Alaska's Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program
Providing pediatric healthcare providers with resources for supporting youth with mental and behavioral health needs
Overview
The Alaska Department of Health has been awarded a new five-year grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Pediatric Mental Health Access program.
The goal of the grant is to provide Alaska-based pediatric healthcare providers—working in primary care, behavioral health, and integrated health settings—with immediate access to psychiatric consultations and resources for supporting children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health needs. Healthcare providers can receive guidance on diagnosis, medication management, treatment planning, and referrals.
The new grant cycle began on September 30, 2026 and requires a transition phase, as the previous Partnership Access Line – Pediatric Alaska (PAL-PAK) funding has ended.
Who qualifies?
Prescribing pediatric primary care providers offering care to Alaskan children and youth with behavioral and mental health needs.
How to sign up
The Alaska Department of Health will provide information regarding the activities and services to be offered in support of the needs of pediatric primary care providers caring for Alaskan children and youth with behavioral and mental health needs in the coming weeks.
Resources
The Alaska Care Guide available through Seattle Children’s Hospital until December 31, 2026, offers current evidence and knowledge about how to treat and care for children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health needs. This guide is designed to offer practical help to pediatric providers working in the primary care setting.
Alaska 211: For life challenges or everyday needs, Alaska 211 is here to help you connect with available resources that best fit your needs. It’s free, confidential and language interpretation is available.
988 Suicide & Crisis Line: Dialing or texting 988 is a direct connection to compassionate care and support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, who is at risk of suicide, or who is struggling with emotional distress. Lifeline is free and confidential, with operators that treat callers with respect and listen without judgment.
Help Me Grow Alaska: Healthcare providers who need help finding resources can call Help Me Grow Alaska’s family support specialists to connect families to local services and support, helping ensure children get the right care at the right time.
907 Navigation App: A free resource designed to help Alaskans easily find and navigate local resources, social services and benefit systems. Provides up-to-date information on available resources, step-by-step navigation support, and additional tools to assist individuals and families in accessing the support they need.