Our Services
Youth smiling in conversation in group counseling

Substance Use Counseling

Creating a safe space for youth and young adults struggling with drugs or alcohol to take charge of their recovery and maintain sobriety.

Our team provides three levels of outpatient substance use treatment to meet the needs of youth (ages 12-24) in our care.

    • Outpatient consists of weekly individualized therapeutic services less than 6 hours a week.
    • Intensive Outpatient provides a structured experience for youth who require frequent counseling to maintain abstinence and success in the community. It consists of 6 hours or more of therapeutic services a week.
    • Day Treatment provides a safe, supportive, and structured environment to help youth ages 12-18 overcome barriers in their continued recovery. 
    • Inpatient/residential services are provided at our Adolescent Residential Center for Help (ARCH). 

All outpatient levels utilize individual, group, and family therapy, as well as family support groups and case management through our peer support specialists.

VOA Alaska offers telehealth substance use counseling for youth statewide. In-person sessions are conducted at our midtown Anchorage office.

Two staff members posing with a youth, smiling, outside
A youth (right) celebrating graduating Day Treatment with two of his VOA support team staff.

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 services as easy as possible for you.

Getting Started with Services

Our integrated outpatient services provide wraparound care for youth, young adults, and their families.

VOA Alaska provides a full continuum of behavioral health services, meeting the unique needs of each child, teen, and young adult with flexible, personalized care. 

Teens receiving substance use counseling can seamlessly continue mental health support with the same team after treatment. Youth struggling with depression or anxiety can also build life skills, such as job or education readiness. We’re here for Alaska’s youth every step of the way.

A portrait of a teen, smiling, wearing a gray hoodie and beanie.
Therapist holding up two fingers during an EMDR session
Therapist and a youth using a sand tray during a session
An adult and a youth speak to an unseen audience, both are laughing and smiling widely.
The adult is being hugged by several kids.
A baby holding up a ball while a staff member and the young parent smile
Three people in car smiling for a selfie
Youth celebrating day treatment graduation
The adult is being hugged by several kids.
Youth speaking at a podium.
Youth smiling in conversation in group counseling
Over-the shoulder image depicting a telehealth counseling session with a person looking at a laptop screen displaying a video call with someone wearing a VOA Alaska vest
A teen stands at a podium with a microphone while someone stands to the side, out of focus, listening
A staff member helps a youth with their beading project during a cultural activity in January.
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Learn More About Our Outpatient Services

Not sure if VOA Alaska is right for you and your family?

Our free Behavioral Health Consultations allow you to connect with one of our clinicians, discuss the needs and goals of your child or family, and learn more about our services. Call (907) 419-4158 to find support today.

How do I know if my child is using drugs or alcohol and may need counseling?

The key thing to look out for is changes in your child’s behavior that are out of the ordinary. These can include increased isolation, increased irritability or defiance, poor sleep habits, exhibiting sneaky behavior (like they’re trying to hide something), or have any physical signs you know be associated with being drunk or high (dilated pupils, acting intoxicated, blood shot eyes, etc).

Medicaid and most insurance are accepted and billed, and no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. We offer cash discount and sliding fee scale options as needed to assist with payment. At intake, our billing specialist will work with your family to develop a fee schedule and payment plan that best meets your needs. Click here to view fees by service.

An assessment is like an interview. It’s an opportunity for the clinician to get know a client and learn their goals, hopes, and needs. This will allow the team to ensure they are placed in the level of care that best fits their needs.

VOA Alaska’s Rapid Response team specializes in crisis intervention for youth and young adults ages 13-24 and behavioral health consultations and support for parents, caregivers, and staff of youth-serving organizations. 

Phone: (907) 419-4158
Email: rapidresponseteam@voaak.org 
Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

You can find more detailed descriptions of our Behavioral Health programs, our Code of Ethics and Conduct, and descriptions of our privacy practices in our Behavioral Health Programs Handbook.

Reviewing the handbook is required for all clients when registering for services.

Yes! Many of our mental health clinicians across our behavioral health programs are trained in EMDR therapy, including outpatient mental health, residential treatment, and school-based services.

For those enrolled in VOA Alaska’s care, EMDR is one component of an individualized, strength-based treatment plan—and it can be done both in-person and via telehealth for youth anywhere in Alaska.

As a specialized service, VOA Alaska also provides EMDR therapy to individuals who visit an outside therapist. Our clinical team will work together with the therapist and family to identify barriers and ensure the highest level of care.

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

Two speakers on a stage with a large sign behind them reading "Alaska Suicide Prevention 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!

Two speakers on a stage with a large sign behind them reading "Alaska Suicide Prevention 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!