Training Recovery Support Paraprofessionals through a Behavioural Health Internship

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Training Recovery Support Paraprofessionals through a Behavioural Health Internship
Language: English
Authors: Melissa Zeligman, Gulnora Hundley, Amanda DiLorenzo-Garcia, Heather M. Summers, K. Dayle Jones
Source: British Journal of Guidance & Counselling. 2025 53(6):858-869.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Internship Programs, Drug Rehabilitation, Allied Health Personnel, Paraprofessional Personnel, Mental Health, Access to Health Care, Cultural Awareness, Allied Health Occupations Education, Advocacy
DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2024.2449021
ISSN: 0306-9885
1469-3534
Abstract: As the need for global mental health support grows, there is simultaneously a shortage of behavioural health professionals. This shortage creates a treatment gap in behavioural healthcare, calling for paraprofessionals, such as recovery support paraprofessionals (RSPs), to take on more mental health responsibilities to increase access to care. Despite these growing demands, training opportunities for RSPs remain limited. This study presents a substance use internship program focused on training undergraduate students (N = 19) to serve as RSPs. Comparing pre-and post- internship assessment scores through paired sample's t-tests showed that participants had significantly increased cultural awareness following the internship experience. Implications for RSPs and counsellors are presented.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503992
Database: ERIC
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