Telepsychiatry in Juneau

Juneau is distinguished as the only United States capital city that is inaccessible by road, requiring all travel to and from the community to occur by sea or air. It is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier, a massive tongue of ice located within the city limits that flows from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. As a hub for Southeast Alaska, the city is a focal point for Alaska Native culture and legislative activity.

The site of Juneau was originally used as a fishing ground by the Auke and Taku Tlingit tribes for thousands of years. Gold was discovered in 1880 by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris with the guidance of Tlingit Chief Kowee, leading to the establishment of the town and several large-scale mining operations. In 1906, it became the capital of Alaska, succeeding Sitka as the seat of government during the territorial era.

As the state capital, government service is the primary economic driver, with several thousand employees working for state, federal, and local agencies. Tourism plays a critical seasonal role, centered on the cruise ship industry that brings over one million visitors annually to the downtown docks. The region also supports commercial fishing and gold mining at the Greens Creek Mine, diversifying the local labor market and supporting a consistent year-round population.

Nature enthusiasts frequently visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center or hike the extensive trail systems through the Tongass National Forest. The Mount Roberts Tramway provides a scenic ride to panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel, while the Alaska State Museum offers deep dives into regional history and indigenous art. Residents also participate in seasonal whale watching, salmon fishing in Auke Bay, and various educational programs at the University of Alaska Southeast.