Gaby Shelton Continues Advocating for Mental Health
“High rates of substance use, limited access to mental health services, and the repercussions of historical and intergenerational trauma, especially among Alaska Native communities, deeply motivated me to focus my efforts on supporting marginalized communities,” said Gaby.According to Mental Health America, Alaska ranked 48th in the prevalence of mental health issues, meaning our state is one of the most under-resourced in helping its population. In this article, Sol de Medianoche interviews Gaby Shelton to learn more about her career as a mental health specialist, former worker at the Crisis Recovery Center, and UAA alumna.
When Gaby was asked how her journey as a mental health advocate began, she replied, “My journey began when I realized how many people are affected by mental illness and still don’t have access to the right resources. Especially people living in low-income settings, as I saw firsthand how difficult it is to find outpatient therapists who accept Medicaid. With waiting lists for up to a year, these barriers deeply motivated me to focus my efforts on supporting marginalized communities.” This response reflects the growing need in Alaska to address mental health issues and gives hope in the face of the state’s challenge to provide resources to those who need them most. On May 16, 2025, Providence Hospital closed the only short-term residential mental health program for adolescents, due to the loss of a $1.2 million grant abruptly canceled by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Gaby commented in a virtual interview, “I was devastated when I read that the CRC would be closing, but at the same time I was hopeful after reading the stories that previous patients shared in a post about the closure of the Crisis Recovery Center.” As a result of that closure, Gaby was relocated to work in the Psychiatric Emergency Department, where she has been able to closely observe the struggles of the Anchorage community. When asked about the most recurrent mental health problems in the population, Gaby replied, “One of the most urgent challenges is the high suicide rate in the state.” She also mentioned several risk factors that contribute to this situation: “High rates of substance use, limited access to mental health services, and the repercussions of historical and intergenerational trauma, especially among Alaska Native communities. In addition, long, dark winters can lead to increased social isolation and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).” Despite these challenges, Gaby recognizes the efforts that are being made. One of the most significant supports she received was from the Alaska Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program, which assists students in health-related careers, focusing on health care in rural and underserved areas. This program also offers primary care expertise and training on current health issues. Finally, Gaby mentioned that since graduating from UAA with a master’s degree in social work, she has remained optimistic about the progress in Alaska. She highlighted opportunities such as the Southcentral Foundation’s Clinical Initiatives in Behavioral Health and Nursing Grant, which supports Alaska Native and American Indian students. Another major advancement she mentioned was the implementation of the 988-crisis line, a crucial and accessible resource for those experiencing mental health emergencies. As long as there are people like Gaby serving the community, it is crucial to recognize that while Alaska faces challenges such as the closure of the CRC, sharing these stories motivates us to build a more resourceful, empathetic, and united community.
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