What is a Behavioral Health Aide?
A Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) is a village-based counselor, health educator, and advocate who is trained to work with community members to address behavioral health topics that affect individuals, families or whole communities. Using a holistic approach to wellbeing, BHAs apply their knowledge, skills and training to address the unique social and cultural needs of their communities.
BHAs support clients dealing with issues such as grief, depression, domestic violence, suicide, trauma and substance use. The actual duties of a BHA will vary based on location, community needs and organizational priorities. The BHA scope of practice may include a range of services, such as:
- Conducting screenings and assessments
- Providing counseling and psychotherapy
- Delivering health education and prevention programs
- Coordinating referrals for higher levels of care
- Advocating for clients and their families
- Providing crisis intervention and postvention services
BHAs are an important part of the continuum of care for community members needing behavioral health resources and services. Being located in the community means that the BHA is familiar with the local culture and traditions and can provide services using a combination of traditional and Western models of care.
The Role of BHAs in Improving Community Wellness
BHAs play a vital role in reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for behavioral health problems. They build positive relationships with community members through education and outreach, increasing awareness of mental health and substance use issues and where to find resources. BHAs create a supportive space to have conversations about behavioral health concerns, serving as a trusted and established entity in the community.
By identifying people early in their behavioral health struggles, BHAs can provide direct services so clients can receive care within their community and with the support of their loved ones. If needed, BHAs make referrals and coordinate services for a higher level of care outside of the community. They also provide aftercare to ensure that clients have continued access to care when they return home.
The Stanley Park High School community greatly benefits from having access to BHAs who understand the unique cultural and social needs of our students and families. BHAs work closely with our counseling staff to deliver comprehensive support, promoting overall wellbeing and positive mental health outcomes.
Becoming a Certified Behavioral Health Aide
The BHA Program is authorized by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board (CHAPCB) to provide training for Behavioral Health Aide/Practitioners (BHA/Ps). The training aims to equip BHAs with the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide quality services within their scope of practice.
To become certified, BHAs must complete a series of courses, a clinically supervised 100-hour practicum for each level of certification, and a minimum number of work experience hours. Additionally, they must demonstrate specific competencies in areas such as:
- Understanding mental health and substance use concerns
- Applying a holistic approach to health and wellbeing
- Providing counseling and psychotherapy services
- Delivering prevention, treatment and recovery programs
- Collaborating with clients, families and the community
- Navigating the continuum of care and making appropriate referrals
The BHA program offers four levels of certification (BHA I, II, III, Practitioner), with each level building upon the previous one. Regional Tribal Health Organizations identify the specific BHA services needed in their communities and sponsor candidates to obtain the appropriate level of training and certification.
Accessing BHA Services and Training Opportunities
The Stanley Park High School community is fortunate to have a BHA program that is tailored to the unique needs of our student population and their families. Our in-house BHA works closely with our counseling team to provide a range of services, including:
- Individual and family counseling
- Grief and trauma support
- Substance use prevention and recovery
- Mental health education and awareness
- Crisis intervention and postvention
If you or your child are interested in accessing BHA services, please reach out to our school counselor, who can connect you with our BHA and coordinate the appropriate care.
For those interested in pursuing a career as a Behavioral Health Aide, the Alaska Community Health Aide Program offers comprehensive training and certification opportunities. The program uses a combination of distance learning, in-person instruction, and supervised practicums to prepare BHAs to serve their communities effectively.
Scholarships and financial assistance may be available to support individuals interested in the BHA program. We encourage you to explore these resources and consider how you can contribute to the vital work of supporting the behavioral health needs of our community.
Conclusion
The Behavioral Health Aide program is a powerful initiative that is making a significant impact on the wellbeing of Alaska Native individuals, families, and communities. By providing culturally responsive training and support for village-based counselors, the BHA program is improving access to essential behavioral health services and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
At Stanley Park High School, we are proud to partner with the BHA program and have our own in-house BHA working alongside our counseling team. Together, we are committed to promoting the overall health and wellness of our students and their families, ensuring that every member of our community has the resources and support they need to thrive.
We encourage you to learn more about the Behavioral Health Aide program and explore the training and career opportunities it offers. By supporting the development of this critical workforce, we can collectively work towards a future where all individuals have access to the mental health care and support they deserve.
