The Recovery Doula course is a core competency course that prepares individuals to provide full-spectrum birth and postpartum support to families navigating behavioral health challenges.

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Recovery Doula - At a Glance

 

Eligibility:            

Montana resident, 18+, High school diploma or GED preferred; lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery.

State certification as a Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist (CBHPSS) or willingness to cross-certify.

Format:

A year-long program blending online learning, group collaboration, and hands-on in-person training.

2 initial in-person training days + 2 in-person skills days mid-program.

Weekly 1-hour didactic online modules for ~50 weeks, plus supplemental readings and assignments.

Attendance at three births and postpartum care for two families as part of practicum.

Cost:

$2,500 for full certification (scholarships available to cover cost and CBHPSS cross-certification)

Enrollment:     

2025 -2026 Opening soon. Course launch in October 

Credential:

Certification as a Recovery Doula (aligned with emerging Montana state certification standards).

Recovery Doula Overview

The Recovery Doula course is a year-long certification course developed by One Health of Montana with input from subject matter experts. The course trains participants to serve as full-spectrum birth workers supporting families impacted by behavioral health challenges. The curriculum covers state certification competencies in prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum care with a focus on trauma-informed support and recovery principles.

What You’ll Learn

  • Full-Spectrum Doula Care: Support families through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum transitions.

  • Behavioral Health Integration: Address the unique needs of families affected by substance use or mental health challenges.

  • Practical Birth Support Skills: Apply hands-on comfort measures, coaching, and postpartum follow-up care.

  • Ethics & Professional Standards: Follow state certification competencies, including confidentiality and trauma-informed practices.

  • Community Resources & Referrals: Connect families with behavioral health and social service supports in their communities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to work as certified recovery doula in:

  • Community health organizations

  • Behavioral health and recovery programs

  • Maternal health clinics and hospital perinatal units

  • Tribal health and family support programs

This course meets the core competency course requirement for the workforce development program, Montana Family Support Program. 

How to Enroll

This course is ideal for Montana residents who want to serve birthing and postpartum families impacted by behavioral health or substance use and are able to commit to 12 months of course engagment to complete.

Registration managed by One Health of Montana and is open to all interested participants meeting eligibility requirements.

Interested individuals can contact Pamela Ponich, Perinatal Program Manager, at pam.ponich@onechc.org for more information. 

 

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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