Top 10 Mental Health Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for mental health assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certification programs provide the necessary training and education to become competent in the field, which can help mental health assistants stand out from other applicants. Certifications also show an employer that the person has a commitment to their career and is dedicated to learning more about how to best assist people with mental health issues. In addition, certifications give mental health assistants credibility and recognition within their field, which can be invaluable when looking for employment.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Mental Health Assistants, and explains how these certifications can help advance a mental health assistant's career.

What are Mental Health Assistant Certifications?

Mental Health Assistant Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have completed a specialized program in mental health. This certification is available to both professionals and lay people who work in the field of mental health. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of mental health, as well as their commitment to providing quality care for those with mental illness.

The certification process involves completing a specialized coursework program which focuses on topics such as psychology, counseling, addiction studies, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication. The curriculum also covers ethical standards, legal issues related to mental health care, and other relevant topics. By completing this program and meeting the requirements for certification, individuals can demonstrate their competency in providing quality care for those with mental illness.

Having this credential can be beneficial for those seeking employment or advancement within the field of mental health. It can also provide an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and gain access to resources related to mental health services. Additionally, having Mental Health Assistant Certification may increase an individual’s credibility when working with clients or colleagues in the field of mental health.

Pro Tip: When considering mental health assistant certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications of the program before enrolling. Additionally, seek out programs that offer hands-on training and supervised clinical experience in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of a mental health assistant. This will ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care.

Related: What does a Mental Health Assistant do?

Top 10 Mental Health Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Mental Health Assistants today.

1. Certified Mental Health Assistant (CMHA)

A Certified Mental Health Assistant (CMHA) is a professional who has been trained to provide support and assistance to individuals with mental health issues. This includes providing counseling, education, and advocacy services to those in need. The CMHA certification is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

To become a Certified Mental Health Assistant, an individual must complete an approved training program and pass the NBCC's exam. Training programs vary in length depending on the state in which they are located. Generally, most programs require at least two years of study and practice before taking the exam.

The cost of becoming a CMHA varies depending on the state in which you live and the type of program you choose. Generally, it can cost anywhere from $500-$3000 for tuition alone. In addition to tuition fees, there may also be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and study materials.

Once an individual has completed their training program and passed their exam, they will be eligible to receive their CMHA certification from the NBCC. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Assistant (CPMA)

A Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Assistant (CPMA) is a professional who provides direct care to individuals with mental health disorders and/or substance abuse problems. CPMA’s provide support to psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. They assist in the assessment of patients, provide therapeutic interventions, and help coordinate care plans.

To become a CPMA one must complete an accredited program or course of study in psychiatric mental health assisting. This usually takes 1-2 years depending on the program. After completing the program, applicants must pass the National Board for Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Assistants (NBCPMA) exam to receive certification. The cost of the exam is $250 plus any additional fees associated with taking it at a testing center.

3. Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)

Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is a professional certification for individuals who provide direct care services to individuals with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders. CBHTs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, residential treatment centers, community mental health centers, and private practice.

The CBHT certification is offered through the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI). It requires applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an approved training program. The training program must include at least 120 hours of instruction in topics such as mental health assessment and diagnosis; crisis intervention; communication skills; medication management; rehabilitation techniques; ethical and legal considerations; and cultural competence.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by NAMI. The cost of the exam is $225 USD. Once certified, CBHTs must complete 30 continuing education hours every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

Overall, it typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to become certified as a CBHT depending on the amount of time available for study and preparation for the exam.

4. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

A Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a mental health professional who has met the educational, experience, and examination requirements set by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This certification demonstrates that the individual has met the highest standards of practice in mental health counseling.

To become a CCMHC, applicants must have a master's degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; have completed at least 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in counseling; and have two years of supervised clinical experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Applicants must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) administered by the NBCC.

The cost to apply for CCMHC certification is $195 for NBCC members and $225 for non-members. The cost to take the NCMHCE exam is $295 for NBCC members and $395 for non-members.

In total, it can take up to four years to complete all of the necessary requirements to become a CCMHC.

5. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a professional certification awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This certification is designed to recognize counselors who have met high standards of practice and demonstrate a commitment to providing quality counseling services. The NCC credential provides assurance that counselors have met the educational, examination, experience, and ethical requirements set forth by NBCC.

In order to become an NCC, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited college or university
• Complete at least 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience in counseling
• Pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)
• Meet NBCC's continuing education requirements
• Agree to abide by NBCC's Code of Ethics.

It typically takes around two years to obtain the NCC credential. The process includes completing all necessary coursework, supervised clinical experience, and passing the NCE exam. Once all of these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application for review by NBCC. After review and approval, they will be granted the NCC credential.

The cost of obtaining the NCC credential varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 for application fees and exam fees associated with obtaining the credential. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or completing supervised clinical experience required for certification.

6. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LPCs are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues and emotional problems. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help their clients reach their goals.

It typically takes between two to four years of postgraduate study in order to become an LPC. This includes completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, supervised clinical experience, and passing the National Counselor Exam (NCE).

In order to get an LPC license, you must meet the licensing requirements of your state. These requirements vary by state but generally include: completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field; supervised clinical experience; passing the NCE; and submitting an application with required fees.

The cost of obtaining an LPC license varies by state but can range from $50-$500 for application fees alone. Additional costs may include tuition for educational courses or exams, as well as additional fees for background checks or fingerprinting.

7. Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is a professional credential that is awarded to individuals who have met the educational and experience requirements for certification in the field of addiction counseling. The CAC credential is issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is recognized in all 50 states, as well as internationally.

To become certified, applicants must complete an approved addiction counseling program and pass a national certification exam. This program typically includes coursework in areas such as psychology, sociology, pharmacology, ethics, and law. Depending on the program chosen, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete.

In addition to completing an approved program, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements. These include a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in addiction counseling over at least two years; or completion of a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field with at least one year of supervised clinical practice; or completion of a doctoral degree in addiction counseling or related field with at least one year of supervised clinical practice.

The cost for taking the CAC exam varies depending on where you take it and which version you choose (paper-and-pencil or computer-based). Generally speaking, the fee ranges from $200-$300 USD. Once certified, renewal fees are required every five years and generally range from $50-$100 USD.

8. National Association of Social Workers – Clinical Social Work Certification (NASW-CSW)

The National Association of Social Workers – Clinical Social Work Certification (NASW-CSW) is a professional credentialing program offered by the National Association of Social Workers. This certification recognizes social workers who have achieved a high level of professional expertise in the practice of clinical social work. It is designed to promote excellence in the practice of clinical social work and to recognize those practitioners who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, experience, and skills in this area.

In order to become certified as a NASW-CSW, an individual must meet certain requirements including: having earned a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university; having completed at least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical social work practice; passing the NASW-CSW exam; and completing continuing education credits every three years.

The process for becoming certified as a NASW-CSW typically takes between one and two years. The first step is to apply for certification through the NASW website. Once your application has been approved, you will need to register for and pass the NASW-CSW exam. After passing the exam, you will need to complete any additional requirements such as continuing education credits before being officially certified as a NASW-CSW.

The cost for obtaining certification as a NASW-CSW varies depending on where you live and how quickly you wish to complete the process. The initial application fee is $50, with additional fees for registering for and taking the exam ($250-$350 depending on location). Finally, there are also fees associated with completing any required continuing education courses ($50-$100 per course). In total, it can cost anywhere from $400-$600 to become certified as a NASW-CSW.

9. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional who has obtained a master's degree in social work and has met the requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker. The LCSW provides psychotherapy, counseling, and other mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief and loss.

In order to become an LCSW in the United States it typically takes two years of post-graduate study at an accredited school of social work or university plus two years of supervised clinical experience. During this time you must also complete 3-4 thousand hours of supervised clinical practice in order to be eligible for licensure.

The process for becoming an LCSW varies from state to state but typically involves passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Exam which costs $260. After passing the exam you will then need to submit your application for licensure with your state board which usually requires a fee ranging from $50-$200 depending on the state.

Once you have completed all the necessary steps for licensure you can then begin practicing as an LCSW.

10. Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC).

The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) is a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare students for professional practice as mental health counselors. The program combines coursework in psychology, counseling theory and techniques, and clinical practice. It provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings.

The MSMHC program typically takes two years to complete. During this time, students complete courses in psychology, counseling theory and techniques, research methods, assessment tools, diagnosis and treatment planning, ethics and legal issues related to mental health counseling. In addition to classroom instruction, students also participate in supervised practicum experiences that provide them with hands-on experience working with clients.

To get an MSMHC degree, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Once you have your bachelor’s degree you can apply for admission into an accredited master’s program in mental health counseling. Each school has its own application process so it is important to research the schools you are interested in before applying. Most programs require applicants to submit transcripts from their undergraduate studies as well as letters of recommendation from faculty members or employers.

The cost of getting an MSMHC degree varies depending on the school you attend and the type of financial aid available. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $15000-$25000 per year for full-time study at most universities offering this degree program. Additional fees may be charged for books and other materials required for the program as well as any travel expenses associated with practicum experiences or internships required by some programs. Financial aid is available through federal loans (such as Stafford Loans), grants (such as Pell Grants), scholarships (such as those offered by professional organizations), and private lenders (such as banks).

Do You Really Need a Mental Health Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their own personal goals. For some people, a Mental Health Assistant Certificate may be necessary in order to gain employment in the field of mental health. Depending on the state and organization, certain certifications may be required in order to become employed as a Mental Health Assistant.

However, for those who want to work in this field but are not interested in pursuing a certification, there are other options available. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities which allow individuals to gain experience working with clients without requiring them to have any formal training or education. Additionally, many employers are willing to provide on-the-job training for prospective employees who demonstrate an interest in the field and a commitment to continuing education.

Ultimately, whether or not one should pursue a Mental Health Assistant Certificate is an individual decision that should be based on one's career goals and interests. If you believe that having a certificate will benefit your career prospects, then it may be worth investing time and money into obtaining one. On the other hand, if you feel like you can gain enough experience through other means, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue this type of certification.

Related: Mental Health Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Mental Health Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is a Mental Health Assistant Certification?

A1. A Mental Health Assistant Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skill in providing assistance to individuals dealing with mental health issues. It typically involves completing a course of study and passing an exam.

Q2. What topics are covered in a Mental Health Assistant Certification program?

A2. Common topics covered in Mental Health Assistant Certifications include understanding mental health, recognizing signs of mental illness, providing emotional support, responding to crisis situations, developing treatment plans, and advocating for resources and services.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a Mental Health Assistant?

A3. The length of time it takes to become certified as a Mental Health Assistant varies depending on the program you choose, but most programs require between six months and one year of study and practice before taking the certification exam.

Q4. What type of job opportunities are available with a Mental Health Assistant Certification?

A4. A Mental Health Assistant Certification can open the door to many types of job opportunities including working in hospitals, private practices, community organizations, or even starting your own business as a mental health consultant or therapist.

Q5. Is there ongoing education required for maintaining my Mental Health Assistant Certification?

A5. Yes, continuing education is required for maintaining your certification as a Mental Health Assistant. Depending on your specific program requirements this may involve attending workshops or seminars, completing online courses or reading professional literature related to mental health topics.