ARCH - Residential Treatment
Empowering youth to address their substance use and improve their mental health in a structured, therapeutic environment.
The Adolescent Residential Center for Help (ARCH) treatment program is for youth ages 12-18 who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder and may also present with co-occurring mental health disorders.
ARCH offers:
- Co-occurring individual, group, and family therapy
- Withdrawal management
- Psychological testing and evaluation
- Psychiatric services
- Case management and discharge/transition planning
- Onsite medical provider to address physical wellness
- Nutritious meals provided at no cost to residents
- On-site school with an Anchorage School District teacher
The ARCH team is also committed to helping youth find meaningful, skill-building activities like music, recreation, and art to replace unhealthy behaviors. Using a multidisciplinary approach, they aim to connect with youth, support them in discovering purpose, and help them thrive.
How to Get Started With Treatment Services
We know reaching out for help can be difficult. That’s why the team at VOA Alaska is committed to making entry into our treatment services as easy as possible for you. If you’re ready to begin, you can complete your registration packet online and our Client Care team will connect with you to schedule an appointment.
ARCH is housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Eagle River, Alaska.
ARCH is in a beautiful mountain setting, with views of Denali on a clear day. The building holds two residential wings with 18 beds total, a full-service industrial kitchen, a gym with a climbing wall and basketball hoop, two classrooms, a Great Hall with large windows providing beautiful views and natural sunlight, cozy group rooms, an outdoor fire pit, and more to provide a comfortable and therapeutic home for our youth residents.
I felt like the ARCH staff was not just there for my child, they're there for me and my family as well.
I really feel like they've saved his life and my life and just the family unit as a whole.
What to expect in your first few weeks at ARCH…
VOA Alaska understands and honors the fact that recovery looks different for everyone. Every youth arriving at ARCH has a unique story. While some may be experiencing a treatment program for the first time, others have already gone through multiple placements.
Every new resident is provided with a thorough orientation period, up to two weeks long, with more individualized attention and a lower staff to client ratio. This helps the team get to know the youth, ensure their basic needs are met needs, and prepare them for treatment. It also allows the youth time to adjust to ARCH and get comfortable in their new living space.
For those needing withdrawal management, the orientation period will additionally provide resource management, psychiatric evaluation, daily check-ins with a medical provider, and engagement with a peer support specialist.
There's a war of recovery that I'll always march.
I'll fight to survive with my weapons from ARCH.
ARCH partners with the Anchorage School District to provide an on-site school.
McKinley Heights is ARCH’s on-site school, managed by one Anchorage School District teacher and one teacher’s aide. Students receive individualized lessons and specialized services for learning-disabled and developmentally delayed adolescents. The school and the ARCH treatment team collaborate closely to ensure that school and treatment benefit our youth best. Residents are also supported in pursuing their GED while at ARCH.
McKinley Heights is committed to promoting and protecting students’ health, well-being, and learning ability by encouraging lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits. The collaborative relationship ensures the transition back into public school is supportive and successful.
Read the full McKinley Heights School Wellness Policy here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of stay is based on each resident’s unique needs and aligns with the dimensions and severity of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The average length of stay is 3-6 months.
Discharge Planning: Youth and families receive personalized case management and discharge planning. Referrals for continuing care in VOA’s Outpatient program and external services like therapeutic foster care, transitional housing, and family treatment ensure a smooth return to their home community.
To refer a youth to ARCH, contact our Client Care team at (907) 279-9640 or email intake@voaak.org. If you are a legal guardian, you can begin your registration at on our Getting Started with Services page.
ARCH provides American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 3.1, 3.5, and 3.7 levels of care.
VOA Alaska additionally provides ASAM 2.7, 2.1, and 1.5 substance use treatment in our Outpatient Clinic.
We believe financial challenges should not be a barrier to receiving the care you and your family needs. When you register for services, our billing team can work with you to develop a fee schedule and payment plan to best meet your family’s needs. You are never locked into a decision regarding financial options and may apply for additional financial assistance at any time.
VOA Alaska accepts all insurance, and we are in network for Blue Cross.
Learn more about the cost of services and financial assistance options on our Paying for Services page.
Youth and families at ARCH can expect personalized case management and discharge planning from the day of admission.
Each client receives a unique plan tailored to their needs, wants, and available resources, both locally and remotely. Referrals for ongoing care through VOA’s outpatient program, as well as external services like therapeutic foster care, transitional housing for young adults, and home-based family treatment, ensure smooth transitions back to their home community.
To learn how to donate to VOA Alaska, including in-kind donations, please visit our Donation to VOA Alaska page.
To learn how to volunteer at ARCH, or any VOA Alaska program, please send a message to community@voaak.org.
To view and apply for openings at ARCH and in all of VOA Alaska’s programs, visit our Careers page.
VOA Alaska’s treatment programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF) and are approved by the State of Alaska’s Division of Behavioral Health. ARCH is licensed by the Division of Family and Youth Services. Our priority admission criteria includes those who are pregnant, injecting substances, pregnant and injecting substances, involved in Office of Children Services or Division of Juvenile Justice or youth experiencing homelessness.
Read the Latest from Our Behavioral Health Programs
Healing Through Music: Kaylyssa’s story
A story of youth finding healing and resilience through music and therapeutic services with VOA Alaska's School-Based Services program.
On His Terms: Val’s Story of finding Resilience
A story of overcoming trauma and finding resilience.
VOA Alaska Team Members Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Peer Support
For the second year in a row, VOA Alaska has been recognized at the Alaska Peer Support Conference.
Beyond ‘good.’ How are you, really?
In our May Newsletter, we provide tips for speaking with youth about their mental health and celebrate a new partnership to expand our day treatment program!
Healing Through Music: Kaylyssa’s story
A story of youth finding healing and resilience through music and therapeutic services with VOA Alaska's School-Based Services program.
On His Terms: Val’s Story of finding Resilience
A story of overcoming trauma and finding resilience.
VOA Alaska Team Members Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Peer Support
For the second year in a row, VOA Alaska has been recognized at the Alaska Peer Support Conference.
Beyond ‘good.’ How are you, really?
In our May Newsletter, we provide tips for speaking with youth about their mental health and celebrate a new partnership to expand our day treatment program!