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About Us

Residential Youth Care is an accredited non-profit behavioral health provider offering short and long-term community-based residential, out-patient clinical, and therapeutic rehabilitation services and programs for Alaskan youth and families who may be experiencing mental and/or behavioral challenges.

 

We work with local and state organizations to provide a variety of services including, but not limited to, residential treatment, therapeutic foster care services, an afterschool program, and early prevention services. RYC is located in Ketchikan, an island in Southeast Alaska. 

The mission of Residential Youth Care is to advocate for and foster the safety and well-being of youth at risk and their families so they may lead productive lives.

RYC's Continuum of Care

Residential Youth Care (RYC) offers a comprehensive range of residential and community-based services and programs, delivered by skilled professionals dedicated to helping clients develop the skills and behaviors necessary to lead fulfilling and productive lives. These services are thoughtfully designed to meet each client's unique needs and are provided in various settings to ensure the appropriate level of care. At RYC, treatment plans are personalized to address the specific needs of both the client and their family. The program focuses on guiding clients through behavior change, fostering new, positive habits, and supporting mental health through a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Above all, RYC provides a safe, nurturing environment that supports clients as they work toward healthier behaviors, habits, and practices.

Our wraparound continuum of care is designed to serve youth and families with a wide range of support needs

At Residential Youth Care (RYC), we work closely with clients and their families to foster empowerment, accountability, and active engagement in their treatment journey. Our continuum of care encompasses both residential and community-based treatment programs, designed to address the diverse needs of the individuals and families we serve. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of the client, utilizing evidence-based interventions and a strengths-based approach to support positive behavior change.

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We believe in a collaborative approach, where families, partnering agencies, and clients work together with RYC’s treatment teams to determine the most appropriate level of care. This ensures that clients receive the support and treatment they need to address their unique challenges. Throughout the treatment process, we continually review the client’s progress toward their recovery goals, making necessary adjustments to the clinical interventions to help both the client and their family achieve meaningful progress and improve overall psychosocial functioning.

Staff Roles

Every position at RYC plays a vital role in the continued success and well-being of our clients, the company, and the community we serve. For more information on how each role contributes, click through the slides below.

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Psychiatrist

RYC’s psychiatrist oversees treating mental health through pharmacological, nonpharmacological, or a combination of both methods. The psychiatrist works with clients, and their families, to empower their choice, accountability, and engagement in their treatment program. The psychiatrist works with clients to continuously monitor their mental health needs, including need for and response to recommended pharmacological prescriptions.

Our Core Values

At Residential Youth Care, our core values guide every decision and action, ensuring that integrity, innovation, and collaboration remain central to our work. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, trauma-informed environment where clients are encouraged to make choices and actively engage in their care. By upholding these values, we are able to achieve positive outcomes that have a lasting, meaningful impact on both our clients and the communities we serve.

Our Story

For over 30 years, Residential Youth Care (RYC) has been dedicated to providing high-quality residential behavioral health services to Alaskan youth and families. What began as a small, five-bed therapeutic foster care home with just two staff members has grown into a comprehensive organization. Today, RYC provides a safe, supportive environment for up to 30 youth in our residential program, while also offering outpatient and aftercare services to an additional 40-50 youth. We remain committed to creating positive, lasting change and supporting the growth and well-being of young individuals.

1989

1993

1996

2006

2008

2016

2019

2020

2021

2023

Residential Youth Care is founded by Jack Duckworth

RYC officially incorporates and registers with the State of Alaska as a non-profit organization

Spruce Lodge opens as a five-bed facility and begins providing long-term residential services to male clients.

RYC begins providing therapeutic treatment home services.

Hemlock Lodge opens as a five-bed facility, offering step-down services to male clients transitioning from the residential program. In parallel, Spruce Lodge expands its capacity to accommodate up to 20 youth. 

New clinical building opens and centralizes clinical, case management, and administrative support. Hemlock Lodge expands to 10 beds and begins serving exclusively female clients. Spruce Lodge becomes a 15-bed facility.

RYC hires its first in-house psychiatrist to offer more streamlined and integrated care. Clinical and case management services continue to expand, and administration is relocated to a separate facility to support this growth. 

The Annex opens and begins providing community-based services to youth not in residential care.

Dustin Larna becomes Chief Executive Officer of Residential Youth Care. SeaLevel Community Youth Center development begins.

RYC launches the Great Ketchikan Rain Classic fundraiser to support youth programs in Ketchikan.

Meet Dustin Larna

Chief Executive Officer

Dustin Larna’s journey in behavioral health and nonprofit management began in 2001 when he first joined Residential Youth Care (RYC) as a youth practitioner. Over the years, Dustin’s career has evolved, allowing him to make significant contributions in various leadership roles. In 2006, he returned to his home state of Idaho to serve as the Operations Manager for Idaho Youth Ranch. Two years later, he co-founded the Daybreak Canyon Residential Treatment Facility, where he served as the Chief Operations Officer.​

​Dustin rejoined RYC in 2010 as the Assistant Director, and in 2018, he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Since January 2021, Dustin has proudly served as RYC’s Chief Executive Officer, where he continues to lead with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and core values, striving to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

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In addition to his work at RYC, Dustin is currently the president of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association (ABHA). He frequently collaborates with local and state agencies to drive positive change in the field of youth behavioral health across Alaska. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys spending quality time with his family and pursuing his passion for fishing.

Meet the Team

At Residential Youth Care, we work hard to ensure our clients and their families receive the best possible care and support. Our experienced staff receive extensive and ongoing training, enabling them to provide the trauma-informed, youth-forward environment your child needs to succeed. 

Executive Leadership

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Dustin Larna

Chief Executive Officer

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Bridget Mattson

Vice President of Culture & Compliance Operations

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Vanessa Head

Vice President of Financial Operations

Youth Care & Programming

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Michael Martin

Residential Director

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Amber Machado

Licensing Specialist​

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Mark Sherrard

Residential Supervisor - Hemlock

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Frances Klein

Education Manager

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Elizabeth Schultz

Ketchikan Afterschool Program Director

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Daryl Nichols

Residential Supervisor - Spruce
 

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Danielle Nickich

Community Care Site Supervisor​

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Deborah Asper

SeaLevel Project

Developer​​

Clinical

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Dr. Amandeep Bains

Psychiatrist 

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David Garcia

Clinician

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Karina Licon

Clinical Director

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Valerie Mclaren

Clinician

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Jack Duckworth

Treatment Director

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Yaitza Resto

Clinician

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Case Management

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Alicia Smith

Case Management Lead

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Glenna Patrick

Case Manager

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Jennifer Martin

Intake Specialist

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© 2024 by Residential Youth Care  |  Privacy Policy

Residential Youth Care, Inc.

The mission of Residential Youth Care is to advocate for and foster the safety and well-being of youth at risk and their families so they may lead productive lives.

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Residential Youth Care is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations made to RYC are tax deductible, to the extent permitted by law. 

Contact Us

2506 First Avenue

Ketchikan, AK 99901

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(907) 225-4664

info@rycalaska.com

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