Helen Michaelson, M.Dis.St., LMSW

Meet Helen Michaelson, M.Dis.St., LMSW

Helen Michaelson provides school-based behavioral health services through Sunshine Community Health Center, where she is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. With more than 10 years of experience in social services and behavioral health, Helen is committed to creating supportive, meaningful relationships that empower students to thrive. She currently serves students at Iditarod Elementary School, Willow Elementary School, and Houston Middle School, providing compassionate, accessible care that promotes emotional wellness both inside and outside the classroom.

A Journey to Healthcare

Helen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage before completing a Master of Arts in Disability Studies at the City University of New York. She later earned her Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

Throughout her career, Helen has worked with children, adolescents, and families across a variety of social service and behavioral health settings. Her educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a broad understanding of the unique strengths and challenges individuals face, allowing her to provide thoughtful, individualized care that supports long-term success.

Areas of Care & Professional Interests

Helen believes meaningful growth begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship built on empathy, respect, and collaboration. Using a strengths-based, client-centered approach, she works alongside students, families, and school teams to identify individual strengths, navigate challenges, and develop practical coping skills that promote resilience and emotional well-being.

She integrates evidence-based practices into her work while recognizing that every student's journey is unique. Her goal is to create a welcoming environment where children and teens feel safe, heard, valued, and empowered to achieve lasting personal growth.

Why Community Health Matters

As someone who grew up in the community she now serves, Helen feels deeply connected to the families and schools throughout the region. She is honored to provide school-based behavioral health services through Sunshine Community Health Center and values the opportunity to partner with students, families, educators, and community members to improve access to compassionate behavioral healthcare. Helping young people build the confidence and skills they need to succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Life Outside the Clinic

When she's not working, Helen enjoys taking advantage of everything Alaska has to offer. She can often be found running, biking, hiking, or skiing with her Golden Retriever, Ruby, by her side. Grateful to live and work in the community where she grew up, Helen enjoys staying active outdoors and appreciates the opportunity to give back to the place she proudly calls home.

A Message to Patients

"Every student deserves to feel supported, respected, and capable of overcoming life's challenges. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming space where students can discover their strengths, build resilience, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives."

Sunshine Community Health Center

1-907-376-2273 (CARE)

www.sunshineclinic.org

*This article was written with the support of AI*