Alaska Behavioral Aide Program (AK BHA)

WICHE’s BHP is conducting descriptive research on the Alaska Behavioral Health Aide Program (AK BHA). Through the project funded by a National Institutes of Health research grant, WICHE’s BHP collaborates with the Northwest Indian College, the Center for Alaska Native Health Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to describe and evaluate the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s innovative approach to training behavioral health aides (BHA). The AK BHA provides training and education to village-based counselors, increasing the workforce in remote areas. This three-phase research project will support the long-term goal of gathering evidence on the effectiveness of the AK BHA program in building local capacity for place-based behavioral health services in rural and remote American Indian and Alaska Native community settings.

Alaska Psychiatric Institute – Regulatory Compliance

WICHE’s BHP was selected through a competitive bidding process to assist the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) in maintaining compliance with regulating agencies through review of policies, health information management, infection control, milieu management, risk management, medical staff credentialing, pharmacy practices, and life safety code and environment of care.

Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium (AK-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) contracts with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Behavioral Health, and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, to support the Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium (AK-PIC) to complete the training of students enrolled at the University of Alaska’s doctoral program in clinical community psychology, as well as other psychology doctoral students who wish to train and work in Alaska.

Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH)

For more of WICHE’s projects in Alaska, see the state factsheet.

Arizona Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Training

WICHE’s BHP also collaborates with Mercy Care Arizona to support the expansion of competence and evidence-based practices in trauma informed treatment.

Avondale Elementary School District Re-Accreditation Assistance

Maricopa County Public Behavioral Health System

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) partners with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to support fidelity reviews of four evidence-based practices (EPBs) in the Maricopa County Public Behavioral Health System. These four evidence based practices are also being reviewed by WICHE’s BHP across the balance of the state.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Arizona, see the state factsheet.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in California, see the state factsheet.

Colorado Crisis Professional Curriculum – Technical Assistance

Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC)

MP ROTAC develops and shares resources, training, and technical assistance focused on opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas in Region 8. This is funded through a multiyear grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rural Behavioral Health Initiative

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Colorado, see the state factsheet.

Behavioral Health Aides Training Certification

The WICHE BHP is supporting the development of a partnership between the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and the Pacific Behavioral Health Collabortating Council (PBHCC). Through this partnership, PBHCC will become the certifying body for Behavioral Health Aides, a training program that will prepare indigenous, community-based behavioral health workers. The WICHE BHP will continue to support the development of this program, which is expected to provide strong benefits to Pacific communities through increased availability of behavioral health care. The first cohort of four learners began in January 2026 and will continue through FY 2027.

Technical Assistance

For the past several years, WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program has provided substantial benefits and technical assistance across the region. This includes the development of undergraduate and graduate opportunities and articulation agreements with other innovative efforts that can help to meet critical workforce needs of the region.

Guam Behavioral Health Workforce

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Health Sciences Center and Department of Psychiatry leadership, along with WICHE Commissioner Barbara Damron (NM), immediate Past Chair, and Professor emeritus and Visiting Professor of Nursing, University of New Mexico Health Sciences College of Nursing, is collaborating with the WICHE BHP to establish a psychiatry residency rotation in Guam to help address psychiatric workforce needs.

Guam Psychology Internship Consortium (GU-PIC)

The WICHE Guam Psychology Internship Consortium (Guam-PIC) aims to prepare, train, and retain psychologists to provide culturally competent collaborative health care for the underserved and diverse people of Guam. This 12-month, in-person, full-time internship program offers two positions with a generous stipend. Accredited by the American Psychology Association (APA) in 2025, the Guam-PIC is a collaborative effort of two agencies — Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) and Guam’s Department of Corrections (DOC).

For more of WICHE’s projects in Guam, see the Guam factsheet.

Hawai’i Department of Education: Recruitment of Clinical Psychologists Project

Under a contract with the Hawai’i Department of Education (HI DOE), WICHE’s BHP subcontracts with licensed and unlicensed psychologists to provide clinical services for the West Hawai’i School Based Behavioral Health Program (WHSBBH) program.

Hawai’i Department of Education: Recruitment for School-based Behavioral Health Professionals

The Hawai‘i Department of Education (HI DOE) contracts with WICHE’s BHP to recruit and screen School-based Behavioral Health and School Social Worker professionals and facilitate their application to positions within the West Hawai’i School Based Behavioral Health Program (WHSBBH).

Hawai’i Psychology Internship Consortium (HI-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) partners with the Hawai‘i Department of Education, the Hawai’i Department of Health, and Hawai’i Department of Public Safety provide funding to support the WICHE Behavioral Health Program’s (BHP) ongoing development and operations of the Hawai’i Psychology Internship Consortium (HI-PIC) with numerous sites participating in the internship. A primary goal of the internship is to increase the number of psychologists in Hawai‘i and build the state’s behavioral health workforce.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Hawai’i, see the state factsheet.

Idaho Psychology Internship Consortium (Idaho-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) works with partner agencies to develop a broad and relevant training program to support the preparation and retention of doctoral-level psychologists through the Idaho Psychology Internship Consortium (ID-PIC). BHP facilitates the program’s development, ensures it meets American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation standards, and assists in the accreditation process. In November 2023, the APA granted the ID-PIC full APA accreditation for three years.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Idaho, see the state factsheet.

Montana PACT Fidelity Reviews

The WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) provides consultation and technical assistance to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division regarding implementation of its Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT). The BHP’s Fidelity Review team also conducts fidelity assessments of PACT programs in Montana using a modified tool that is based on the SAMHSA evidence-based practice of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT).

Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC)

MP ROTAC develops and shares resources, training, and technical assistance focused on opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas in Region 8. This is funded through a multiyear grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Montana, see the state factsheet.

Nevada Psychology Internship Consortium (NV-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) supports the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health for the ongoing operations and accreditation of the Nevada Psychology Internship Consortium (NV-PIC), which aims to increase the number of psychologists in Nevada and build the state’s behavioral health workforce.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Nevada, see the state factsheet.

New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortium (NM-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) works with partner agencies to develop a broad and relevant training program to support the preparation and retention of doctoral-level psychologists through the New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortium (NM-PIC). WICHE’s BHP facilitates the program’s development, ensures it meets American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation standards, and assists in the accreditation process.

For more of WICHE’s projects in New Mexico, see the state factsheet.

Sanford Psychology Internship Consortium (SH-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP), along with the leadership of Sanford Health, provides a broad training program to support the preparation and retention of doctoral level psychologists in North Dakota and Minnesota. WICHE’s BHP ensures the Sanford Psychology Internship Consortium meets the accreditation requirements of the American Psychological Association, provides technical assistance, and supports the internship program administratively. Sanford has a large national footprint, and it is a leading agency in the advancement of integrated health services (physical and behavioral health).

Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC)

MP ROTAC develops and shares resources, training, and technical assistance focused on opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas in Region 8. This is funded through a multiyear grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in North Dakota, see the state factsheet.

Oregon State Hospital Psychology Internship Program (OSH-PIP)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) continues to assist the Oregon State Hospital Psychology Internship Program (OSH-PIP) by providing support for the internship website.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Oregon, see the state factsheet.

Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC)

MP ROTAC develops and shares resources, training, and technical assistance focused on opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas in Region 8. This is funded through a multiyear grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

South Dakota IMPACT Fidelity Reviews and Training

WICHE’s BHP provides consultation and technical assistance to the South Dakota Division of Behavioral Health regarding the implementation of their Individualized Mobile Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (IMPACT). This work includes conducting quality assurance reviews of IMPACT programs using a modified tool that is based on the SAMHSA evidence-based practice of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) as well as ongoing technical assistance to IMPACT teams on the delivery of services.

South Dakota Internship Consortium (SD-PIC)

WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program (BHP) partners with the Human Services Center (HSC) and Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Services (LCBHS) to develop the South Dakota Psychology Internship Consortium (SD-PIC). WICHE’s BHP ensures the program meets the accreditation requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA), provides technical assistance, and supports the internship program through the accreditation process.

For more of WICHE’s projects in South Dakota, see the state factsheet.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC)

MP ROTAC develops and shares resources, training, and technical assistance focused on opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas in Region 8. This is funded through a multiyear grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Utah Psychology Internship Consortium (UT-PIC)

With support from the Utah Medical Education Council, WICHE’s BHP worked with partner agencies to develop a broad and locally relevant training program to support the preparation and retention of doctoral-level psychologists in Utah. WICHE’s BHP is providing consulting services to the Utah Psychology Internship Consortium (UT-PIC) to assist in its re-accreditation process and completing a self-study in preparation for its American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation site visit.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Utah, see the state factsheet.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

Washington Health Care Authority Digital Behavioral Health Project

For more of WICHE’s projects in Washington, see the state factsheet.

Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC)

MP ROTAC develops and shares resources, training, and technical assistance focused on opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas in Region 8. This is funded through a multiyear grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

RCORP is a multiyear initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify treatment barriers and best practices for preventing and treating substance use disorder.

For more of WICHE’s projects in Wyoming, see the state factsheet.