Denali Family Services (DFS) began as Alternatives Child and Family Guidance Clinic in 1995 as a small outpatient guidance clinic for youth and families in the Municipality of Anchorage. Over time, the organization has grown to become one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in Alaska.

DFS’ team of experts provides youth living with serious emotional disturbance (SED) with wrap-around therapeutic services, incorporating a combination of individual therapy, family therapy, social skills training, behavioral interventions, and educational accommodations tailored to each youth’s specific needs.

DFS launched its early childhood program in Anchorage in 2001. Today, the Denali Explorers program serves our youngest clients in our Anchorage and Wasilla branches.

In 2002, DFS began providing services to youth and families in the Mat-Su Valley and opened its current facility in Wasilla in 2007. Roughly 80 youth are served in the Mat-Su each year. This same year, DFS earned its accreditation from COA, a recognized authority that outlines best practice standards in the human service field.

2004 marked the first Summer Camp program. Years later, this annual camping excursion still proves one of the most anticipated events on the DFS calendar and is a true favorite among DFS clients and staff.

In an effort to increase youth services in Alaska and reduce the number of youth receiving out-of-state care, DFS joined the “Bring the Kids Home” statewide initiative in 2005.

Today, DFS employees nearly 100 people and is the largest provider of therapeutic foster care in Alaska.