Working in behavioral health is truly serving the most vulnerable, including caring for those who are actively experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Across the United States, the demand for behavioral health care is rising, but in Alaska, the need is especially urgent. Vast distances, remote communities and elevated rates of substance use disorders and mental illness make access to care more complex.

Providence is stepping up to meet this need by expanding our behavioral health services in Alaska, which means more jobs for those interested in helping to care for the critical needs of the community—whether you’re just starting out in healthcare or looking for a new challenge. (If you’re not job seeking right now but are interested in behavioral health, sign up to keep in touch.)

Addressing Alaska’s behavioral health needs

Behavioral health challenges can affect anyone. As Alaska’s largest private employer and leading health care provider, Providence provides support across the continuum. Whether it’s providing crisis stabilization, supporting long-term recovery, or helping patients manage temporary stresses or chronic mental health conditions, we deliver compassionate care that prioritizes mental well-being at the following locations:

Anchorage

• Providence Crisis Stabilization Center, planned to open in 2026
• Providence Alaska Medical Center
  • Adult Inpatient Mental Health Unit
  • Discovery Unit for teens and their families
  • Adolescent Residential Treatment Program for adolescent girls
  • Psychiatric Emergency Department
• Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Clinic

Mat-Su, Kodiak Island and Valdez

• Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Clinic Mat-Su
• Counseling Center at Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center
• Counseling Center at Valdez Medical Center

Unique challenges and rewards of practicing in Alaska 

Alaska’s beauty comes with unique challenges. The state is one-fifth the size of the continental U.S., yet it’s home to just over 740,000 people, many living in remote, underserved areas. Roughly 55 percent of Alaskans reside in the Anchorage/Mat-Su region, with the remainder spread throughout the state.

Behavioral Health Manager Edmore, who works with Providence at “the end of the road, literally,” in Valdez, says he and his colleagues care for patients who live in rural communities and do what they can to serve all Alaskans, no matter how they present along the behavioral health spectrum. “In rural locations like this, specialization is a luxury,” says Edmore, who sees patients from five years of age to their 80s for a wide range of issues. “Substance abuse treatment is a high need in Alaska, and trauma is an overall problem. All of our clinicians are trained on treating trauma.”

Although the widely distributed population can create challenges, it also contributes to a community-mindedness that’s not found everywhere. Charge Nurse Vicky says, “Everybody kind of knows everybody. When they see a new face, they’re like, ‘Hey, we don’t know you. How are you? My name’s so-and-so. Nice to meet you. Where’d you come from? What do you do here?’ These people I’ll have with me for the rest of my life.”

Another perk of living and working in Alaska, with its vast, often untouched land, is that caregivers can have a true connection with nature, whether they live in a rural location or a larger city. Providence Alaska Medical Center Executive Director of Pharmacy Andre puts it beautifully, saying, “No matter where you live, you’re always on the edge of wilderness.” 

Integrating culturally sensitive care 

Alaska’s population is remarkably diverse, comprising a significant Indigenous community with rich traditions and distinct healthcare needs. Andre says he loves that, “Our schools have some of the most diverse populations and the most languages spoken of any school district in the nation.”

To be effective, care must go beyond standard clinical approaches and incorporate cultural understanding and respect. We foster a welcoming environment for all patients and caregivers.

We work to address disparities in access to behavioral health care through community partnerships, as well. In 2024, we worked with Volunteers of America (VOA) to help young people experiencing homelessness, supported Kodiak Women’s Resource and Crisis Center, which offers care to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and more, for a total benefit to our Alaska communities of $73 million.

A supportive and collaborative work culture 

Providence also prioritizes caregivers’ well-being. We do this through Choose Well, which supports daily engagement, social connections, and well-being resources, as well as the Caregiver Assistance Program through Lyra, which provides free and confidential mental wellness information, resources, guidance and counseling support 24/7 for all caregivers and their families.

Behavioral health careers in Alaska

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference, Alaska offers professional growth in a state with beautiful landscapes and wonderful people. At Providence, you’ll find:

• Opportunities to serve communities that deeply value your care.
• A collaborative culture that supports your growth and well-being.
• A workplace rooted in compassion, respect, and cultural understanding.

Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your career in behavioral health, Providence in Alaska offers unmatched opportunities. Join us in serving Alaska’s behavioral health needs—and discover how far your career can grow with Providence.