Partial Hospitalization Program for Adults

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for Adults

Our Partial Hospitalization Program for Adults (ages 18 and up) is a short-term intensive therapy program for adults experiencing severe and/or persistent depression, bipolar and other mood disorders. The program includes medication management, intensive therapy and skill-building to help clients regain stability, improve quality of life, and avoid the need for higher levels of care or step-down from higher levels of care.

We use evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills (DBT), and Behavioral Activation to address:

difficulty regulating emotions
mood-related sleep disturbances
negative self-talk
suicidal thoughts
anger and irritability

Clients experiencing active psychosis, substance misuse or with active safety concerns are not a good fit for this program.

Logistics

The program takes place in-person in Anchorage. Insurance may cover costs of temporary housing in Anchorage for those who live in other locations. Clients must be able to transport themselves to the clinic in Anchorage daily and be able to meaningfully engage in treatment.

How to Access Services

All new clients will need to schedule an assessment by calling 907-563-1000. choose option 4. Current Alaska Behavioral Health clients interested in this program should speak with their clinical team.

Call for an assessment

Submit Intake Packet

Submit a Referral

Insurance

We bill all insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. We are in network with Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield and Tricare. Our staff can provide an insurance review of benefits to help determine coverage.

Daily Schedule

PHP runs Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The daily schedule includes:

medical check-ins (typically twice a week)
mindfulness, processing group
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group
skill development groups
movement breaks
lunch

Meet our Team

Meet Our Team

Marissa Hanson, LCSW

Clinical Director - Anchorage

Marissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Director for the Partial Hospitalization Program and Power Center at Alaska Behavioral Health. She has a Certificate in Interpersonal Trauma Studies and has been working with children and their families who have experienced trauma since 2010. Marissa provides trauma training and clinical consultation throughout Alaska.

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Chioma Iwuoha, BA

Program Manager for Partial Hospitalization Programs (Anchorage)

Alaskan born and raised, Chioma Iwuoha comes to Alaska Behavioral Health with a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Chioma manages the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for both Child and Family and Adult services. She is dedicated to strengthening and cultivating the ease of access to support individuals on their healing journeys. Chioma enjoys artistic pursuits, reading, being in Alaska's beautiful outdoors and creating memories with friends and family (especially the furry, four-legged ones!)

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Anjanae Chever-Watson, MS

PHP Clinician, Anchorage

Anjanae Chever-Watson, MS, graduated with her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hodges University in Fort Meyers, Florida in 2022. Anjanae has a passion for helping others heal and overcome adversity. She has 9 years of experience working with children and adolescents in the school system and 3 years of experience working in the mental health field. She is excited to be apart of the Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program. Anjanae was born and raised in Florida and moved to Anchorage, Alaska in December 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exploring, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

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Mara Jones, LMSW

PHP Clinician, Anchorage

Mara Jones, LMSW, graduated with a Master's in Social Work and a graduate certificate in Military Behavioral Health from the University of Kentucky. Mara moved to Alaska to begin her mental health career with AKBH, serving in various roles over the years, and has found a home as a clinician in the Partial Hospitalization Program. Mara enjoys working with clients of all ages and is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where individuals can begin to rediscover a sense of hope, build stability, and take meaningful steps towards healing. When not in the clinic, she enjoys reading, traveling, getting outdoors, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

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Robert Lang, MSW

PHP Clinician, Anchorage

Rob Lang, MSW, graduated with a masters in social work from Eastern Washington University in 2024. Rob is from the Bronx, New York, and usually lets people know that. He helps clients nurture and challenge themselves towards healing and growth. He loves to be outdoors, read, and watch the NBA.

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Makenzie Rose

PHP Clinician, Anchorage

Bio Coming Soon

Stephanie O'Connor, BS

CA - Anchorage

Stephanie O’Connor graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Fairbanks. She joined the AKBH team in 2022 as the first Clinical Associate for the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Stephanie is a strong advocate for those who experience mental illness and is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Anchorage Board. When Stephanie isn’t at work, you can find her canoeing, kayaking, cross country skiing, ice skating, going for walks, attending local concerts, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying Netflix.

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Natalie Vargas

CA - Anchorage

Natalie is a recent transplant from the Garden State. She is currently working on completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and plans to pursue a master's degree in Social Work in the near future. Natalie worked on the North Slope for many years and is eager to begin her career in mental health. For fun, she enjoys making dinner for friends and loved ones, working on home improvement projects, and training her new puppy, Ollie.

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