Slope Borough Department of Health & Social Services
Slope Borough Department of Health & Social Services
The North Slope Borough is committed to having healthy communities, economically, spiritually and culturally. The Borough works with the tribes, cities, corporations, schools, and businesses to support a strong culture, encourage families and employees to choose a healthy lifestyle, and sustain a vibrant economy.
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Services Offered
Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH)
IBH provides counseling services for adults and children, across the North Slope of Alaska. We offer support with mental health, substance and alcohol abuse, relationship issues, domestic violence, sexual abuse, early intervention and many other concerns. We provide individual assessments to assist with residential treatment centers and outpatient services. IBH conducts individual and group sessions at our locations in Barrow or by video teleconferencing with other North Slope locations. IBH personnel regularly travel to the villages to offer in-person services and to provide outreach. IBH provides 24-Hour crisis intervention services for all communities on the North Slope.
Matsutani Community Resource Center
Matsutani is an extension of IBH, also offering counseling services. This location accommodates group sessions, educational training and community events. Matsutani is structured to offer services after 5pm to meet the needs of the community.
Gathering Place (GP)
Gathering Place is a day program for adults impacted by severe and persistent mental illness. We offer support with everyday issues, teaching life skills while providing a safe and social environment. Gathering Place is a part of Integrated Behavioral Health providing counseling services for adults and assistance with state and local resources.
Fees and Payment
Clients on Medicare will be charged, except for services assessed under Medicare Part B. Clients who are covered by other insurances will be charged, but upon payment they can have their bills reimbursed through their insurance carriers.
Clients on Medicaid will not be charged for services. However, clients must show their Medicaid Card as proof otherwise they will be charged until proven otherwise.
Sliding Fee Scale available.
No client will be denied service due to inability to pay or due to unpaid past visits.
Services Offered To:
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Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
Qualifying for assistance from Alaska's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Alaska's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.