Behavioral Health Academy alumni group

How To Apply

Follow these steps if you’re currently enrolled in a master’s social work or mental health counseling program at one of BHA's educational program partners and are interested in applying to the Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health Behavioral Health Academy™.

If you would like more information about enrolling in a BHA affiliated program, please contact us through our online form.

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Timeline

Currently enrolled students apply for the Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health Behavioral Health Academy™ in the semester before their final year of graduate school. The Behavioral Health Academy (BHA) is currently structured for a 2-semester experience, with cohorts starting in August or January.

Students will contact their school’s field coordinator to ensure they are on the pathway for dual-licensure curriculum and will receive the Behavioral Health Academy syllabus with the dates for the required Friday group supervision and training meetings. These Friday meetings are held virtually, connecting students and agencies across the state.

Process

  • The student will contact the field coordinator at their university.
  • The student will submit their resume to their university field coordinator for submission to the Behavioral Health Academy and will complete a virtual interview. Students may be required to complete a second, live interview for final placement decisions.
  • Students will receive final decision on Behavioral Health Academy acceptance and placement opportunities.
  • Accepted students will complete agency and Behavioral Health Academy orientations prior to the first week of classes in the semester placement begins.
  • Behavioral Health Academy students receive a stipend at the end of each successfully completed semester of placement.

Behavioral Health Academy Format

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Curriculum

Curriculum at university partners meets state requirements for dual licensure

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Practicum Experience

Co-occurring field placement experience (2-semester internship/practicum)

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Supervision

Virtual Friday group supervision and training

Curriculum

Our university partners work with the Professional Licensing Boards to ensure their coursework meets the requirements for dual licensure in clinical addictions counseling along with the primary license in social work or mental health counseling. 

Practicums

Through observation, co-facilitation, and facilitation, students will gain exposure to the DSM and diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning, and documenting in the electronic medical records system at their placement agency. Students will gain experience in staffing client cases, balancing caseloads to meet agency standards including client contact hours or productivity, and agency culture.

Group Supervision

Students receive additional training in core evidence-based practices to build on university coursework. Students practice applying this knowledge through case conceptualizations and practicing the skills under each evidence-based intervention. Students learn and practice motivational interviewing as a foundation to all client work and receive an endorsement in Motivational Interviewing as recognition of this in-depth training. Students also receive support in the licensure application process and test preparation materials. Students completing the Behavioral Health Academy also have an opportunity for priority job interviews at their agency of placement.

BHA Presentations and Press