Top 10 Crisis Counselor Certifications

Certifications are important for crisis counselors in the job market because they demonstrate that a counselor has the necessary training and qualifications to provide safe, effective, and ethical treatment. Certification also indicates that a counselor has met the standards of practice set by their respective professional organizations and is committed to upholding those standards. Certifications can also give employers assurance that a crisis counselor is knowledgeable about the latest trends in mental health care and can provide high-quality services to their clients. Finally, certifications can serve as a way to differentiate one crisis counselor from another when seeking employment.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Crisis Counselors and explains how they can contribute to a Crisis Counselor's career.

What are Crisis Counselor Certifications?

Crisis counselor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in providing crisis counseling services. It is often awarded by organizations or universities, and requires completion of a set of courses and/or exams.

Crisis counselors are mental health professionals who specialize in helping people cope with traumatic events, such as natural disasters, abuse, violence, or accidents. Crisis counselors help their clients work through the acute distress caused by these events and provide support for them during the recovery process.

Having a crisis counselor certification can be beneficial to both individuals seeking help as well as those offering it. A certified crisis counselor has demonstrated their commitment to providing high-quality care, which can give individuals greater confidence when seeking help. Additionally, having a certification validates the skills of the counselor and allows them to better market themselves as a qualified professional.

In addition to providing assurance that the counselor has met certain standards of competency, crisis counseling certifications also offer continuing education opportunities for counselors to stay up-to-date on best practices in the field. This ensures that counselors remain informed about emerging trends in trauma treatment and helps them maintain their expertise over time.

Pro Tip: When considering crisis counselor certification, make sure to research the program's accreditation and the qualifications of their faculty members. It is important to ensure that you are receiving quality training from qualified professionals in order to provide the best possible service to those in need.

Related: What does a Crisis Counselor do?

Top 10 Crisis Counselor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Crisis Counselors today.

1. Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor (CCIC)

Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor (CCIC) is a certification program that provides specialized training to mental health professionals in crisis intervention. The CCIC program is designed to equip counselors with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to effectively respond to individuals in crisis situations.

The CCIC program consists of two parts: an online course and a practical component. The online course covers topics such as suicide assessment and intervention, risk assessment and management, communication techniques for de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and self-care for counselors. The practical component involves completing a supervised practicum experience under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CCIC program. To get certified, applicants must have at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution and must successfully complete the online course and practicum requirements.

The cost of the CCIC program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs charge around $1,000-$2,000 for the entire program.

2. Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved specialized knowledge and experience in the field of trauma-informed care. This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of trauma and traumatic stress responses.

To become a CCTP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a mental health-related field;
• Have at least two years of clinical experience working with trauma survivors;
• Complete at least 40 hours of training related to trauma theory, assessment, and intervention;
• Pass an exam administered by the International Association for Trauma Professionals (IATP).

The process typically takes about six months to complete. The cost for the certification is $425 for IATP members and $525 for non-members.

3. Certified Traumatic Stress Specialist (CTSS)

Certified Traumatic Stress Specialist (CTSS) is a certification that is offered through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals who have experienced trauma. It focuses on providing a comprehensive approach to helping those affected by traumatic events, including psychological, physical, and spiritual components.

The CTSS certification requires completion of a two-day training course, followed by an online exam. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD. In order to become certified as a CTSS, one must pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher.

Once certified as a CTSS, one must complete continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their certification. The cost of continuing education credits varies depending on the provider and can range from $50-$100 USD per credit hour.

Overall, becoming certified as a CTSS is an important step for those looking to specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma. The certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively help those affected by traumatic events.

4. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a professional credential offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates an individual has met the highest standards of knowledge, skills, and practices in professional counseling.

In order to become an NCC, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements. These include having a master’s degree or higher in counseling from an accredited institution, completing at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience post-graduation, and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

The process of becoming an NCC can take several years. Once all the educational and experience requirements have been met, individuals must submit their application materials to NBCC for review. After approval, applicants must register for and pass the NCE exam before they can be officially certified as an NCC.

The cost of becoming an NCC varies depending on the state you live in and your level of experience. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to apply for the certification and $195 to take the NCE exam.

5. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who has completed the necessary educational, clinical, and licensing requirements to provide counseling services. LPCs are trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship problems, life transitions, and more.

It typically takes between two to four years of post-graduate study in order to become an LPC. This includes completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university or college. After graduating with their master's degree, individuals must complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before they can apply for licensure.

In order to become an LPC you must apply for licensure through your state’s board of professional counselors. Each state has its own set of requirements for licensure; however most states require applicants to pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Additionally, some states may require applicants to take additional exams such as the Jurisprudence Exam or Ethics Exam.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies depending on the individual’s state and program of study. Generally speaking it can cost anywhere from $10,000 - $30,000 in tuition alone for a master's degree program in counseling or a related field. Additionally there may be fees associated with taking exams such as the NCE or other required exams as well as application fees for licensure.

6. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities to live more independent and productive lives. The CRC works with clients to develop treatment plans that address their individual needs and goals. This includes providing counseling services, developing job skills and strategies for living independently, assisting with accessing community resources, and advocating for the client’s rights.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. To become certified, you must have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited university or college as well as complete an internship program in the field. After completing these requirements, you must pass the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) exam to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor varies depending on the school you attend and other factors such as books, fees, etc. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $10,000-$20,000 to become certified.

7. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)

A Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) is a professional certification that demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of addiction counseling. The MAC credential is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is recognized as an important indicator of professional competency in the field of addiction counseling.

To become certified as a Master Addiction Counselor, individuals must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements set forth by the NBCC. Specifically, applicants must hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; have at least two years of supervised clinical experience working with individuals with substance use disorders; and pass the MAC exam administered by the NBCC.

The cost to apply for the MAC credential varies depending on whether you are already an NBCC-certified counselor or if you are applying for both certifications at once. For those who are already certified counselors, it costs $200 to apply for the MAC credential alone. If you are applying for both certifications at once, it costs $400.

It generally takes between four to six weeks to complete the application process after all required materials have been submitted. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your official certificate from the NBCC within four to six weeks.

8. Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification (AADC)

Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification (AADC) is a professional certification that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of alcohol and drug counseling. AADC certification is awarded by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

In order to become certified as an AADC, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a master’s degree in addiction studies or a related field from an accredited college or university;
• Have at least two years of supervised experience in providing alcohol and drug counseling services;
• Pass an exam administered by NAADAC;
• Maintain continuing education credits.

The process of becoming certified as an AADC typically takes between 6 months to 1 year. The cost of obtaining AADC certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying for certification. Generally, it costs approximately $200-$400 to register for the exam, plus any additional fees associated with obtaining continuing education credits.

9. International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Certification (ICISF-C)

The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Certification (ICISF-C) is a professional certification program designed to provide mental health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage stress reactions associated with critical incidents. It is an internationally recognized certification that provides practitioners with the ability to assess, intervene, and debrief individuals who have been exposed to traumatic events.

The ICISF-C consists of two components: a three-day training course and a written exam. The training course covers topics such as crisis intervention, group dynamics, critical incident stress management, and crisis communication. The written exam tests the participant's knowledge of the material covered in the course.

To obtain the ICISF-C certification, participants must complete both components of the program. Participants must also be licensed mental health professionals or have equivalent qualifications in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining the ICISF-C certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether or not you are a member of ICISF. Generally speaking, it costs between $800-$1000 USD for non-members and $600-$800 USD for members.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes about four days to complete both components of the ICISF-C program; however, this can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the written exam portion.

10. American Association of Suicidology Certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

The American Association of Suicidology Certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop designed to help caregivers recognize and respond to people at risk of suicide. The ASIST program was developed by LivingWorks Education, Inc., and is endorsed by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).

The ASIST program provides participants with an understanding of suicide, its causes and how to intervene effectively. Participants learn how to identify people who are at risk for suicide, assess their level of risk, develop a safety plan, and provide support and resources for those in need. The program also focuses on self-care for caregivers and offers strategies for managing stress associated with working with people at risk for suicide.

The ASIST program takes two days to complete and includes both classroom instruction as well as hands-on practice activities. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from the AAS recognizing their completion of the training.

To get the ASIST certification, individuals must attend an approved two-day training session offered by a certified trainer or organization. There are typically several sessions available throughout each year in most areas. The cost varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200 - $300 per person.

Do You Really Need a Crisis Counselor Certificate?

When it comes to a career in crisis counseling, having a Crisis Counselor Certificate can be an invaluable asset. A certificate can provide you with the necessary credentials and qualifications to work as a professional crisis counselor. It also demonstrates that you have taken the initiative to gain the knowledge and skills needed to properly handle difficult situations.

Having a Crisis Counselor Certificate is especially important if you plan on working in an institutional setting such as a school, hospital, or mental health facility. In these environments, certification is often required for counselors to be able to practice their profession. Without certification, it can be difficult for counselors to get hired or promoted within their organization.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment and dedication to the profession of crisis counseling, having a certificate also shows potential employers that you are well-versed in the latest techniques and strategies used by crisis counselors. By having this certification, employers know that they are hiring someone who has been trained and certified in best practices for handling difficult situations. This not only helps ensure that clients receive the best possible care but also ensures that employers are getting qualified professionals who will perform their duties effectively and responsibly.

Overall, obtaining a Crisis Counselor Certificate is essential if you want to pursue a successful career in crisis counseling. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession but it also provides employers with assurance that they are hiring competent professionals who will be able to handle difficult situations appropriately and effectively.

Related: Crisis Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Crisis Counselor Certifications

1. What certifications are available for crisis counselors?

Answer: Crisis counselors may be certified in a variety of areas, such as mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, substance abuse counseling, and trauma-informed care. It is important to research which certifications are accepted in your state or desired job market.

2. How long does it take to become a certified crisis counselor?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become a certified crisis counselor can vary depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally, it can take anywhere from one year to several years of study and practice before becoming fully certified.

3. Where can I find information about becoming a certified crisis counselor?

Answer: Information about becoming a certified crisis counselor can be found through various organizations that offer the certification, such as the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). Additionally, many universities offer courses and degrees related to this field that can help prepare you for certification exams.

4. What are the requirements for becoming a certified crisis counselor?

Answer: Requirements for becoming a certified crisis counselor vary depending on the type of certification being pursued and state regulations. Generally speaking, certifications require completion of an accredited program or degree program related to mental health counseling or similar area; passing an exam; completing supervised experience hours; and meeting any other requirements set forth by the certifying organization or state board governing licensure.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining a crisis counselor certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining a crisis counselor certification will depend on the type of certification being pursued and whether you opt for online coursework or traditional classroom instruction. Generally speaking, costs range from $500-$3000 depending on the organization offering the certification and any additional fees associated with taking exams or completing supervised experience hours.