. Outside the U.S., call your local emergency number. This article is general education, not a substitute for care tailored to you.
About the author
SoundHeart Counseling is a relationship practice in Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley and the home of NeuroRelational Belonging Theory™. We offer licensed counseling in Alaska and Ohio, and coaching, retreats, and training for people everywhere. Our articles are general education written from the same practice-first approach. About SoundHeart
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A next step
You do not have to carry this alone.
Support for the people who support others is part of our work.