🗓 Revised April 21, 2026
📧 acbhc@akcertification.org
📞 (907) 332-4333
ALASKA COMMISSION FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CERTIFICATION
Online Educational Resources
Free and low-cost continuing education, training, and professional development
opportunities approved for ACBHC-certified professionals — organized by category
with cost, CE credit availability, and Alaska-specific relevance.
opportunities approved for ACBHC-certified professionals — organized by category
with cost, CE credit availability, and Alaska-specific relevance.
🏔
Alaska-Specific Resources
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
Alaska-Specific
Funding & Resources
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is the state's primary funder and policy advocate for Alaskans with mental illness, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. The Trust funds training, workforce development, and programs that support behavioral health professionals across the state.
- Funds and promotes training and workforce development initiatives statewide
- Publishes policy reports and data relevant to Alaska's behavioral health landscape
- Information on Trust Beneficiary programs and funded services
Alaska Youth and Family Network (AYFN)
Alaska-Specific
Youth & Family Focus
The Alaska Youth and Family Network (AYFN) is a statewide organization that promotes a system of care approach for children, youth, and families with behavioral health needs. AYFN provides training, resources, and advocacy for professionals working with young people in Alaska.
- Training and resources focused on youth behavioral health and family-centered care
- System of care framework and wraparound training opportunities
- Statewide network connecting professionals across Alaska
Faces and Voices of Recovery Alaska
Alaska-Specific
Recovery Advocacy & Support
Faces and Voices of Recovery is a national advocacy organization with Alaska-specific resources that support recovery community organizations and peer-based services. This is an important resource for professionals working in or alongside Alaska's recovery community.
- Resources for recovery community organizations and peer recovery support specialists
- Advocacy tools and training for recovery-oriented systems of care
- Alaska-specific resources and connections to the national recovery movement
Nine Star Education & Employment Services
Alaska-Specific
Workforce Development & Employment Services
Nine Star Education & Employment Services is an Anchorage-based nonprofit whose mission is to help Alaskans get a job, keep a job, and advance on the job. Through its Center for Workforce Excellence (CfWE) and employment case management programs, Nine Star supports workforce readiness, professional development, and employment stability — areas of direct relevance to behavioral health professionals and the clients they serve.
- Professional development and workforce training through the Center for Workforce Excellence (CfWE), with locations in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley
- Career readiness programs supporting employment preparation, job placement, and advancement
- Academic readiness and education services to strengthen foundational skills for career growth
- Employment case management through Youth Services and Work Services programs
- Serves as a community partner resource for professionals working with clients navigating employment and housing stability
🎓
TNR Training Academy
⭐ Featured — Alaska-Specific
TNR Training Academy
Alaska-Specific
Professional Development
Peer Support & Recovery
The TNR Training Academy offers professional development training designed to support Alaska's behavioral health workforce. In 2025, the Academy scheduled 4 trainings and saw 113 total registrations — with strong participation especially among Recovery Counselors, Peer Support Specialists, and Case or Residential Managers. Approximately 90% of participants were based in Alaska, reflecting the Academy's meaningful impact on the state's behavioral health workforce.
- Broad reach across behavioral health roles, with strong engagement from peer support and case management professionals
- Statewide focus — 90% of 2025 participants were Alaska-based
- Upcoming trainings and registration available online year-round
- Directly supports ACBHC-certified professionals and those pursuing certification
📌 Note: View upcoming training schedules and register at tnrak.org/training-academy/. The Academy's continued growth reflects a strong and growing commitment to professional development among Alaska's behavioral health workforce.
✅
ACBHC-Approved Trainings
ANTHC Behavioral Health Aide Training Center
Free & Low-Cost
Alaska-Specific
In-Person, Zoom & Online
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Behavioral Health Aide Training Center offers one of the most important and Alaska-specific training pathways available. Classes are open to all behavioral health professionals — not just BHAs — and cover foundational and advanced topics relevant to working in Alaska's communities.
- Open to all behavioral health professionals statewide
- Topics include substance use, suicide prevention, cultural responsiveness, and trauma
- Many trainings are free or offered at low cost
- Particularly valuable for those working in rural, remote, and Alaska Native communities
💻
Online Learning & Continuing Education
NAADAC — The Association for Addiction Professionals
Free & Low-Cost
NAADAC CEs
Webinars & On-Demand
NAADAC is the premier national membership association for addiction counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused mental health professionals. Their education platform offers a broad and constantly updated catalog of webinars, online courses, and live training events — many free to members and low-cost to non-members.
- Free monthly webinar series covering evidence-based practices, ethics, co-occurring disorders, and more
- Annual Alaska Training Institute offering up to 17–20 CEs in a single event
- Self-paced on-demand courses available year-round
- NAADAC CEs are accepted by ACBHC for recertification
📌 Note: ACBHC-certified professionals are encouraged to join NAADAC for access to the full library of discounted training resources.
Northwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Northwest ATTC)
Free
NAADAC CEs
Alaska Region
The Northwest ATTC is the federally funded regional center serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. It is one of the most important national resources for Alaska's behavioral health workforce, offering free training, technical assistance, and consultation to addiction and behavioral health professionals throughout the region.
- Free monthly webinar series on peer support, evidence-based practices, Motivational Interviewing, and more
- Tribal Clinical Supervision Immersion Program designed for those working in Indigenous settings, including Alaska Native communities
- All trainings are free and most offer NAADAC-approved CEs
- Technical assistance and consultation available to organizations and individuals
📌 Note: As the federally designated ATTC for Alaska, this is the single most Alaska-relevant national training center for addiction professionals.
HealtheKnowledge.org — ATTC Network Online Learning Platform
Free & Low-Cost
NAADAC CEs
Self-Paced Online
HealtheKnowledge is the official online learning platform of the national ATTC Network and hosts hundreds of free and low-cost courses for behavioral health and addiction professionals. It is the go-to online destination for ATTC-produced training content, accessible from anywhere in Alaska.
- Courses include Motivational Interviewing, SBIRT, Contingency Management, Clinical Supervision, Stigma Reduction, and Cultural Competency
- Free registration; most courses are free or very low cost
- NAADAC-approved CE credits available for most courses
- Self-paced format ideal for rural and remote professionals
AllCEUs — Counseling Continuing Education
Low-Cost
NAADAC & Multi-Board Approved
500+ Courses
AllCEUs offers one of the most extensive and affordable libraries of continuing education courses for behavioral health and addiction counselors. With over 500 on-demand courses and flexible subscription pricing, it is an excellent option for ACBHC-certified professionals seeking affordable recertification credits.
- Courses cover addiction counseling, trauma-informed care, ethics, case management, peer support, and more
- NAADAC-approved, as well as approved by CCAPP and many state licensing boards
- Unlimited access subscription available at a low annual cost
- Instant certificate download upon course completion
SAMHSA — Practitioner Training & Resources
Free
Multiple CE Types
Broad Topic Coverage
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a wide array of free training resources for behavioral health and addiction professionals, including access to the ATTC Network, the Opioid Response Network (ORN), and the Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS).
Key SAMHSA Training Programs:
- Opioid Response Network (ORN) — opioidresponsenetwork.org — Free training and education on opioid, stimulant, and all substance use disorders. Particularly relevant given Alaska's opioid crisis.
- Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) — pcssmat.org — Free training, guidance, and mentoring for professionals working with patients on medication-assisted treatment (MAT/MOUD).
- SAMHSA Prevention Training Now — Interactive online training modules for substance misuse prevention practitioners.
- SAMHSA YouTube Channel — youtube.com/samhsa — Free educational videos on behavioral health topics.
Think Cultural Health — Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals
Free
4–5.5 CEs | NAADAC Approved
Alaska Native–Relevant
This free e-learning program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps behavioral health professionals increase their cultural and linguistic competency. Given Alaska's diverse Indigenous communities, this training is especially relevant for professionals working with Alaska Native populations.
- Free self-paced online course — no subscription required
- 4–5.5 contact hours approved for counselors, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers
- NAADAC-approved for CE credit
- Covers the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
📌 Note: Particularly recommended for professionals working with Alaska Native clients and communities.
SBIRT Online Training — Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment
Free Course
NAADAC & NASW Approved
CEs Available (Small Fee)
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) is a core evidence-based competency for behavioral health and primary care professionals. This free, self-paced online course from the University of Missouri–Kansas City provides comprehensive SBIRT training accessible to professionals anywhere in Alaska.
- 3-hour self-paced online course — free of charge
- CE credits available for a small administrative fee ($5/hour) — NAADAC, NASW, and nursing board approved
- Covers screening tools, brief intervention techniques, and referral processes
- Ideal for professionals integrating behavioral health and primary care
IRETA — Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions
Free
NAADAC & Social Work CEs
Webinars & Online Courses
IRETA offers free continuing education for addiction and behavioral health professionals through a robust catalog of webinars, online courses, and practical training resources. All courses are available online, making them accessible to professionals throughout Alaska.
- Free webinars and on-demand courses on addiction, co-occurring disorders, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support
- NAADAC-approved CE credits available at no cost
- Social Work CE credits also available
- Topics include workforce development, clinical skills, and organizational capacity building
IRETA — Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions
Free
NAADAC & Social Work CEs
Webinars & Online Courses
IRETA offers free continuing education for addiction and behavioral health professionals through a robust catalog of webinars, online courses, and practical training resources. All courses are available online, making them accessible to professionals throughout Alaska.
- Free webinars and on-demand courses on addiction, co-occurring disorders, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support
- NAADAC-approved CE credits available at no cost
- Social Work CE credits also available
- Topics include workforce development, clinical skills, and organizational capacity building
SMI Adviser — Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness
Free
NAADAC & Multi-Discipline CEs
On-Demand & Live
SMI Adviser is a SAMHSA-funded resource offering free on-demand and live continuing education for professionals working with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). For behavioral health professionals in Alaska who frequently serve clients with co-occurring SUD and SMI, this is an invaluable resource.
- Free CE courses searchable by credit type (NAADAC, NASW, nursing, psychology, psychiatry)
- Topics include psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, co-occurring SUD and SMI, and integrated care
- Ask-the-Expert consultation available for complex clinical cases
- Webinars, podcasts, and clinical tools all freely available
PESI — Continuing Education for Behavioral & Mental Health Professionals
Low-Cost
NAADAC Approved
Frequent Free Webinars
PESI is a nationally recognized continuing education provider offering expert-led training for behavioral health, addiction, and mental health professionals. While most courses involve a fee, PESI regularly offers free webinars and has competitive pricing on a broad catalog of evidence-based courses.
- NAADAC-approved courses in addiction, trauma, ethics, and mental health
- Regular free webinars available — check website for current schedule
- Live workshops, online courses, and certificate programs available
- Multi-license discounts available for organizations and agencies
NIDA — National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH)
Free
Research & Education
Video Resources
The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides science-based educational resources, research updates, and training materials for addiction professionals. NIDA's YouTube channel offers a substantial free video library on drug abuse, addiction science, and treatment research.
- Free access to research reports, clinical resources, and training materials
- NIDA YouTube Channel — youtube.com/user/NIDANIH — free educational video content
- NIDA for Teens and parent/educator resources — useful for prevention-focused practitioners
- Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies and evidence-based practice resources
🌿
Trauma, Resilience & Secondary Traumatic Stress
Trauma-informed practice and resilience-building are foundational competencies for Alaska's behavioral health workforce. The following resources represent the leading national organizations in these areas, with particular relevance for professionals working with Alaska Native communities, disaster-affected populations, and high-stress rural settings. Secondary traumatic stress resources are included given the significant burnout risk facing behavioral health professionals across Alaska.
NCTSN — National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Free
Multiple CE Types
Evidence-Based
Alaska Native–Relevant
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is the nation's leading resource on childhood trauma, jointly coordinated by UCLA and Duke University and funded by SAMHSA. NCTSN offers extensive free training, clinical tools, and resources for behavioral health professionals working with children, youth, and families who have experienced traumatic stress.
- Covers all major trauma types: adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), complex trauma, community violence, disasters, domestic violence, medical trauma, and refugee trauma
- Dedicated resources on Race-Based Trauma and Refugee Trauma — highly relevant for Alaska's diverse communities
- Trauma-Informed Care frameworks, organizational assessment tools, and family-centered resources
- Funded by SAMHSA and free to access for all behavioral health professionals
⭐ Featured Free Resource
NCTSN Learning Center — 300+ FREE CE Certificates
One of the most valuable free CE resources available to behavioral health professionals anywhere in the country. Registration is free and the platform hosts over 300 CE certificates, 200+ webinars, and 50+ speakers — all at no cost.
- 300+ free CE certificates upon course completion
- 200+ on-demand webinars covering trauma types, clinical interventions, special populations, and service systems
- Course categories include: Psychological First Aid & SPR, Military Families, Secondary Traumatic Stress, Clinical Training, and Service Systems
- Self-paced format accessible to professionals throughout rural and remote Alaska
⭐ Featured — 5 Free CEs
Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online — FREE, 5 CEs
PFA is the evidence-informed approach to supporting people in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, traumatic event, or crisis. This free 5-hour interactive course is especially relevant for Alaska's behavioral health professionals given the state's exposure to natural disasters, community trauma, and remote crisis response challenges.
- Free 5-hour self-paced online course — certificate of completion with 5 CEs awarded
- Covers the core actions of PFA and application across different post-disaster scenarios and survivor needs
- Includes guidance on provider well-being and self-care before, during, and after disasters
- Highly recommended for all behavioral health professionals in Alaska as a foundational disaster preparedness competency
⭐ Featured — 5 Free CEs
Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) Online — FREE, 5 CEs
SPR is the evidence-based follow-on to PFA, designed to help providers support survivors in building skills to manage distress and cope with post-disaster adversity. Like PFA, SPR Online is completely free with 5 CEs awarded upon completion.
- Free 5-hour self-paced online course — 5 CEs upon completion
- Designed for providers working with disaster and trauma survivors beyond the immediate crisis phase
- Covers problem-solving, positive activity scheduling, managing reactions, helpful thinking, and building social connections
- Directly applicable to Alaska's rural communities recovering from natural disasters, community loss, and ongoing adversity
⭐ Featured — Free
Secondary Traumatic Stress Resources
Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is an occupational hazard for all behavioral health professionals — and particularly acute for those working in Alaska's high-need, high-stress environments. NCTSN offers dedicated free resources to help organizations and individuals recognize and respond to STS.
- Self-care strategy guides for individual practitioners
- Organizational resources for supervisors and agency leaders on building trauma-resilient workplaces
- Full on-demand course: Secondary Traumatic Stress: Understanding the Impact on Professionals in Trauma-Exposed Workplaces — free with CE credit
- Especially recommended for professionals working in rural Alaska, child welfare, and community crisis response
📌 Note: Behavioral health professionals in Alaska face elevated STS risk due to workforce shortages, geographic isolation, high client acuity, and frequent exposure to community-level trauma. These resources are strongly recommended for all ACBHC-certified professionals and their supervisors.
NNCTC — National Native Children's Trauma Center
Free
Alaska Native–Specific
Training & Technical Assistance
NCTSN Member
The National Native Children's Trauma Center (NNCTC), based at the University of Montana, is an NCTSN member center and one of the most directly relevant trauma resources for Alaska's behavioral health workforce. Given Alaska's large Alaska Native population and the profound intergenerational trauma experienced in many communities, NNCTC training is essential for professionals working in or alongside Alaska Native communities.
- Training and technical assistance specifically designed for Native Nations, federal, state, and private agencies
- Addresses the impacts, prevention, and mitigation of childhood traumatic stress in American Indian and Alaska Native communities
- Available trainings include: Trauma and Resilience in Tribal Communities, Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self-Care, Cultivating Trauma-Responsive and Healing-Informed Tribal Child Welfare Programs, and Building Your Bounce: Promoting Adult Resilience
- Develops networks of trained educators, mental health providers, and community members able to meet the needs of AI/AN children experiencing traumatic stress
📌 Note: This is the most Alaska Native–specific trauma training resource available through the national NCTSN network and is particularly recommended for professionals working with Alaska Native children, youth, and families.
Resilience Research Centre (RCC) — Dr. Michael Ungar
Free Resources Available
Resilience Research & Tools
International Leader
Led by Dr. Michael Ungar, the Resilience Research Centre (RCC) at Dalhousie University has spent more than 15 years conducting innovative research that explores pathways to resilience across cultures. The RCC's social-ecological framework defines resilience as both the capacity of individuals to navigate their way to the resources they need, and the capacity of communities and systems to provide those resources in culturally meaningful ways — aligning deeply with Alaska Native community values and strengths-based approaches to wellness and recovery.
- Over 15 years of international resilience research across more than 40 countries
- Strong focus on cultural responsiveness — resilience is understood as community-defined, not individually imposed
- Training workshops, conferences, and the annual R2 Expert Training available for practitioners
- Free measurement tools, videos, and practical resources available for download
What Works Manual
A free, practical guide for designing programs that build resilience — ideal for human services professionals, community facilitators, counselors, and policymakers working in Alaska's diverse communities.
Free Resilience Assessment Tools (CYRM/ARM & RRM)
Downloadable, validated measurement tools for assessing resilience in children, youth, and adults — free for practitioners and researchers. Internationally validated and used in over 40 countries.
RCC Videos
Free educational videos featuring Dr. Ungar and RCC researchers on resilience theory, application, and research findings.
R2 Resilience Program (Paid Training)
The annual R2 Expert Training is offered virtually over four weeks and covers eight topics drawn from Dr. Ungar's three decades as a clinician and community researcher. Manuals are available for educational, workplace, and human services settings.
📌 Note: The Human Services manual is particularly applicable to ACBHC-certified professionals. The virtual format makes this accessible to Alaskan professionals regardless of location.
🤝
Professional Associations & Reference Resources
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Low-Cost
Multi-Discipline CEs
Members & Non-Members
The ACA offers continuing education for professional counselors across specializations, including addictions, mental health, and clinical practice. CE courses, webinars, and conference events are available to both members and non-members.
NASW Alaska — National Association of Social Workers, Alaska Chapter
Alaska-Specific
Social Work Focus
The Alaska chapter of the National Association of Social Workers provides professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities for social workers in Alaska, many of whom work in behavioral health and addiction services.
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Low-Cost
Research & Clinical Resources
The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is one of the nation's leading addiction treatment and research organizations. Their professional resources include books, curricula, clinical tools, and continuing education for addiction counselors and behavioral health professionals.
- Professional education and training resources for addiction specialists
- Butler Center for Research — peer-reviewed research on addiction treatment outcomes
- Books, assessment tools, and clinical curricula available for purchase
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Free
Research & Clinical Information
NIMH is the nation's leading federal agency for mental health research. Their website offers extensive free resources for behavioral health professionals, including research updates, clinical practice resources, and public education materials.
About This Resource List
This resource list is maintained by the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC). Resources listed are provided for informational purposes. Professionals are responsible for verifying that any training meets the CE requirements for their specific certification level. NAADAC-approved CEs are accepted by ACBHC for recertification.
Questions? Contact us at acbhc@akcertification.org or (907) 332-4333.
Revised 4/21/2026