Are you thinking about becoming a Professional Recovery Coach in Alaska and want to learn more about how to complete the training program?
A Professional Recovery Coach is a trained and certified non-clinical professional.
Also called “PRC,” these counseling professionals have successfully completed their own substance abuse or recovery programs and have been living in abstinence-based recovery for at least one year.
Read on to learn about how to become a PRC in Alaska and options for getting certified.
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What Professional Recovery Coaches Do
People recovering from alcohol or drug addiction may seek the support services of a Professional Recovery Coach to help them stay on track to recovery.
These coaching professionals are trained as addiction and recovery counselors who can provide guidance and support for people who want to stay sober and live healthier lives.
Peer Recovery programs provide individuals with coping skills and life skills that help them stay on track with their recovery plan.
Recovery coaches teach their clients how to live a clean and sober life and provide them with resources and advice.
Goal Setting
Peer counselors support their clients by helping them set measurable and achievable goals that can be attained in a reasonable amount of time.
Coping Skills
Many people in recovery need to learn coping skills to help them navigate life’s challenges.
Peer coaches help clients learn new ways of handling stressful situations to prevent relapse.
Relationship Building Skills
PRCs teach clients in recovery how to facilitate new healthier relationships and build support systems to help them recover.
Having a solid support system and healthy relationships is critical for recovery.
One of the many tasks of a Peer Recovery Coach is to help their clients navigate the recovery system and healthcare systems that support them along their journey to building healthier and substance-free lives.
People in recovery often need help determining where to begin the recovery process as well as navigating internal systems and networks that provide treatment and support services.
A PRC can help their clients with resources, referrals, appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, and setting up transportation to and from recovery-related health care appointments.
Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Alaska
If you’re thinking about becoming a PRC in Alaska, you will have to meet the minimum requirements to become certified to practice in the state.
- Have proof of being at least 18 years of age or older.
- Show proof of completing a high school diploma, homeschool program, or equivalent.
- Have proof of living in abstinence-based recovery for at least 12-24 months.
- Complete a Professional Recovery Counselor training program.
- Get Certified by the relevant certification bodies for the state of Alaska.
- Begin working as a certified Professional Recovery Counselor in your preferred environment.
Professional Recovery Coach Schools in Alaska
#1. Alaska Behavioral Health 
About the School
Alaska Behavioral Health offers a free Peer Specialist Training and Support program that teaches students how to function as Professional Recovery Coaches and support mentors.
Their 40-hour program takes about five weeks to complete.
Students can take classes during days, weekends, and evenings in one of the many locations in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Mat-Su.
Contact Information
Address: 4020 Folker Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: 904-444-3666
Website: https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/trainings/peer-support-training/
#2. Renew Counseling and Consulting 
About the Program
Renew Counseling and Consulting offers a 40-hour training program that teaches students how to support others in recovery.
Their hybrid program has an online and in-person training option, making it easy for new students to enroll and complete the required certifications to act as Peer Recovery Counselors in Alaska.
Contact Information
Website: renewcounseling@gmail.com
#3. – Ionia Peer Recovery Program 
About the Program
The Ionia residential recovery center has a component of its program that trains people who have completed the first stage of their recovery journey to support others as Peer Recovery Counselors in Alaska.
These state-approved programs adhere to the SAMHSA peer training standards and prepare students for certification as counselors in Alaska mental health and recovery facilities.
Contact Information
Address: 54932 Burdock Road, Kasilof, Alaska – 99610
Phone: 907-262-2824
Website: https://ionia.org/community-3/
#4. – Partners for Progress
About the Program
The Partners for Progress Program incorporates training its graduates to become certified as Professional Recovery Counselors in Alaska.
Like most PRC programs in Alaska.
Partners for Progress operates a 40-hour course that can be completed over five days.
Participants who successfully complete the program are eligible for certification and employment as PRCs in Alaska.
Contact Information
Address: 417 Barrow Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Website: https://www.partnersforprogressak.org/
Phone: 907-272-1192
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alaska Behavioral Health | 4020 Folker Street, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA |
| Renew Counseling and Consulting | 1300 Avenue R, Birmingham AL 35218, USA |
| Ionia Peer Recovery Program | 54932 Burdock Road, Kasilof, Alaska 99610, USA |
| Partners for Progress | 417 Barrow Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, USA |
Salary
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $38,275 |
| Juneau | $37,934 |
| Fairbanks | $38,117 |
| Sitka | $37,418 |
| Ketchikan | $37,418 |
| Kenai | $37,759 |
| Kodiak | $37,759 |
| Bethel | $37,759 |
| Wasilla | $37,759 |
| Barrow | $37,600 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 340 | $47,490 | - NA - | $82,940 | $23,880 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 50 | $49,060 | - NA - | $81,750 | $28,760 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who certifies Professional Recovery Coaches in Alaska?
There are a few agencies that certify and train PRCs in Alaska.
New students can seek certification at the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.
Alaska Behavioral Health also has some resources and certification information for people who want to become Professional Recovery Coaches.
Contact Alaska Behavioral Health to learn more about certification.
What are the requirements for becoming a certified Professional Recovery Coach in Alaska?
The state of Alaska has a few minimum requirements for students to become certified as Peer Recovery Counselors who practice in addiction treatment centers and other recovery-based environments.
People interested in becoming coaches must be able to present proof a a high school diploma (or equivalent) along with evidence of living in abstinence-based recovery for the specified time period required for state certification.
Where do Peer Recovery Counselors work?
Alaskan PRCs work in a wide variety of therapeutic and clinical environments.
We find them working at addiction and treatment centers, recovery clinics, sober living homes, mental health facilities, and other community-based clinics that offer free and income-based recovery counseling services.
How long does it take to complete peer counseling recovery programs in Alaska?
Most peer counseling recovery programs offer a 40-hour training class that can be completed in just under a week.
While many courses offer in-person learning options, hybrid learning options exist for people who want to complete peer counseling recovery training online.
