Paul Gaines Jr., LCSW
Behavioral Health Director
Master of Social Work
Mental Health and Substance Use in Veteran Populations
University of Connecticut School of Social Work
Connecticut, 2013
Master of Education
Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Bridgewater State University
Massachusetts, 2002
Bachelor of Communication Arts and Sciences
Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Bridgewater State University
Massachusetts, 1991
On Patients:
“I believe in treating patients the same way I treat everyone else—kindly, and with respect and dignity. I want to help clients remove the stigma of behavioral health services so they can embrace new skills and navigate the challenges life puts them through.”
On Behavioral Health:
“Behavioral health services are a truly important piece of whole-person healthcare, as they identify needs beyond the physical and provide new perspectives and approaches to living a healthy life. Integrated behavioral health within primary care takes this a step further and provides patients with an excellent opportunity to have their needs addressed at the same facility where they see their primary care provider, easing the burden of coordination of care, transportation, and communication.”
On Interior Community Health Center:
“I have known of ICHC for several years and previously served on a committee with the CEO. I admire ICHC’s approach to healthcare in Fairbanks and am excited to be part of the team today. Working as part of a primary healthcare team helps to support patients on many different aspects of care, including coordination of services. I also enjoy working with the talented team of case managers who are the core of the behavioral health department as we continue to grow and provide increased access to the ICHC communities.”
“Paul Gaines, Jr., LCSW, LPC-S, returned to Alaska in 2020 and is thrilled to be in Fairbanks. LCSW Gaines is trained in several evidence-based treatment modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Paul is a Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Steese Area Fire Department and maintains a private practice, based in Rhode Island, providing psychotherapy for first responders, veterans, and adolescents via telehealth. In his down time Paul enjoys fishing, hunting, traveling, and photography.”
Joined the Interior Community Health Center,
2023
