From entry-level technician to advanced practitioner — a progressive credentialing pathway for counselors serving Alaskans across mental health, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
Credential Levels
ACBHC's BH track offers a progressive credentialing structure — from first entry into the field to advanced-practice recognition, with a dedicated pathway honoring Alaska Native healing traditions.
Continuing Education
All BH certifications require 40 continuing education hours per 2-year renewal cycle. CEUs must come from ACBHC-approved providers or receive prior written approval.
6 hours — Ethics & Professional Standards
6 hours — Mental Health Fundamentals or Counseling Theory
6 hours — Trauma-Informed Care or Co-occurring Disorders
22 hours — Elective: behavioral health, cultural competency, substance use, or crisis intervention
6 hours — Ethics & Professional Standards
6 hours — Evidence-Based Practice or Clinical Treatment Models
6 hours — Advanced Clinical Topics (ABHC only)
22 hours — Elective: cultural competency, trauma, indigenous healing, or co-occurring disorders
6 hours — Ethics & Professional Standards
Culturally grounded content accepted — traditional healing practices, community wellness, and indigenous knowledge systems
34 hours — Contact ACBHC to confirm which activities qualify for traditional counselors
Training must come from an ACBHC-approved provider or receive prior written approval before attendance
Online, hybrid, and in-person formats are all accepted
Log and upload CEU certificates through your portal account — the tracker generates your CEU list automatically
College coursework may substitute (3-credit course ≈ 45 CEUs) with prior approval
Track your CEUs in your portal account. Log hours, upload completion certificates, and monitor progress toward renewal in one place. Email reminders are sent automatically before your renewal date. Questions? Contact us at acbhc@akcertification.org or (907) 332-4333.
What You'll Need
All documents are submitted digitally through the ACBHC secure portal — no paper mail accepted. Have everything ready before starting your application.
📄 Initial Certification
Log in to the ACBHC portal and complete the application form for your level (BHT, BHC I, BHC II, ABHC, or Traditional Counselor) directly online.
Required — All LevelsOfficial transcripts from all accredited institutions, showing degree conferral or applicable coursework for your credential level. Not required for BHT or Traditional Counselor nominations.
Required — BHC I, II, ABHCA detailed log of all supervised work experience using the ACBHC standard hours form. Must be signed and verified by your qualifying clinical supervisor.
Required — BHT, BHC I, II, ABHCA signed letter from your qualified supervisor confirming your work hours, areas of practice, and professional competency at the applied credential level.
Required — BHT, BHC I, II, ABHCCompleted matrix matching your education and experience to ACBHC standards. Available on the Forms page — select the version for your credential level.
Required — BHC I, II, ABHCAttestation of understanding ACBHC's barrier crime policy. Certain criminal histories may require additional review documentation.
Required — All LevelsFor Traditional Counselor applicants only — a formal nomination letter from a tribal organization, Alaska Native community, or recognized cultural authority attesting to the applicant's healing practice and standing.
Required — Traditional Counselor🔄 Renewal & Recertification
Complete the renewal application for your credential level. Available in your portal account when your renewal window opens — 90 days before expiration.
RequiredUpload certificates from all approved continuing education activities completed during your renewal period, satisfying required hours and topic minimums for your level.
Required — All LevelsA completed ACBHC CEU log summarizing all training activities, providers, dates, and hours. Your portal's CEU tracker can generate this automatically.
RequiredSignature confirming continued adherence to the ACBHC Code of Ethics (2025 edition). Completed through your portal at time of renewal submission.
RequiredOnly required if there has been a significant change in your employment status, practice setting, or supervision arrangement since your last certification period.
ConditionalPaid securely via Stripe at submission. Refer to the current ACBHC Fee Schedule on the Forms page for renewal amounts by credential level.
RequiredApplying for a higher level (e.g., BHC I → BHC II) requires additional documents — updated transcripts, a new hours log, and a fresh supervisor verification letter. Contact ACBHC staff before submitting to confirm exactly what you'll need.
Application Process
The ACBHC application process is fully digital — no paper forms, no mailing anything. Here's exactly what to expect.
Log in to your ACBHC portal account and fill out the BH application form for your credential level directly online.
Use the matrix to confirm your education and supervised hours meet the standard for your credential level.
Log in and upload all documents through your secure ACBHC dashboard. No mail accepted.
Submit your fee securely via Stripe. Your application isn't complete until payment is confirmed.
Staff review your packet and route it to a Commissioner. Track status live in your portal.
Upon approval, your official certificate is delivered via Adobe Express to download or share.
Create a free ACBHC portal account to access forms, upload documents, and track your application status in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Behavioral Health Track is designed for practitioners whose primary work spans mental health, trauma, and co-occurring disorders more broadly — not exclusively substance use. BH credentials use the BHT/BHC/ABHC designations, have their own education and supervised hours requirements, and include a unique Traditional Counselor pathway honoring Alaska Native healing practices. Some practitioners hold credentials in both tracks.
Degrees in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, nursing (with behavioral health emphasis), public health, and similar disciplines are generally considered related fields. If you're unsure whether your degree qualifies, contact ACBHC staff at acbhc@akcertification.org before beginning your application — staff can confirm eligibility.
Traditional Counselor certification is a nomination-based pathway recognizing Alaska Native individuals whose healing knowledge and community practice meet a cultural standard rather than a formal academic one. A tribal organization, village council, or recognized Alaska Native cultural authority must submit a formal nomination letter on the applicant's behalf. Contact ACBHC directly for nomination guidelines — this pathway has its own form and review process.
Review timelines depend on application volume and completeness of your packet. Complete applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks. Incomplete submissions are returned with notes, which may extend the timeline. Track your status in real time through your portal account.
ACBHC evaluates out-of-state and national behavioral health certifications on a case-by-case basis. Existing credentials may fulfill portions of ACBHC requirements. Contact staff to discuss reciprocity or equivalency options before submitting your application.
Your renewal window opens 90 days before your certification expiration date. You will receive email reminders through your portal account. Log in, navigate to your certification dashboard, and follow the renewal prompts. All CEU certificates must be logged and uploaded before your renewal is considered complete.
If your certification expires, you may no longer use your credential title until reinstated. You may apply for reinstatement within a grace period by submitting a renewal application, required CEUs, and any applicable late fees. After an extended lapse, you may be required to reapply as a new applicant. Contact ACBHC as soon as possible if your credential has lapsed.
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