​1. Education / Training Requirements

• Completion of an Approved Intervention Education Program
  Must complete one of the following:

  • An interventionist training program accredited or recognized by BHSO (list of approved providers).

  • A behavioral health or addiction studies degree (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or higher) plus a specialized intervention training certification from an approved third party.

• Minimum 50 hours of formal instruction specifically covering:

  • Substance use disorders (SUD)

  • Mental health disorders

  • Family systems theory

  • Ethical considerations in intervention

  • Law and regulatory compliance

  • Cultural competency and diversity

  • Professional boundaries

  • Crisis management

  • Safety and liability awareness

2. Field Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1,000 hours of documented field experience in behavioral health, addiction recovery, social work, counseling, or intervention.
  (Roughly equivalent to 6–12 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time.)

• Minimum 10 interventions participated in as an assistant, case manager, or lead interventionist.

  • Minimum 5 interventions as lead (with a supervisor’s verification).

  • Must include a variety of cases: substance use, mental health, and dual diagnosis.

3. Background Check

• National criminal background check required.

• No felony convictions involving violence, sexual misconduct, or fraud in the last 10 years.

• Any criminal history must be disclosed and subject to review by the BHSO Ethics Committee.

• Must not be on any disqualification list from licensing boards or professional associations.

4. References

• Minimum of three professional references, including:

  • At least one from a licensed clinical professional (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, Psychologist, Psychiatrist).

  • At least one from a supervisor or program director where field hours were obtained.

  • Optional third from a family member or client if applicable (with proper waivers).

5. Ethics and Professional Standards

• Must sign and agree to abide by the Behavioral Health Standards Organization Code of Ethics.

• Must submit a signed ethics disclosure affirming:

  • No history of professional misconduct.

  • Agreement to report any future violations or ethical concerns immediately.

• Complete a 4-hour Ethics and Boundaries Training Course every 2 years.

6. Continuing Education

• Minimum of 20 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years, focused on:

  • Behavioral health

  • Substance use disorders

  • Family systems/intervention-specific skills

  • Crisis and trauma response

• CEUs must come from an approved CE provider or an accredited institution.

7. Liability Insurance

• Proof of professional liability insurance covering intervention services (minimum $1M/$3M policy).

8. Vetting Interview

• Mandatory personal interview with the BHSO Accreditation Review Committee:

  • Assessment of professionalism, communication, ethical decision-making.

  • Practical scenario-based questioning (e.g., family refusal scenarios, hostile intervention scenarios).

9. Final Review / Endorsement

• Review by the BHSO Accreditation Committee.

• If approved, candidate receives:

  • Official BHSO Accreditation Designation (e.g., "Endorsed Intervention Professional – EIP").

  • Digital and physical credential for display.

  • Placement on the BHSO National Register of Vetted Interventionists (optional).