About the Behavioral Health Aide Program in Alaska
The Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) Program is part of Alaska’s
Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), building a community-based
behavioral health workforce grounded in Alaska Native values.
Counselor in Every Village
The Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) Program was created by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in 2009 to expand access to behavioral health services in rural Alaska. Built on the Community Health Aide Program model, it supports the “counselor‑in‑every‑village” vision and responds to priorities identified by Tribal Health Organizations, including domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use, suicide, and historical trauma.
The program strengthens the statewide behavioral health workforce by expanding training, developing clinical resources, and helping BHAs and BHA/Ps work toward certification through the CHAP Certification Board. It partners with Tribal and regional organizations to improve access to culturally grounded, community‑based behavioral health care across Alaska.
The BHA Model Today
The Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) Program develops a community‑based behavioral health workforce grounded in Alaska Native values. BHAs are trusted local providers who offer prevention, education, case management, crisis support, and recovery services—bringing compassionate care closer to home.
Blending Western training with culturally informed approaches, BHAs support individuals and families through challenges like grief, trauma, depression, substance use, and suicide risk. Their deep cultural understanding makes their care effective and relationship‑driven.
With a tiered certification pathway (BHA I–III and BHA Practitioner), the program creates clear career growth and strengthens integrated tribal health teams, improving behavioral health access in more than 170 rural communities.
If you are interested in becoming a BHA, please connect with your Alaska Tribal Health Organization for potential vacancies.
What is a Behavioral Health Aide?
A Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) is a trained, trusted community member who provides behavioral health support within Alaska’s tribal health system. BHAs offer prevention, education, case management, crisis response, and recovery services, helping individuals and families navigate challenges close to home. Because they live in the communities they serve, BHAs bring cultural understanding, local knowledge, and strong relationships to their work—making care more accessible and more effective.
BHAs are part of integrated care teams and work under the supervision of licensed behavioral health professionals. Through a structured certification pathway, they build skills, advance in responsibility, and expand the services they can provide. Together, BHAs strengthen Alaska’s behavioral health system by ensuring people can receive compassionate, culturally grounded support right in their own communities.
BHA Support
Offer prevention and behavioral health education
Help identify concerns and connect people with appropriate care
Support clients with follow-up, case management, and navigation
Work alongside clinicians and care teams in tribal health settings