North Slope Borough Health Department

Also known as Cys

Address: 2000 Ahkovak Street, Barrow, AK 99723 · Map

OutpatientSliding scale

About North Slope Borough Health Department

The North Slope Borough's Behavioral Health Division provides support to individuals and families facing mental health concerns, with particular attention to children and adolescents under 18. Through its Children & Youth Services (CYS) program, the division runs a 14-bed emergency shelter. Licensed mental health staff are available on site around the clock, offering ongoing help to young people and their families whenever support is needed.

Services are designed to deliver effective behavioral health care within a caring, state-approved environment. For youth, the center serves as a secure place to receive urgent shelter and professional assistance. Experienced staff members collaborate with each young person and their family to respond to current challenges, while also providing support and direction in a structured and safe setting.

In addition, the department works to strengthen the wellbeing of the broader community. It collaborates with tribal partners, local cities, schools, and businesses to promote a healthy local culture. This partnership approach encourages residents and families to adopt healthier routines, supporting a resilient and economically stable North Slope.

Services reported to SAMHSA

Levels of care: Outpatient
Treatment focus: Substance use treatment · Mental health treatment
Facility type: Community mental health center
Medications used: Nicotine replacement · Non-nicotine smoking/tobacco cessation · Antipsychotics used in treatment of SMI
Treatment approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapy · Cognitive remediation therapy · Couples/family therapy · Dialectical behavior therapy · Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy · Group therapy · Integrated Mental and Substance Use Disorder treatment · Individual psychotherapy · Telemedicine/telehealth therapy
Education and counseling: Smoking/vaping/tobacco cessation counseling
Ages accepted: Children/Adolescents · Young Adults · Adults · Seniors
Payment accepted: IHS/Tribal/Urban (ITU) funds · Other State funds
Payment assistance: Payment assistance (check with facility for details)
Licensing and accreditation: Federally Qualified Health Center
Ownership: Local, county, or community government
Recovery support: Mentoring/peer support
Other services: Assertive community treatment · Assisted Outpatient Treatment · Chronic disease/illness management · Court-ordered outpatient treatment · Family psychoeducation · Intensive case management · Illness management and recovery · Legal advocacy · Psychosocial rehabilitation services · Therapeutic foster care · Case management service · Suicide prevention services
Language services: American Indian or Alaska Native languages
Other languages: Yupik

Facility-provided information

Care offered: Residential Rehab · Co-Occurring Mental Health
Substances treated: Co-Occurring Disorders
Conditions treated: Trauma
Therapies: 1-on-1 Counseling · Group Therapy · Life Skills
Approaches: Individual Treatment
Who it serves: Adolescents · Children · Young Adults
Amenities: Access to Nature
Languages: English

Questions to ask North Slope Borough Health Department

What does treatment cost without insurance, and do you offer a payment plan or sliding fee?
How many hours a week is the outpatient or IOP schedule, and are evening groups available?
If I need medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder, do you prescribe it or refer out?
Is there a waitlist, and how soon can you do an assessment?
What happens after the program ends: aftercare, alumni groups or step-down care?

Also confirm the facility is licensed by Alaska. If you are withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepines, ask about medical detox; do not stop suddenly on your own.

Paying for treatment at North Slope Borough Health Department

North Slope Borough Health Department reports accepting Sliding scale. If you have Medicaid, ask whether the facility accepts your Alaska Medicaid plan or can refer you to one that does. Most private plans must cover substance use treatment on terms comparable to other medical care under federal parity law. A sliding fee scale is available, so bring proof of income.

Frequently asked questions

What services does North Slope Borough Health Department offer?

North Slope Borough Health Department reports these levels of care to SAMHSA: Outpatient. Call to confirm current services and openings.

Does North Slope Borough Health Department accept insurance?

It reports accepting Sliding scale. Ask whether your specific plan is in network before admission.

Where is North Slope Borough Health Department located?

2000 Ahkovak Street, Barrow, AK 99723.

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