Intervention Services for Alaskan Families
and Businesses
addiction, substance use, drug & alcohol, mental health
We are based in Alaska and we prioritize helping Alaskans. There are zero fees involved with us having a conversation. If you want to consult with a real professional that cares about you and our Alaskan communities then reach out!
Our founder has helped people from all over the world and from many of the 50 States. Our team is committed to doing whatever we can to help anyone, and Alaska comes first!
Why us
If a substance use or mental health crisis has taken over someone you love, we can help
AIS is an Alaska based service. Our team is nationally experienced, we are thoroughly networked, and connected with resources. Our founder is the first and only Alaska certified interventionist recognized by the Association of Intervention Specialists. Alaska is our home and we are available to assist. We will respond quickly and make time to listen free of charge with no obligation.
We Live Here
AIS operates from the Kenai Peninsula. We have a real-world understanding of Alaska communities, the climate, and the complexities of traveling and safely transporting for care. Alaskan cultural competence and comprehensive national experience informs every plan we create.
Certified, and Unaffiliated
We maintain several national and state credentials and professional affiliations-including the Certified Intervention Professional with the Association of Intervention Specialists. We operate and are held to the highest ethical association codes. Importantly, we have no contractual obligations or affiliations with treatment providers. This ensures unbiased decisions while presenting the most suitable options for the person of concern.
No Waiting & No Rush
AIS is responsive and ready. We are located in-state so we can respond immediately if necessary. We know how to access urban, rural, and remote Alaskan communities and workplaces. However, we do not unnecessarily insert urgency, sometimes slowing down is best.
Services
1 Family-Centered Approach
Our team evaluates the person of concern and the family support system. Our approach involves collaborating with the family and recovery team, including help determining who should be present, ensuring each person’s voice is heard, and exploring potential changes and solutions as we move through the process. Coaching and supporting involved family members is our passion.
2 Curated Intervention Strategies
We meticulously assess the specific needs of your situation and construct a curated intervention plan accordingly. Over the past two decades, we have observed that every family is unique. We adopt an invitation-based approach whenever feasible and adapt our strategies based on the presenting circumstances. There are literally no limitations to our willingness and access for solutions.
3 Case Management & Coordination
Intervention is a process not an event. During the weeks while your loved one is working on themselves we collaborate with the treatment team, support and coach the family, assist with placement, care coordination, and continuing care. We provide supportive monitoring and family support before, during, and after treatment.
4 Companioning and Safe Transport
You will always receive experienced and professional support for intervention, companioning, and transport. Our founder will either be directly involved with services himself, or personally overseeing the team. Larger national and out of state companies sometimes use inexperienced interventionists, companions, and transport staff. With AIS you can expect experienced and skilled support throughout every phase of the entire process.
5 Concierge Care
When needed or requested we design and coordinate curated private services. Including: medically supervised detoxification, individual and family therapeutic intensives, expert companioning, coaching, and concierge treatment planning. This is one of our specialties.
6 Corporate and Professional Cases
When business owners, professionals, leadership, or key employees are struggling with substance use or mental health, businesses, careers, and reputations are at risk. We collaborate discreetly with you, partners, employers, and executive teams to address concerns. Our experience managing sensitive workplace cases ensures solutions while maintaining professional integrity. Our founder is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and is Labor Assistance Professional Certified.
How it works
Initial Family Consultation
Reach out to us and we will have a discussion. You will share about your situation, and we will share about how we can help. Together, we will decide if our services will meet your needs.
Comprehensive Assessment
Prior to initiating any planning, we will engage in extensive in-person, phone, and video consultations with the individuals most intimately involved and familiar with the situation. During these discussions, we meticulously gather historical data, delve into the family dynamics, and review any previous attempts that have been made to address the issue.
Preparing the Family
We provide guidance to the support team on appropriate communication strategies, including what to share, how to convey it, and what to anticipate. Additionally, we support each individual in establishing the boundaries they are comfortable with. Trusted treatment options and contacts are shared with the family to choose from. Our familiarity and experience with the finest and most capable treatment providers is one more thing that sets AIS apart from the rest.
The Intervention
We prefer an invitation model whenever possible, but our approach is best described as eclectic. Your loved one will know in advance that a professional has been brought in, and will be invited to attend. The team is present, prepared with treatment plan options, and the interventionist leads the conversation. Our willingness to help your loved one is not limited to the invitation model. Often, things don’t go exactly as planned. We will adjust and use whatever strategies needed to appropriately support you and the person of concern.
Treatment Placement and Follow-Up Support
If our plan includes out of the area care, we will handle all of the logistics, including travel and accommodations. We will stay in touch with you and the program as needed to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. If the person of concern does not engage or refuses help, we’ll keep working with you and your loved one offering coaching and support.
Testimonials
Donnie was invaluable to our family. He provided counsel, support and knowledge that allowed us to find a path towards recovery for my son. Donnie went above and beyond, and his caring and experience made a real difference.
As a daughter, I’ve had a front-row seat to the way my dad approaches intervention work—with compassion, honesty, and a deep respect for healthy boundaries. He doesn’t just talk about accountability and change; he models those things in his own life and relationships. I’ve seen firsthand how his ability to have difficult conversations while still leading with love can make a lasting impact. My Dad and this process saved my life.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Donnie for many years and have seen firsthand the compassion, integrity, and commitment he brings to helping individuals and families affected by addiction. He is a trusted servant in this fight—someone who meets people where they are, leads with heart, and never loses sight of the person behind the struggle. I’m proud to call him both a colleague and a friend.
Donnie is the consummate professional in the recovery space. He understands all the intricacies of addiction treatment, Intervention and Recovery. I would trust him without hesitation with a loved one of my own. Donnie brings an unparalleled passion and sense of purpose to every interaction and never gives up even when the going gets hard. I rate him as one of the best in the field and highly recommend his services.
About
Hello,
I am Alaska Intervention Specialists’ (AIS) Founder Donnie Schwendeman.
I am dedicated to providing intervention services for all, and especially in Alaska. We are Alaska’s only local and reliable resource. My expert team is a collective of professionals who are dedicated to supporting families through various stages of substance use and mental health challenges. Our ability to help families is not limited to the 49th State, but Alaskans will always come first. I am personally involved with providing or overseeing every phase of AIS services.
I am a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP) with over two decades of experience in assessing and referring individuals to appropriate care. I was grandfathered into the CIP credential when it was first created in 2013. Professionals (like myself) who earned the previously recognized Board Registered Interventionist (BRI), were offered this one-time opportunity. I am the 18th professional ever to obtain and maintain the CIP credential.