Culturally aware to improve care
Alaska culture is filled with rich traditions marked by honor and resilience. Its people are resourceful and strong, but difficulties such as substance use disorders (SUDs), limited access to crisis care, and a challenging rural and frontier landscape can impact mental health.
We strive to work alongside Alaska Native and Tribal communities to ensure that behavioral healthcare needs are met while honoring cultural and spiritual considerations.
How we invest in Alaska’s youth
The Carelon Foundation is the giving arm of Carelon Behavioral Health. By investing in children’s mental and physical health, the Carelon Foundation works to improve health equity and outcomes for high-need populations. This year, the foundation is honored to serve Alaska’s children by helping three schools win a fitness center valued at $100,000 each through the DON’T QUIT! Campaign.
Alaska is one of four states selected for this program through a partnership with the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC). The initiative aims to reduce childhood obesity in students aged 9 to 14 while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Carelon Behavioral Health and the Carelon Foundation are committed to the people of Alaska and are proud to provide the funding for this important gift to students.
Who we are
Carelon Behavioral Health, formerly Beacon Health Options, serves more than 60 million people nationwide with expertise spanning more than 40 years. Our resources are vast, allowing us to provide customized, whole-health solutions to Alaskans.
Located in Anchorage, our presence in the community will allow us to build strong partnerships with local and Tribal stakeholders so that we can address the most pressing behavioral health issues facing Alaska.
What we offer
We are an industry-leading administrative services organization (ASO). Our clients trust us to provide quality claims processing, service authorizations, data management, and client reporting to improve the quality of care people receive.
As a lifetime trusted health partner, our strong relationships with local providers and community groups foster collaboration, promote quality service, and encourage shared accountability with payers and system stakeholders. The result is improved lives, better outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.
Administrative service organization capabilities
We provide proven data infrastructure, fast and accurate claims processing, provider enrollment, and credentialing for administrative service organization (ASO) plans.
Behavioral health solutions
We promote prevention, recovery, and resilience to address today’s behavioral health and wellness needs.
Crisis solutions
Our crisis line services and crisis administrative services are customized to fit the needs of your community.
Let's team up
Together, we can elevate the quality of life for Alaskans.
News and events
We believe in investing in the communities we serve at the state, regional, and local level. Come meet us at one of our events.
Article: Washington tribes roll out new youth drug prevention program based on successful Icelandic model
In January 2024, our regional chief medical officer, Dr. Hossam Mahmoud, discussed a groundbreaking substance use prevention model with Tribal leaders at the 2024 Washington State of Reform Health Policy Conference.
White paper: Care for Indigenous people
Cultural sensitivity and respect are embedded in our whole-person approach to behavioral health. Learn about our commitment to meeting the behavioral health needs of Native populations.
Youth Behavioral Health Roadmap Session (Mat Su Valley)
This session is for those living in the AK southcentral region with lived expertise in behavioral health needs for children and youth, including parents, grandparents, family members, youth, caregivers, and guardians.
November 7-8, 2023
Wasilla Meeting (alaska.gov)
(Past Event)
Alaskan Federation of Natives Convention Anchorage
This annual convention serves as the principal forum and voice for the Alaska Native community in addressing critical issues of public policy and government.
October 19-21, 2023
Convention | Alaska Federation of Natives (nativefederation.org)
(Past Event)
2023 Alaska State of Reform Health Policy Conference
Bridging the gap between health policy and political reality
October 11, 2023
7 a.m. to 4 p.m. GMT
Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center
(Past Event)
South Central Foundation Nuka Conference
Bringing together healthcare executives, directors, direct care providers, and more to discuss system transformation and best practices.
June 12–16, 2023
Nuka Learning Institute
(Past Event)
Alaska Advanced Trauma Training Institute
Exploring the science of traumatic stress
June 1–2, 2023
Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center
(Past Event)
Tanana Chiefs Conference Food Insecurity Summit
Identifying and improving access to healthy foods in rural Alaska
May 23, 2023
Effie Kokrine Charter School
(Past Event)
Alaska Suicide Prevention Conference
Messages of hope
May 17–18, 2023
William A. Egan Center
(Past Event)
RADACT Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program Virtual Conference
Regional alcohol and drug abuse counselor training program
May 8–10, 2023
Virtual
(Past Event)
National Tribal Health Conference
Culture heals. Culture knows. Culture leads.
May 1–5, 2023
(Past Event)
Statewide Tribal Health Outreach and Enrollment Conference
April 26–27, 2023
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
(Past Event)
NAADAC Annual Alaska Training Institute
April 17–18, 2023
Marriott Anchorage Downtown
(Past Event)
Perspectives
We want our partners and members to be well-informed on the most important issues affecting behavioral health. Our thought leadership offers industry insights and practical guidance you can use.
Understanding and supporting the mental health needs for AI/AN people
Respect, understanding, and trust are critical to building relationships with members of the AI/AN community. Providers can ensure better access to culturally-affirming care by learning about the history, spirituality, and societal norms of AI/AN people.
Managing depression
When you feel down, there are steps you can take to feel better. Practice these tips for coping with depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and watch your mood brighten.
Reducing stigma associated with substance use disorder
Stigma often prevents people from seeking help when they have problems with substance use. Explore the blog to learn the facts and find out how you can play a role in helping a friend or loved one seek treatment.
Teen suicides: What are the risk factors?
Everyone can play a role in identifying the risk factors of suicide. Explore the protective factors that prevent teen suicide and learn the warning signs.
How to talk to youth about suicide prevention
Learn how to talk to youth about suicide prevention and find resources that are available for youth and their loved ones, including the 988 text hotline.
Health equity in suicide prevention
Opportunities to make health equity progress in suicide prevention.
