Concord, NH
Passages Alaska paused operations January 22, 2026: excerpt from email
"Over the winter months, we are stepping back to take a careful look at our systems, our structures, and our ways of doing things, asking what’s working well, what could be stronger, and how we can better support the students, families, and staff who place their trust in us. This is a wonderful time of reflection, refinement, and recommitment to doing this work with integrity and intention. I can look back and absolutely say that I am truly pleased with where things stand and the direction that we are taking.
During this past year, we’ve also become more engaged with our local community. One meaningful highlight was a ten-day young ladies program developed and led by Eva, our Director of Operations, who has been with us since we began, which we were able to offer at no cost to a group of local girls. It was a powerful and encouraging experience, and we were grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way. Now looking ahead with curiosity and hope to the possibility of expanding our program to include a regular young ladies group in the future."
Sean Tomkinson, LCSW Passages Alaska
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Passages Alaska is a unique wilderness therapy program in Southeast Alaska, closer than you think. A two-hour flight from Seattle and a short hop from Ketchikan to Prince of Wales Island. Our operating area is the pristine northwest coast of Prince of Wales Island and is truly a world-class eco-touring destination. Whales, sea otters, bald eagles, and a host of other wildlife help to facilitate our therapeutic interventions. Owned and operated by clinician Sean Tomkinson, LCSW, who is also a Coast Guard Captain and Fishing Guide. Our groups travel by canoe and enjoy amenities that won't fit in a backpack. Passages Alaska serves adolescent males aged 14-17 and young adults aged 18-24 in gender-specific groups, with a 2:1 student-to-staff ratio. Passages Alaska program is 8–12 weeks. The program uses a 280-page proprietary curriculum book blending "woods and water wisdom."
The "weekly cadence"
- Minimum of 2 individual therapy sessions per week
- Weekly group session led by the clinician
- Nightly "Truth Circle" (peer process group after dinner)
- Daily guide-led check-in evaluating group interaction, goal progress, and mood
- Weekly parent forum led by the clinician
- Weekly family calls, plus Marco Polo app for asynchronous parent-student video dialogue
Sutton Enterprises handles their marketing and organizes trips to Alaska for referring professionals.
