Gallup takes applications through Sept. 20 for its Grow Our Own behavioral health program

The City of Gallup Behavioral Health Program is taking applications for its Grow Our Own Behavioral Health Development Program, which runs in three tracks this year.

The tracks are Basic, Advanced and Clinical, and the city said it has three of them this year to fit the needs of the community. Applications in all three are due Sept. 20.

Statewide, there is a behavioral health provider shortage, the city said on the program's flyer, and the city is working on building behavioral health capacity in the community. All three tracks are for people who work and provide services in McKinley County.

The Basic track is for people interested in working in the field, and offers guidance on a path to licensure or certification. It is a nine-month program with monthly individual and group educational sessions, and it starts in October or November. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, and are required to attend 80% of the monthly group and individual supervision sessions.

The Advanced track is for new counselors, case managers and peer support workers with two years of experience in the field. It has three phases — justice-involved, trauma, and mental and behavioral health — each with targeted training from field partners, and asks for three to six hours a month. Participants learn to report child abuse, assist those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and support people facing domestic violence, sexual assault or justice involvement, according to the flyer.

The Clinical track is for newly licensed counselors, and for people who have the degree and are qualified to get a counseling license. The group focuses on the 12 core functions of addiction, including screening, assessment and intake, and on making referrals and conducting case consultations. Applicants must hold a license or be able to get licensed within six months; a provisional license is accepted.

All three tracks offer free behavioral health training and individual and group supervision. The city said the Basic track and the Clinical track also give participants an educational or career plan.

What

Applications for the Grow Our Own Behavioral Health Development Program, run by the City of Gallup Behavioral Health Program

When

Applications are due Sept. 20. The Basic track starts in October or November.

Where

Open to people who work and provide services in McKinley County

How

Apply through the registration link on the city's post. Email dmartinez@gallupnm.gov with questions.