With the accomplishment of an online mental health certificate program, mental health counselors gain the knowledge and skills they need in offering treatment and counseling services to their patients suffering from addiction or behavioral disorders. As such, the best online mental health certificate programs provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical and behavioral mental health study, preparing students to work in substance abuse treatment facilities, private clinics, and hospitals as mental health counselors.
Also, students receive advanced knowledge and skills in their respective fields to make them career-ready. These online certificate programs are often completed in conjunction with degree programs to strengthen academic and professional credentials. Once students have taken all the requirements, they work as mental health counselors and specialists. Aside from that, they help people attain and preserve their mental and emotional well-being.
On the contrary, professional or advanced certificate programs bridge the skills gap. Hence, they train and prepare eligible professionals in the mental health field. They develop students’ competencies and skillsets in a specialized area of discipline.
Job opportunities for mental health, behavioral disorders, and substance abuse counselors have promising growth within the next eight years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says a 25% employment growth for these professionals can be expected between 2019 to 2029, indicating a much faster than average rate compared to the other U.S. That said, increasing demand for mental health technicians, counselors, and specialists are expected because many people are becoming more comfortable asking for the help they need to achieve and maintain their mental well-being.
Many online schools have online mental health certificate programs as part of their academic offerings. Like many online programs, an online mental health certificate program’s flexibility appeals to adult students pursuing their studies without compromising their professional obligations. When choosing the appropriate online mental health certificate program for your needs, you should consider some factors: live discussions, class sizes, clinical placement, online student support services, and accreditation.
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com understands that now more than ever, skills enrichment is a must to acquire enhanced career competencies and better career options. We are here to help you find the most suitable Online Mental Health Certificate Program! We picked the country’s 15 Best Online Mental Health Certificate Programs in 2021 that expose mental health professionals to unique learning processes, featuring different specialized areas of the discipline.
In particular, the 15 Best Online Mental Health Certificate Programs on our list:
- Are delivered through an online or hybrid format, so that learners can attend classes while keeping their work schedules,
- Feature comprehensive Mental Health Certificate courses that equip students with requisite knowledge and skills toward an ethical mental health practice,
- Emphasize up-to-date Mental Health education taught by industry professionals as instructors,
- Provide students access to online resources of distance learning help,
- Offer financial aid options to qualified learners,
- Are duly accredited by academic agencies and industry mental health associations.
Please see our Methodology page for more information.
Discover the 15 Best Online Mental Health Certificate Programs here:
- Kennesaw State University
- University of South Dakota
- Medaille College
- University of Redlands
- University of San Diego
- University of Maine
- Colorado State University
- Regent University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Century College
- Lamar University
- Grand Canyon University
- Butler University
- University of Buffalo
- Portland State University
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Tuition: $3,670
Kennesaw State University’s Online Mental Health Technician Professional Certificate program is one of the professional certificate studies offered through KSU’s College of Graduate and Professional Education. It is a self-paced, start-anytime online program; thus, students can complete the courses depending on their timeline and schedule. After registration of the program, students receive their email and password within three to five days. Students have 12 months to accomplish the online certificate studies.
The CCTP-mental health technician professional program includes bundled courses in Addiction & Recovery: An Introduction, Personal Excellence, Better Interpersonal Communication, Direct Support Professional, and Mental Health Technician. A total of 615 hours is spent on completing this online mental health certificate program. Upon completion of the program, students gain 61.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in a mental health setting. They are also prepared to sit for the National Career Certification Board’s certification exam to become a Certified Mental Health Technician.
Types of Aid: MyCAA, Military Education Benefits, Education Loans, Tuition Discounts, Employer Education Vouchers, Payment Plans, Scholarships, and Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act
Admission Requirements:
- Open Enrollment
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Distance learners pursuing professional certificates at Kennesaw State University have access to a diverse range of career development resources, including its Skills to Succeed Academy. Thanks to KSU’s partnership with Accenture, students can develop their confidence and skills they require to make wise career choices and find fulfilling career opportunities. The program features dozens of interactive modules on subjects, including interviewing skills, professional online presence, resume and cover letter writing, and career exploration. KSU also offers a Pathway Advising program through the College of Professional Education to help students get updated with information regarding training and education, career opportunities, relevant skills, industry growth, and salary.
Learn more about Kennesaw State University’s Online Mental Health Technician Professional Certificate Program.
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Tuition: $256.55 per credit hour (Resident) | $372.40 per credit hour (Non-Resident)
Completing an Online Mental Health Counseling Certificate program at the University of South Dakota fulfills the credentials required to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health. This online mental health certificate provides the additional course requirements to supplement students with a 48-hour clinical or community mental health counseling master’s degree to fulfill the 60-hour licensure requirements. To receive a certificate of completion, students must complete 12 credit hours of the program. As such, they take required courses, such as Foundations of Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders for Professional Counselors, Clinical Supervision Training and Ethics, Psychopharmacology for the Non-Medical Mental Health Professional, and Childhood Through Adulthood Psychopathology for Mental Health Professionals.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Work-Study Options, Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Alternative Loans, and Military and Veterans Educational Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- $35 non-refundable application fee
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Statement of purpose/goal statement
- Three professional letters of recommendation
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
The University of South Dakota provides distance and on-campus students with comprehensive student support services. As a highlight, USDgo is the university’s official app that serves as a one-stop-shop for accessing grades, course schedules, clubs to participate in, campus map, contact information, and direct links to USD’s social media platforms. USD’s Academic and Career Planning Center offers coaching and curriculum planning to easily help students progress in their programs. The university provides a comprehensive career planning guide for graduates for everything they need to know regarding mock interviews, resume building, and nailing a dream career.
Learn more about the University of South Dakota’s Online Mental Health Counseling Certificate Program.
Medaille College
Buffalo, New York
Tuition: $475 per credit hour
Students pursuing an Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Advanced Certificate program at Medaille College should have a master’s degree in a related field. This online CMHC, advanced certificate program, fulfills the New York State’s regulations for licensure, providing students with the academic requirements required to qualify for the New York State licensure examination in Mental Health Counseling. Students must have a minimum of 15 credits to receive a certificate of completion. Some of the core required courses they take include Helping Relationships and Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I and II. For distance learners, they should first complete the Online Prep course before they start the curriculum. Although the program is completed 100% online, students can complete their coursework on-campus if they prefer. Students can begin the online CMHC program anytime; however, they must complete the program within 12 months.
Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Transfer Credits, Veteran and Military Educational Perks and Discounts, Work-Study Options, Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Online application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Master’s degree in Counseling
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Medaille College features an Academic Advisement Center for helping students with inquiries regarding program requirements, academic policies, and course scheduling. Hence, first-year students can start their academic journey easily with Medaille College. Aside from that, the school has established Medaille360, which serves as a centralized platform for everything they need to complete their online studies at Medaille. With Medaill360, students can access various student support services, including financial aid, billing, course registration, and other essentials. For career planning, the school’s MavJobs is powered by Handshake for employment-related services, such as career assessments, interview and resume resources, and employer resources.
Learn more about Medaille College’s Online Mental Health Certificate Program.
University of Redlands
Redlands, California
Tuition: $625 per course
The University of Redlands offers an Online Mental Health and Spirituality Certificate program that doesn’t require any formal admission. The program consists of six online courses registered individually for a fixed price. That said, students must pay for every course they will complete instead of a per-credit basis. Students accomplish their courses in a synchronous learning format. They take required certificate courses, such as Integrating Spirituality in Clinical Practice, Paradigms of Healing and Wholeness, and Spirituality in Mental Health. They must also choose two out of three elective courses, namely Spiritual Journeys in Chronic Illness, Spirituality in Bereavement, or Bipolar Faith. After completing the Certificate in Mental Health and Spirituality program, students receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For example, chaplains, nurses, pastoral counselors, and pastors have 24 contact hours to certify organizations and agencies requiring CE hours.
Types of Aid: Strategic Partnership Discounts, Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Open Enrollment (No formal admissions)
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Students at the University of Redlands can access the Academic Success Center for strengthening their skills for personal growth and academic success through workshops, peer mentoring, writing tutoring, subject tutoring, and college success strategies. The center is a great help for students with assessment-taking skills, note-taking proficiencies, time management, and writing. Thanks to the university’s School of Continuing Studies, busy professionals and career shifters can easily enroll in Redlands’ 11 professional certificate programs and over 25 general education courses. Aside from that, the university also offers custom education, such as degree-seeking programs, certificates, courses, and workshops, to tailor to each student’s specific needs.
Learn more about the University of Redlands’ Online Mental Health and Spirituality Certificate Program.
University of San Diego
San Diego, California
Tuition: $1,762 Total Certificate Cost
The University of San Diego has an Online Mental Health First Response Certificate program suitable for K-12 educators, school administrators, counselors, psychologists, nurses, and other school professionals. Like other online options on this list, this online mental health certificate program doesn’t require any formal admission requirements. Students can enroll in the course of their choice within the curriculum to earn graduate-level extension credits. As a recommendation, the university prefers students to start with the Introduction to Mental Health First Response course.
Once completed, students can take on other courses in the program: Mental Health Prevention Programs and Process, Mental Health Triage, Mental Health Matters, and Mental Health Re-entry. A total of 11 units is required for a certificate of completion. The online certificate program can be completed in as few as nine months. After completing the program, students receive a professional Teacher Leader Certificate.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Loans, and Student Employment
Admission Requirements:
- Open Enrollment (An application to USD isn’t required.)
Accreditation:
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Like other online schools, the University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education offers an online certificate program for busy students without formal application requirements. Students can register for either one online course or the whole coursework to earn a certificate of completion. Through the Blackboard e-Learning platform, distance learners can access their courses and other course-related information. As such, students can go online anytime, anywhere, accomplishing a specific course within six months from registration. Before enrollment, online students are highly encouraged to visit the university’s Technical Requirements page for specifications when accessing courses online.
Learn about the University of San Diego’s Online Mental Health First Response Certificate Program.
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Tuition: $245 per credit hour (In-State) | $490 per credit hour (Out-Of-State)
The Online Mental Health and Rehabilitation Technician/Community Certificate program at the University of Maine is a standardized certification and training process, preparing students to meet the requirements for employment in adult community rehabilitation and mental health in the field of adult community rehabilitation and mental health Maine. The 21-credit hour MHRT/C online certificate program has core required courses in Substance Use & Dual Diagnosis Counseling, Trauma, Crisis & Recovery, Counseling Diverse Populations, Case Management, and Vocational Aspects of Disability & Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Completing an online MHRT/C certification lets the organization that students work to be reimbursed by MaineCare for the services they offer, such as day treatment and rehabilitation, assertive community treatment, intensive case management, or community support.
Types of Aid: New England Tuition Break Program, Scholarships, Student Employment Options, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, State of Maine Grant, Institutional Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Loans, and Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official high school transcript/GED score
- Recommendation letter
- Personal essay
- Official SAT/ACT scores
- Immunization requirements
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
With less than $500 per credit hour tuition for both residents and non-residents, the University of Maine offers one of the affordable tuition rates around Maine. UMM also provides its students with a diverse range of financial aid options, including scholarships, student employment programs, and grants. To become qualified to receive, students must accomplish their FAFSA requirements aside from UMM’s standard admission requirements. The university provides a free Microsoft Office 365 Education subscription that already includes OneNote, Microsoft Team, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word for remote learners. All they need is a registered UMM email address.
Learn more about the University of Maine’s Mental Health and Rehabilitation Technician/Community Certificate Program.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Tuition: $689 per credit
Through the School of Social Work, Colorado State University offers an Online Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health Certificate program completed in three semesters. Students must have nine credit hours so they can obtain a graduate certificate in advanced clinical behavioral health. Trauma-Informed Care, Psychopharmacology and Community Health, and Psychopathology and Community Health are the curriculum’s required courses. After completing the required courses, students can transfer these credits toward elective credit hours to complete the Master of Social Work degree at CSU. Besides that, they are well-equipped to pursue a diverse range of clinical practice roles, such as occupational therapy, marriage, family therapy, counseling, social work, or clinical therapy. Depending on the students’ preference, the online certificate program prepares students to pursue their License of Clinical Social Work (LCSW).
Types of Aid: Federal Financial Aid, Tuition Assistance Plans, Summer Financial Aid, Scholarships, Fellowships, Military Discounts, Military Tuition Assistance, and Veterans’ Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Online application for admission
- Baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
The best thing about pursuing an online certificate program at Colorado State University is that students can access a wealth of student support services. Students must register a minimum of one credit for the current semester to access the majority of ColoState’s services and resources. The Student Services and Resources website easily gives students access to all they need on one comprehensive page. As a highlight, the university provides students with free installation of the full version of Microsoft Office365 for a maximum of five computers.
Learn more about Colorado State University’s Online Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health Certificate Program.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Tuition: $710 per credit hour
Regent University’s Online Clinical Mental Health Certificate of Graduate Studies program is a professional certificate that serves as an endorsement to licensure and counselor continuing education for state credentialing requirements. Hence, the program isn’t meant for initial licensure. To enroll, students must have eligibility to pursue licensure in the current state where they are working. The program requires courses in Attachment & Affect Regulation, Crisis, Trauma & Clinical Mental Health, and Psychopathology & Diagnosis.
Students pursuing this online program must complete their certificates within five years. Other concentrations under the CGS in psychology and Counseling include Trauma Counseling, School Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. Meet the requirements of the CGS program by completing nine credit hours.
Types of Aid: Transfer Credits, Student Employment Programs, Military and Veterans’ Benefits, and Discounts, Private Loans, Private Grants & Scholarships, School-Based Scholarships, Regent Corporate Partner Discounts, Regent Endowed Scholarships, Virginia Financial Aid Options, Grants, Stafford Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, and PLUS Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in any mental health field
- Unofficial college transcripts
- Accomplished admissions questionnaire
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Regent University is committed to providing value-based, high-quality education that prepares students to become Christian leaders in their respective fields. As a highlight, Regent has a Center for Student Happiness to boost students’ educational experience at the university. The center launches webinars, math tutoring, writing tutorials, success coaching, and first-year student orientations to advocate students’ growth and learn in academics. The university also features a Career and Talent Management initiative for students’ career-related needs, such as Handshake at Regent University for students and employers, career assessments, and career events.
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Learn more about Regent University’s Online Clinical Mental Health Certificate of Graduate Studies Program.
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Tuition: $611 per credit hour
Eastern Kentucky University has an Online Mental Health Certificate program offered through EKU Online. Students must have 18 credit hours for program completion through the accomplishment of courses. Students must choose six courses to fulfill the program’s requirements with an academic advisor on their side.
Some of the courses include Mental Health/Substance Abuse Issues in the Correctional Setting, Spiritual Sensitivity for Helping Professionals, Human Behavior Change, Stress Management, Self-Care, and Introductory Foundation, Concepts, and Principles in Behavior Analysis. The program has accelerated 8-week terms with multiple start dates to choose from. It also includes free career services assistance and online tutoring services. Depending on the participants, they have the option to pursue either full-time or part-time learning.
Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits, Scholarships for Online Students, Foundation Scholarships, Departmental Scholarships, External Scholarships, Employer Tuition Reimbursement, Private Loans, Federal Loans, and Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Bachelor’s degree
- Cumulative GPA of 2.7
- Official transcripts
- GRE score
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Eastern Kentucky University students can easily pursue online certificate studies with the help of essential learning resources. For new students, EKU has prepared an online orientation to provide students with an overview of what to expect when pursuing their studies. The university offers an exclusive orientation program for both graduate and undergraduate students. Another noteworthy student support is its online EKU Libraries, featuring various services ranging from dissertations or theses binding to group study room reservations and borrowing/renewing/requesting books.
Learn more about Eastern Kentucky University’s Online Mental Health Certificate Program.
Century College
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Tuition: $191 per credit hour
Century College offers an Online Mental and Behavioral Health Worker Certificate program that prepares students to join the workforce as entry-level Mental and Behavioral Health Workers. Although the program prepares them to offer direct patient care, it doesn’t prepare students to perform psychotherapy independently. However, the certificate program can be a good starting point towards getting an Associate of Arts in Psychology degree. On the contrary, this online certificate program is an excellent option for students pursuing careers that require public interaction, providing them with training in mental health and psychological topics. Some of the courses that students take include General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Adulthood, Aging and Death, Case Management, and Behavioral Health: Implications & Interventions. Aside from coursework completion, students must fulfill the requirements of the internship in a Psychology course. The internship takes place during the Fall or Spring semester.
Types of Aid: Federal Grants, Scholarships, Student Employment, Payment Plans, Minnesota State Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Private Student Loan Options, and Military and Veterans’ Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- $20 non-refundable application fee
- Unofficial transcripts
- Century course registration
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
For less than $200 per credit Tuition, Century College has one of the most affordable tuition rates around Minnesota. To supplement, students can apply for financial aid options at Century College to reduce their tuition costs. Before receiving financial aid, students must submit complete requirements for FAFSA. Like other schools, applying for FAFSA helps determine the appropriate financial aid package for each student. Another highlight is the school’s Career Services and Industry Partnerships Center that serves as a platform for employment preparation processes, such as mock interviewing skills, resume development, and work experience.
Learn more about Century College’s Online Mental and Behavioral Health Worker Certificate Program.
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Tuition: $5,400
The Online Mental Health Counseling Certificate program at Lamar University is designed to prepare students with a master’s degree in psychology, Counseling, or related fields for the Texas State Licensed Professional Counseling certification examination. Depending on the students’ pace and schedule, they can receive their certificate of completion in as few as 12 months. It is a post-graduate online certificate that provides the supplementary experience and knowledge required to meet the 60-credit hour academic requirements for the Texas State’s LPC. To become licensed, students must fulfill a 3,000-hour internship during post-exam.
Addictions Counseling, Abnormal Human Behavior, Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Advanced Ethics in Mental Health Counseling, Psychopathology, and Basic Psychopharmacology are some of the required courses for this online program. A total of 18 credits is required for completion.
Types of Aid: TEACH Grant, Texas Public Education Grant, Work-Study Options, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, Exemptions and Waivers, Scholarships, Military and Veterans’ Educational Benefits, and Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- $25 application fee
- Master’s degree
- Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lamar University integrates Blackboard as its official online learning management system for distance learners to access courses, assignments, and other online learning essentials. Students requiring technical support regarding Blackboard can access the Help Center. Through the Help Center, instructors and distance learners find self-help regarding course registration, enrollment, account information, and academic calendar. For students requiring library assistance, Lamar features an Ask a Librarian initiative where students can find instructional media, reserve materials, special collections, documents, and reference materials. Aside from that, they can access over 51 publicly-funded collections through the TexShare program from different colleges and universities.
Learn more about Lamar University’s Online Mental Health Counseling Certificate Program.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Tuition: $550 per credit hour
Completing an Online Mental Health and Wellness in Community Mental Health Administration Graduate Certificate program at Grand Canyon University requires 16 credit hours for completion. GCU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences is offered and is designed for students who earned a baccalaureate in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, and other related fields. Although this graduate certificate doesn’t lead to clinical licensure, students can prepare for an advanced degree in the related field. The 16-credit hour graduate certificate requires core courses, such as Public Budgeting and Financial Management, Public Governance, Economics for Public Administrators, and Mental Health, Wellness, and Health Care Integration. Each course has an 8-week duration and can be completed 100% online.
Types of Aid: Military TA Benefits, Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Loan Repayment, Forgiveness Programs, Deferments and Forbearances, Private/Alternative Loans, Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Perkins Loan
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- GMAT/GRE scores
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Grand Canyon University provides distance learners with diverse student support services, such as an online tutoring service. Its online tutoring service offers suitable academic guidance to help students accomplish their studies at GCU. The university also remains consistent in every affordable online school listing since GCU offers a wide variety of online programs in almost all areas of study. Another noteworthy aspect of GCU is its affordability and flexibility, making it easier and more accessible for traditional and non-traditional students to complete their degrees.
Learn more about Grand Canyon University’s Online Mental Health and Wellness in Community Mental Health Administration Graduate Certificate Program.
Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Tuition: $580 per credit hour
Through the College of Education, Butler University offers an Online Licensed Mental Health Certificate program that experienced mental health professionals teach with asynchronous learning format and dedicated personal engagement. The online LMHC program is specifically designed to meet school counseling graduates’ requirements with a 48-credit hour master’s degree. Although the program builds on a school counselor’s curriculum, admission isn’t limited to school counselors only. The 12-credit hour online LMHC program has required courses in Topics and Experiences in Mental Health Counseling, Contextual Dimensions of Mental Health Counseling, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, and Foundations of Mental Health Counseling. Students must have accomplished 700 hours of internship or practicum in qualified mental health or school setting as a culminating experience. Butler’s LMHC program provides a pathway to the LMHC license administered by the Indiana Professional License Agency Behavioral Health and Human Service Board.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Summer Financial Aid, Military and Veterans’ Educational Benefits, Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, and Private Loan
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Master’s degree in Counseling
- Minimum graduate GPA of 3.5
- Interview
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Students at Butler University can access a one-stop-shop platform containing a wealth of academic resources. The Academic Resources platform houses information, tips, and other resources on student success and academic support initiatives. For example, Butler University’s Libraries and Center for Academic Technology provides a complete listing of all publications and other library-related concerns. Through this platform, students can browse by topic to find appropriate information regarding specific subjects. Also, they can find answers to hundreds of questions through a forum-like section of the platform.
Learn more about Butler University’s Online Licensed Mental Health Certificate Program.
University of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Tuition: $626 per credit hour
The University of Buffalo’s Online Mental Health Counseling Advanced Certificate program requires applicants to have a master’s or Ph.D. degree in Counseling for admission. That said, the online certificate program results in students’ eligibility to take the New York State licensing examination in mental health counseling. Depending on students’ credentials, the online program requires 15 to 27 credit hours for completion. They must complete required courses, such as Psychopathology and Evidence-Based Interventions, Assessment in Mental Health Counseling, Human Growth and Development/Legal and Ethical Concerns in Counseling, and Introduction to Mental Health Counseling.
For Clinical Experience, the credits vary depending on the students’ previous academic requirements. Students without a minimum of 600 hours of clinical internship experience under a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or NYSED approved equivalent in a previous program must complete 12 credits or 600 clock hours of Mental Health Counseling Internship. Otherwise, they can waive six internship credits, letting them complete the certificate program with 18 credits instead of 24 credits.
Types of Aid: Employee Tuition Benefits, Scholarships, Fellowships, Military and Veterans’ Educational Perks, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans, Health Profession Student Loans, Federal TEACH Grant, Alternative/Private Loans, Summer Session Aid, Winter Session Aid, and Study Abroad
Admission Requirements:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Counseling degree
- Prerequisite courses
- Statement of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The University of Buffalo has one of the most affordable tuition rates around New York. Hence, students interested in pursuing an online degree or certificate studies at UB can graduate without accumulating a hefty amount of student debt. Aside from inexpensive Tuitions, the university also offers several financial aid options to finance their studies. To qualify, they must initially submit their complete FAFSA requirements.
Learn more about the University of Buffalo’s Online Mental Health Counseling Advanced Certificate Program.
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
Tuition: $444 per credit hour (Resident) | $671 per credit hour (Non-Resident)
Portland State University has an Online Infant/Toddler Mental Health Graduate Certificate that is as unique as it gets in Oregon! It is one of the oldest ITMH programs in the U.S. It is a 100% online, 20-credit hour program for service providers who work with families and children age prenatal to three years old. Some of the courses integrated into the ITMH’s curriculum include Professional Development in Infant Mental Health, Prevention and Intervention in Infant Mental Health, Dynamic Models of Infant/Toddler Development, Collaborative Partnerships to Support Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families, and Assessment Methods and Classification in Infant Mental Health. Although not part of the ITMH graduate certificate curriculum, Portland State University recommends students take the optional Introduction to Infant/Toddler Mental Health course.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Payment Plans, Student Employment Options, Graduate Assistantships, Fellowships, and Study Abroad Programs
Admission Requirements:
- Application for admission
- Unofficial and official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Two recommendation forms
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Portland State University helps its student community to save on tuition expenses. Like most universities around Portland, PDX requires submission of complete FAFSA requirements. With their eligibility, they can receive the appropriate financial aid package to help fund their studies. The university offers the Services for Students with Children center to help them succeed in their academic journey for students with children. Through the center, student-parents can avail themselves of various services, including virtual consultations, online virtual playdates, and free printing services.
Learn more about Portland State University’s Online Infant/Toddler Mental Health Graduate Certificate Program.
What are some of the career options I can pursue with an online mental health certificate?
In a nutshell, online mental health certificate programs are developed to prepare graduates for professional practice. They work with groups, families, and individuals with behavioral or clinical mental health challenges. As such, they are employed in a diverse range of human and social services agencies. Depending on the area of discipline, they work as:
- Crisis Assistant
- Mental Health Assistant
- Professional Counselor Assistant
- Psychiatric Intake Assessor
- Recovery Assistant
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Victim Advocate
What are the requirements for an online mental health certificate program?
Like other online certificate programs, the admission requirements for online mental health certificate programs differ by program and online school. However, most online schools require high school or college transcripts, reference letters, and test scores. Some schools require supplemental requirements, including background check, resume, and personal statement. Besides that, other schools offer online mental health certificate programs that don’t have formal admission requirements. As such, students only need to pay the overall program cost.
Once admitted, distance learners accomplish core and specialized courses on human development and psychology. Some online mental health certificate programs require students to fulfill a specific number of clinical hours under a licensed counselor’s supervision.
Are there professional organizations for students pursuing an Online Mental Health Certificate program?
Professional organizations offer students opportunities to explore more and network about their profession. For instance, these groups provide mentoring, professional development, and career counseling opportunities. Besides that, memberships offer credentialing access that mental health counselors require to stay updated in the industry. The three organizations that are helpful to online mental health counseling students include:
The American School Counselor Association was built in 1952, offering memberships to distance learners and practicing school counselors. ASCA members obtain access to the association’s peer-reviewed journals and other essential publications. Aside from that, the ASCA provides career development programs, such as online webinars and local workshops.
The American Mental Health Counselors Association advocates mental health counselors through networking, training, and advocacy. As part of the perks, AMHCA members enjoy discounts on free legal advice and liability insurance. Besides that, each member also has subscriptions to numerous opportunities to connect through webinars and conferences, and society publications.
The American Counseling Association serves as the primary counseling association in the United States. ACA members gain access to networking events and continuing education opportunities. Aside from that, the association also facilitates yearly expo and conference.