Southcentral Foundation Increases Access to Behavioral Health Services for Rural Communities
By Marketing Specialist Stephanie Smith
Clinicians work with your integrated care team to ensure the best care is provided.
Southcentral Foundation Rural Behavioral Health focuses on enhancing mental wellness by delivering essential behavioral health services and education directly within the communities SCF serves.
Rural Behavioral Health Services provides routine mental health assessments, individual and group therapy sessions, crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, and community education on mental health awareness. By integrating these services into the community, the need for long-distance travel is eliminated, saving time and expenses for individuals in rural areas. This increased accessibility allows for more frequent counseling sessions and mental health check-ups.
Regular therapy sessions provide consistent monitoring and management of mental health conditions, leading to significant relief from symptoms like anxiety,depression, and stress. This consistency in care contributes to long-term mental wellness and resilience.
In addition to direct services, behavioral health clinicians emphasize the importance of preventive care in mental health through educational efforts. By guiding customer-owners through coping strategies, stress management techniques, and the benefits of regular mental health check-ups, the Rural Behavioral Health team has seen a reduction of mental health crises and long-term psychological conditions.
“We have seen a decrease in the crises, and issues, but also have seen an increase in the use of our services as the stigma of seeking out mental health has diminished,” Kris Hadden, SCF Rural Behavioral Health manager said.
The team also provides direction on integrating daily mental health practices, such as mindfulness exercises and maintaining social connections into everyday life, making mental health care a routine part of overall health maintenance.
Clinicians work together with your integrated care team to ensure the best care possible is provided. Rural Behavioral Health also has an Anchorage-based case manager in addition to behavioral health aides in some rural communities. BHAs and case managers assist in supportive roles for your overall treatment including gathering and submitting referrals.
In cases of emergency, SCF offers critical support. Individuals experiencing mental health crises can access help through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line by texting “home” to 741741, or the Behavioral Health Resources Hotline at 844-413-2323. These resources ensure help is always available when it is needed most.
Mental health care is a vital part of overall health, and SCF and the Rural Behavioral Health team are here to support customer-owners in their wellness journeys.
Southcentral Foundation Rural Behavioral Health clinicians are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Customer-owners residing in rural areas can make appointments by contacting Rural Behavioral Health at 907-729-3028.
