Treatment center takes troubled boys into the great outdoors

PALMER -- A little less talk and lot more outdoor action is in store for many of the troubled boys who arrive at the new North Star Behavioral Health System Treatment Center. Located on the foothills of Lazy Mountain, just outside Palmer, the new building features 20 additional beds for a total of 29. North Star already had a nine-bed facility in operation since February 2002, on the same property.

According to Administrator Brad Ohs, the center is taking a somewhat innovative approach to treating behavioral problems.

"We are going to do an outdoor, adventure-based program, rather than have the kids sit around in a room together and talk about their problems again," Ohs said.

The new program is modeled after a highly successful program in Utah, but with a few modifications to fit the different challenges and circumstances that the Alaskan kids face.

Outdoor experience is only part of the centers objectives.

"This is not a complete outdoor program," Ohs said, "We're not taking them out for 30 days in the wilderness like some other organizations. This is more like two or three day trips."

Many of the boys who come to the center have already failed in schools, foster homes and out-patient programs, and Ohs said one of the center's goals is to get the kids reconnected with the community.

"We're looking to get kids involved through volunteering, attending local schools, attending religious services and participating in community events," he said.

According to Ohs, family therapy, which is a crucial aspect to most successful treatments, is difficult for many Alaskan kids, due to the lack of in-state residential services. More than 500 kids currently receive treatment out of state.

"It is very hard to do family therapy over the phone," Ohs said, "and many of these kids are going to places like Utah, Colorado, Texas and Arkansas."

All the kids at the Palmer center will come from Alaska.

According to Ohs, the new center, which opened for residence on Monday, will create 30 new jobs for the Mat-Su area.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.