Behavioral Health Training Program
This Program is currently FULL for the 2024/2025 academic year. Check back in September 2025 for Program availability.
The Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program is a workforce development program focused on preparing paraprofessionals to support youth and young adults facing behavioral health challenges, with an emphasis on trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training
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Eligibility: |
Montana resident, 18+, High school diploma or GED preferred; employer sponsorship required for the 25-hour supervised practicum and a commitment to supporting youth and families impacted by substance use disorders. |
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Format: |
A mix of online and live coursework plus a 25-hour supervised experience, 6 months to finish. |
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Cost: |
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Enrollment: |
Rolling admission basis |
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Credential: |
Certificate of completion from Montana State University |
Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training
Overview
The Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training Program is a comprehensive, six-month workforce development initiative designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles supporting children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth impacted by behavioral health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.. Through a layered, practical training model, participants gain real-world experience and essential skills to work as behavioral health paraprofessionals in communities across Montana.
The program is composed of two components:
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Core Competency Course Please note that some Core Competency Courses require employee sponsorship and the completion of supervised experience. |
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Developmental Training Sessions |
This program places a special emphasis on supporting children, adolescents, and young adults who have experienced trauma and are at risk for behavioral health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion, a stipend, and the opportunity to pursue a 2,000-hour behavioral health apprenticeship for continued experience and advancement.
What You’ll Learn
Through this program, participants develop real-world knowledge and skills to begin
a career supporting behavioral health across Montana. Training includes:
- Foundational Behavioral Health Knowledge: Complete a core certification aligned with your interests and career goals
- Behavioral Health Foundations: Explore trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, motivational interviewing, and
person-centered support
- Development Training: Expand your skillset with topics like naloxone training, peer support integration,
and telebehavioral health
- Youth & Trauma Focus: Gain specialized understanding of youth behavioral health needs and trauma recovery
strategies
- Workforce Readiness: Build communication, collaboration, and professional conduct for success in behavioral health roles
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Behavioral Health Training Program are well-prepared to begin careers in behavioral health roles across Montana, particularly in rural, underserved, and tribal communities. The training opens doors to employment in clinics, hospitals, schools, peer-run organizations, and social service agencies.
This program is an ideal entry point into a fast-growing and meaningful field, with
growing demand for paraprofessionals who understand trauma, youth mental health, and
culturally responsive care.
In addition to earning a certificate and stipend, graduates gain access to career development resources and the option to continue into a 2,000-hour apprenticeship for further hands-on experience and advancement.
How to Enroll
Enrollment occurs on a rolling basis.
Program start date is typically determined by which Core Competency Course is selected.
*Some Core Competency Courses require employee sponsorship, which must be secured prior to enrollment.
Questions
For more information or to find out
how you or your organization can get involved, please contact:
Beth Ann Carter
Assistant Director, Behavioral Health Workforce
📧 beth.carter@montana.edu | 📞 406-925-1261
