Certifications are essential for individuals who need the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the mental health field. This valuable pursuit allows you to positively impact the lives of those struggling with issues that affect them daily. Every patient deserves a detailed program tailored to their needs, so getting the correct certification for what you want to do is important.
Mental health certification is available in several specialties, allowing you to find an area that interests you the most. Understanding these various fields of expertise can help you decide what classes and training best fit your educational needs. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of certificates available.
Different Types of Mental Health Certification
Someone’s mental health can significantly affect their overall well-being, and with the wide range of niches in this area, it’s crucial to find a specialty that you want to pursue. These specified certifications offer a focused approach to addressing specific mental health issues.
Online Courses and Certifications
It’s best to start with a general mental health certification, which you can find on various online platforms. There are even programs that focus on specific counseling tools like neuro-linguistic programming.
Correctional Behavioral Health Certification
The CBHC-BS, or Correctional Behavioral Health Certification with a behavioral specialty, is tailored for those working with incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certification
If you want to be in clinical or medical assistance mental health, the CCMA certification offers a broader range of medical assistant training with mental health and behavioral aspects.
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) Certification
The CCMHC is considered a premiere mental health certification for mental health counseling professionals. You must first become a National Certified Counselor, complete over 3,000 hours of direct client work, and adhere to the NBCC Code of Ethics in order to obtain this certification.
Certified counselors are prepared to work in everything from private practices to government services, hospitals, and mental health facilities. They are trained to diagnose and treat groups or individuals in various counseling areas, including family/couples counseling, addictions counseling, trauma counseling, and even career counseling.
Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) Certification
The MAC is the premier certification for addiction counseling. With a skillset focused on human growth and development, relationship counseling, and social and cultural foundations, MAC counselors are experts in the field of substance abuse.
National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) Certification
The NCSC certification is for counselors who want to specialize in the school setting, addressing the mental health and academic needs of students.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification
Similar to the idea of a physical first aid kid, the MHFA is a certification where you will get the skills to identify and respond to signs of mental health and issues that arise from substance use.
In Conclusion
There are numerous mental health certification specializations available for you to explore. Each area offers a unique opportunity for you to tailor your approach to the needs of your clients. By focusing on a mental health area you care about, you can provide optimum care. Whether you’re interested in working in clinical settings, schools, or community health centers, there’s a certification for you, so keep exploring!
