Behavioral Health Aides
The Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) is a counselor, educator, and advocate who addresses individual and community-based behavioral health needs, including substance abuse. BHAs seek to achieve balance in the community by integrating their sensitivity to cultural needs with specialized training in behavioral health concerns and culturally appropriate, trauma-informed approaches to treatment.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Provide culturally appropriate individual and group counseling
- Conduct standardized mental health assessments and screenings
- Offer crisis intervention and support
- Implement evidence based and promising practice substance use prevention and treatment programs
- Facilitate whole-person behavioral health education to improve health outcomes
Training and Certification
Core Education
- Understanding Mental Health and Substance Abuse: BHAs gain knowledge about various mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and their impact on individuals and communities.
- Cultural Sensitivity: BHAs learn to be culturally aware and responsive to the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
- Basic Counseling Skills: They develop skills in active listening, communication, and providing support to individuals in need.
- Crisis Intervention:
BHAs are trained to recognize and respond to crisis situations, including suicidal ideation and substance abuse emergencies. - Community Resources:
- They learn about and connect individuals with relevant community resources and support services.
- Ethical Considerations: BHAs are educated on ethical principles and boundaries in the context of behavioral health care.
Core Training
- Understanding Mental Health Conditions: Learning about risk factors, warning signs, and the impact of various mental health and substance use disorders.
- Developing Intervention Skills: Gaining the ability to recognize distress, offer support, and connect individuals with professional help.
- Crisis Intervention: Learning how to respond to both crisis and non-crisis situations, including providing support during emergencies.
- Community Resources: Understanding available resources in the community, such as support groups, treatment facilities, and other relevant services.
Certification Requirements
- Successful demonstration of clinical competencies
- Completion of Clinical Preceptorship
- Recertification every two years with continuing education
- Knowledge and Skills Competency Checklist Completed
Impact and Benefits
- Improved access to culturally informed behavioral health care
- Reduction of behavioral health disparities in Native communities
- Enhanced behavioral health awareness and prevention
- Reduced waiting times
