Adult Community Support Program – Harbor Lights

“I like coming to Harbor Lights because I feel safe there.” HL client

In the past, the subject of mental illness was surrounded with mystery and fear. Today, we have made tremendous progress in our understanding and especially, in our ability to offer effective treatments. However, questions about mental illness often go unanswered and stand in the way of the people receiving help.

Mental health is how we think, feel and behave. It helps determine how we adapt to a range of demands, relate to others and the choices we make. Just like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life and is essential to overall health.

“I like coming for lunches; I have made new friends.” HL client

According to the National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery, “Mental Health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential.”

In order to support the rehabilitation and recovery of people with mental illness, Sitka Counseling has identified recovery as a guiding principal for its entire mental health service delivery system. Recovery/rehabilitation is a journey that involves developing hope, self-direction, empowerment, resiliency, respect and peer support.  Our programs are all evidence or practice based which means they have demonstrated effectiveness and positive outcomes.

Sitka Counseling/Harbor Lights offers confidential support for individuals experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, which negatively impacts their daily lives. Sitka Counseling provides a Psychiatric Doctor, Clinicians, Direct Service Providers, Case Managers and a Medication Administration Nurse. They help individuals understand the process and give support in planning Your goals and the steps to achieve them.

“I’ve learned how to cook and I’ve been able to serve those dishes to my family.” HL client

Services Offered:

• Hot Lunch daily, provided free of charge
• Rehabilitation and treatment support groups including; community living skills, interpersonal communication skills, personal living skills and nutrition and meal planning.
• Community Support individual and group services, provided by case managers
• Life skills trainings to encourage independent living.
• Service coordination within the community and Southeast Alaska.

Harbor Lights Goals:

1. Reduce bias and stigma towards the mentally ill through public education
2. Promote programs, policies and practices which treat the mentally ill with respect & dignity
3. Encourage the provision of the most therapeutic and up to date medical treatment
4. Promote community support and treatment close to one’s home
5.  Promote, support and participate in mental health planning, budgeting and decision making
6. Promote and protect the rights of people with mental illness and their families
7. Provide information and education to persons who have a mental illness and their families

“People treat me with respect at Harbor Lights.”  HL client