Welcome to the Hawai’i Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI)
The Hawai’i Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI) is a training institute that offers education and training for Substance Use Disorders Counselors, funded by Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Paraprofessionals (FY 2021-2025). The HBHTI aims to increase offerings of community-based experiential training and foster an integrated health approach to address behavioral health prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services.
The HBHTI is funded until August 31, 2026 and is closed to new applicants during its last year of funding.
Program Overview
The Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute is a multi-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support the behavioral health paraprofessional workforce development. Through the support of the grant, our program aims to enhance the access and availability of quality substance use disorder (SUD) counselors to foster an integrated approach to providing behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery services to persons with SUDs in high-need and high-demand areas.
This two-level program that includes a scholarship and stipend for participants while completing their Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate of Competence. Enrollment in one of these three school’s certificate programs is required in order for participation: Leeward Community College, UH Maui College, or Hawaiʻi Community College. This program is designed for those who are committed to work in underserved areas with people experiencing SUDs and populations needing behavioral health services
Levels
Level 1
Trainees will participate and earn their Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorders Counseling (COSUDS) Program from LCC under Human Services (HSER).
- Neighbor islands trainees can complete LCC courses remotely
- LCC also collaborates with local campuses such as UH Maui College, Hawaiʻi Community College, and Kauaʻi Community College to encourage trainees to earn their associate degree or pursue higher education
- All levels of education may apply
- Benefits include tuition scholarship for courses & stipend
Level 2
Trainees who complete Level 1 are eligible to engage in the on-the-job, apprenticeship program with a professional development curriculum facilitated by HBHTI, including topics such as culture humility, family systems, telehealth, etc.
- Participate in 1,600 hours of employment-based, in-service training experience with local SUDS Treatment agencies
- Receive clinical supervised work hours counting towards their CSAC certification
- Up to half of the Level 1 COSUDS counseling program graduates will be selected for Level 2
- Benefits include a stipend, professional development, and networking opportunities
Benefits
Learners selected for HBHTI will receive up to $3,000 for their COSUDS coursework and a $5,000 stipend for their practicum experience in Level 1 over a 2-year period as a part-time student. Learners participating in Level 2 will receive on-the-job training opportunities with our partnered agencies as well as a $7,500 stipend and continued professional development training over a 1-year period as a full-time apprentice or over a 2-year period as a part-time apprentice.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a resident of Hawaiʻi
- Must be 18 or older
- Must be currently enrolled or accepted to attend UH Leeward CC, UH Maui College, or UH Hawaiʻi CC
- To participate as as a Fellow at an apprenticeship program post graduation, one must be located on O‘ahu (optional for neighbor island students)
- Intended completion of the COSUDS (Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorders Counseling) program within 2 years
- Post-education/graduation commitment to work in the substance use disorder counseling and behavioral health field
HBHTI Application & Timeline
The HBHTI is funded until August 31, 2026 and is closed to new applicants during its last year of funding.
Timeline by Levels
