Frequently Asked Questions
Members of Alaska’s mental health community can request to join the AKPA-MH listserv by visiting https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/akpa-mh. Step-by-step instructions >> Go to https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/akpa-mh
>> Click Apply for membership.
NOTE: You will need to sign in / create a free Google account.
>> Type your display name.
Minimally include your first and last name; no credentials, please.
>> Select your email delivery preference.
You can choose no updates, daily summaries, combined updates, or all messages.
>> Choose whether to be automatically subscribed to updates for your messages.
>> Describe your affiliation with Alaska’s mental health community.
This may include your place of employment, license type, degree earned, etc.
>> Click Apply to join this group.
An email will be sent from the group once your request has been processed.
You can unsubscribe from the AK-PA listserv via a simple email message. Send to: akpa-mh+unsubscribe@ You should receive a message from the listserv confirming that you have been successfully unsubscribed. You can also unsubscribe using the listserv’s web interface; once you have signed in, click the “My Settings” icon and select “Leave this group.”
From: <your subscribed email address>
Subject line: UNSUBSCRIBE
Body: UNSUBSCRIBE
The easiest way to post messages to this listserv is by sending an email (from your subscribed email address) containing your message to akpa-mh@googlegroups.com. You can also post messages using the listserv’s web interface. Once you have signed in, find and click “New Topic” toward the top of the page.
Most things related to the field of behavioral health issues and practice can be posted to the listserv. This includes notices about upcoming trainings, requests for resources related to a specific topic, information about other listmembers’ practice and areas of expertise, Please ensure that you are familiar with our listserv rules, as these describe the few specific types of posts that are not allowed on the listserv (i.e., those involving illegal activity, disruption of individuals or services, or commercial benefit to the author). Referral Requests on the Listserv Subject Line: Referral for [type of service] in/near [city; or city/state, if not in Alaska] Body: Seeking behavioral health provider with experience in: Contact: Backchannel only to: [your name & email] Hi list, I am seeking a behavioral health provider with experience in grief and loss to work with an adolescent male. He has Denali Kid Care insurance. Backchannel only to John Doe at counselor@abc123.net. Thank you in advance.
Many providers post referral requests on the listserv. As this is a large group, it is important to protect an individual’s anonymity when seeking referrals. Alaska is both very big and very small, so please ensure that personal identifiers are not conveyed to members of the listserv. Use of overly specific identifiers, such as exact ages and place names of very small towns, should be avoided. Using ranges (i.e., mid 30s) and hub community names (i.e., near Bethel) instead can help to maintain anonymity. To help with this, as well as streamline the referral posting process, AK-PA has adopted a standardized format for referral requests that are posted to the listserv. Please be familiar with and utilize this format.
clinical skills required and pertinent insurance/payment information
[do not include specific patient identifiers]
—EXAMPLE—
Referral for grief counseling in Wasilla
Subscribing and posting messages to either of the AK-PA listservs implies your agreement to abide by three critically important rules. #1 — Use the listserv for legal purposes only. #2 — Use the listserv in a way that does not disrupt individuals or services. #3 — Use the listserv for non-commercial purposes only. >> Advertisements for products or services Messages that may be of financial benefit to listserv members but not the author are allowed, including: >> Job listings or position openings
The listserv should be used for legal purposes only, which means refraining from engaging in activities such as defamation, violation of intellectual property laws, violation of antitrust or unfair competition laws or violation of criminal laws.
The listserv should be used in a way that does not intentionally interfere with or disrupt other members, network services, or network equipment. This includes refraining from distributing unsolicited advertisements or chain letters, propagating computer worms and viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the listserv.
Messages whose primary purpose is to advance the business or financial interests of any person or entity, or otherwise to promote a financial transaction for the benefit of the author directly or indirectly, are prohibited. This includes:
>> Notices about office space rentals
>> Direct solicitation of members to purchase products or services
>> Discussion of professionally-related products or services, when the author is not selling the products or services
>> Announcements about professionally-related products or services
Practicing appropriate etiquette helps contribute to a climate of trust and collegiality on the listservs. Please consider using the following strategies toward this aim: >> Be respectful, supportive, inclusive, and kind toward your fellow listserv members and in all communications on the listserv. Members of our listservs represent a variety of cultures and backgrounds; try to be mindful of this when posting to the group. >> Differences of opinion are to be expected, but these should always be expressed in a constructive, professional manner — not through personal attacks or offensive comments. >> Send a message to the group introducing yourself. You might share your name, professional affiliation, where you live, why you joined the listserv, and any requests or questions you have now. >> Keep discussions related to behavioral health issues and practice. Off-topic posts about general events, politics, religion, and so on are highly discouraged (unless such posts are in the context of psychological discussion, provision of mental health services, or referrals). The listserv moderators have the responsibility to ensure that these rules are followed. If needed, moderators will address issues first using private communication, followed by (if necessary) moderated posting, removal of posting permission, and removal from the listserv. As this is a professional group, we do not expect anything other than the first of these will ever need to be implemented. If any of these actions are taken, the affected group member may appeal to the AK-PA Board of Directors to review the moderators’ decision by contacting the Executive Director.
Inquiries can be submitted to the listserv moderator via the form below. [contact-form-7 id=”1247″ title=”AKPA-MH Listserv Information Request”]