Behavioral health experts say Alaska needs a new way to help those in crisis SPONSORED: Alaskans experiencing a behavioral health emergency tend to end up in one of two places: the ER or jail. Now a coalition of agencies, advocates and providers says they’ve found a better way. Author: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Published March 1 Part 1 of 6 You never forget the first time you call the police on your own child. Or the fifth time. Or the tenth. Ellen’s son Justin wasn’t yet old enough to vote when she picked up the phone to dial 911 for the first time.