Top 11 Mental Health Technician Certifications

Certifications for a mental health technician are important because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide quality care to clients. They also demonstrate that the individual is committed to their professional development and has taken steps to stay up-to-date on best practices in the field. Certifications can also give an edge when competing for jobs in a competitive job market, as they show employers that the applicant is knowledgeable and prepared for their role. Additionally, many states require mental health technicians to be certified in order to work in certain areas of practice or with certain client populations.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Mental Health Technicians and explains how they can help advance a mental health technician's career.

What are Mental Health Technician Certifications?

Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in providing care for individuals with mental health conditions. It is intended to provide an objective measure of the individual’s ability to support those with mental health needs, as well as a means of distinguishing between those who are adequately qualified and those who are not.

The MHTC program was developed by the American Association of Mental Health Professionals (AAMHP) in collaboration with the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH). The certification process includes a comprehensive review of the applicant's education, experience, professional development, and competency assessment. Each applicant must complete an approved course in their chosen specialty area, pass a written examination, and demonstrate their understanding of ethical principles through an interview process.

Having MHTC can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it provides assurance that they are hiring individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in providing quality care to individuals with mental health needs. For employees, having certification gives them additional credibility when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within the field. Additionally, having MHTC ensures that these professionals have received appropriate training and practice to be able to effectively work with clients with mental health issues.

Pro Tip: When considering a mental health technician certification, make sure you research what certifications are accepted in your state. Each state may have different requirements for certification and it is important to make sure that the courses you take or certifications you obtain will be recognized in your area.

Related: What does a Mental Health Technician do?

Top 11 Mental Health Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT)

A Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT) is a mental health professional who provides direct care to individuals with mental illness and emotional disturbances. CPTs work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community mental health centers, and private practice. They provide individualized care for patients by assessing their needs and developing treatment plans that address those needs.

The process of becoming a CPT involves completing an accredited program in psychiatric technology or a related field such as psychology, social work, or counseling. This typically takes two years of full-time study and includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, mental health assessment and diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, crisis intervention techniques, and ethics. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT).

The cost of becoming a CPT varies depending on the school you attend and the type of program you choose. Most programs range from $2,000 to $10,000 in tuition costs alone. Additional costs may include books, fees associated with taking the certification exam, and other expenses related to attending school.

Overall becoming a CPT is an important step towards providing quality mental health care to individuals with mental illness or emotional disturbances. It requires dedication and commitment but can be highly rewarding for those who are passionate about helping others.

2. Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)

A Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) is a professional who provides mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, residential facilities, and community programs. CMHTs are responsible for providing direct care and support to clients with mental health issues. They may also provide case management services, crisis intervention, and psychosocial assessments.

It typically takes two to four years to become a CMHT. Most states require that applicants have an associate’s degree in human services or a related field from an accredited college or university. In addition, some states may require applicants to have experience working with individuals with mental health issues. After completing the educational requirements, applicants must pass the National Certified Mental Health Technician Exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The cost of becoming a CMHT varies depending on the state you live in and the program you choose. The cost of tuition, books, and other materials can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the NBCC exam.

Overall, becoming a CMHT is an important step towards helping those with mental health issues receive quality care and support. With dedication and hard work, it is possible to become certified in this rewarding field of work.

3. Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)

A Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is a professional who has received specialized training and certification to provide direct care and support services to individuals with mental health, substance abuse, or other behavioral health issues. CBHTs are typically employed in residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities.

It typically takes between six months and two years to become certified as a CBHT depending on the program chosen. To become certified as a CBHT, one must complete an accredited educational program that includes coursework in psychology, counseling techniques, human behavior, crisis intervention strategies, and other related topics. Additionally, the individual must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The cost of becoming a CBHT varies by program but can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. This cost may include tuition fees as well as any required books or materials needed for the program. In addition to these costs, some programs may require additional fees for certification exams or background checks.

4. Certified Clinical Mental Health Technician (CCMHT)

A Certified Clinical Mental Health Technician (CCMHT) is a professional who provides mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. The CCMHT works in collaboration with other mental health professionals to provide individualized treatment plans for clients. This includes providing supportive counseling, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and therapeutic activities.

It typically takes about two years of full-time study to become a CCMHT. To get certified, you must complete the necessary coursework and pass the national certification exam administered by the National Association of Mental Health Technicians (NAMHT). You will also need to complete at least one year of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting as part of your training.

The cost of becoming a CCMHT varies depending on the program you choose to attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$10,000 and may include additional fees such as textbooks or supplies. In addition to tuition costs, you will also need to pay for any required licensing or certification exams and any associated fees.

Once certified as a CCMHT, you may be eligible for higher salaries than those without certification. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who are certified due to the increased level of knowledge and expertise that comes with being certified.

5. Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

A Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is a professional who specializes in the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders. CACs provide individual and group counseling, education, and support services to help clients achieve recovery from addiction. CACs can also refer clients to other resources such as detoxification centers, residential treatment programs, and 12-step meetings.

In order to become a Certified Addiction Counselor, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or GED and complete a minimum of 180 hours of specialized training in addiction counseling. The training must include coursework in areas such as ethical standards, assessment techniques, pharmacology, counseling methods, and relapse prevention.

The IC&RC exam costs $225 USD and is offered twice a year at testing sites around the world. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their credentials and experience to be certified by their state's licensing board or certification agency.

The cost of becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor varies depending on the state where you are applying for certification. In addition to the cost of the IC&RC exam ($225), there may be additional fees associated with obtaining your license or certification. These fees typically include application processing fees ($50-$100), background check fees ($30-$50), fingerprinting fees ($25-$50), and annual renewal fees ($25-$50).

6. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who helps individuals with disabilities, illness or other impairments to achieve their personal, career and independent living goals. The CRC credential is awarded by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). It is a national certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in rehabilitation counseling.

To become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), you must have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. You must also complete at least two years of full-time work experience as a rehabilitation counselor and pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

The cost to obtain the CRC credential varies depending on the type of application you submit. The application fees range from $200-$400. There are also additional fees for re-taking the NCE exam if necessary, for recertification every five years, and for any other services offered by CRCC.

Once you have met all of the requirements for certification, it typically takes about four weeks to receive your CRC credential.

7. National Association of Mental Health Technicians Certification (NAMHT-C)

The National Association of Mental Health Technicians Certification (NAMHT-C) is a certification program developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of mental health technicians. It is intended to provide employers with assurance that their mental health technicians are knowledgeable and skilled in providing quality care to individuals with mental illness.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of experience working in the field of mental health or a related field, and completing an approved training program. Once these requirements are met, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by NAMI. The exam covers topics such as patient assessment, crisis intervention, therapeutic interventions, medication management, and ethical considerations.

The cost for the NAMHT-C certification varies depending on the applicant’s state of residence. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$250 to apply for the certification. The entire process typically takes around 6 months from start to finish.

Once certified, mental health technicians have access to resources such as continuing education courses and discounts on professional liability insurance. Additionally, they can use their certification as evidence of their expertise when applying for jobs or promotions within their chosen field.

8. National Board for Certified Counselors Mental Health Technician Certification (NBCC-MHTC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors Mental Health Technician Certification (NBCC-MHTC) is a certification program designed to recognize mental health technicians who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide effective care to individuals with mental health needs. The NBCC-MHTC is a voluntary certification that requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of specific competencies related to providing mental health services.

To be eligible for the NBCC-MHTC, applicants must have completed an accredited mental health technician training program, have at least one year of supervised experience in a clinical setting, and pass an examination. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as assessment and diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, ethical and legal issues, human development and behavior, and professional practice.

The process of obtaining the NBCC-MHTC typically takes between three months and one year depending on when you submit your application materials. To get certified you must complete an online application form which includes submitting proof of education credentials, work experience verification forms from employers or supervisors in the field of mental health services, and payment for the certification fee which is currently $295 USD.

Once your application has been approved by NBCC staff members you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam you will receive a certificate indicating that you have met all requirements for certification as a Mental Health Technician by NBCC.

9. American Association of Psychiatric Technicians Certification (AAPT-C)

The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians Certification (AAPT-C) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of psychiatric technicians. It is designed to demonstrate the highest level of professional competency in the field.

To be eligible for AAPT-C certification, an individual must have at least two years of experience as a psychiatric technician, or have completed an approved training program. The applicant must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as mental health assessment, crisis intervention, therapeutic interventions, and ethical considerations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process and take the exam. Applicants must submit an application form, provide proof of experience or training, and pay a fee. The fee for the exam is $150 for members of AAPT and $200 for non-members.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education activities every three years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on best practices in the field and remain knowledgeable about current trends in mental health care.

10. Professional Association of Therapeutic Staff Support Certification (PATSS-C)

Professional Association of Therapeutic Staff Support Certification (PATSS-C) is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in providing therapeutic staff support services. The PATSS-C certification program is administered by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Staff Support (PATSS).

The PATSS-C certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in providing therapeutic staff support services. Applicants must complete an online application, pass a written exam, and participate in an onsite assessment. The assessment process includes an interview with the PATSS-C assessor and observation of the applicant’s work with clients.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. In order to be eligible for the PATSS-C certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working as a therapeutic staff support provider or equivalent experience in related fields such as mental health counseling or social work.

The cost of the PATSS-C certification varies depending on the applicant’s state of residence and other factors. Generally, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD for all necessary application materials and fees.

11. International Association of Trauma Professionals Mental Health Technician Certification (IATP-MHTC).

The International Association of Trauma Professionals Mental Health Technician Certification (IATP-MHTC) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional skills and competencies of mental health technicians. The program is designed to help ensure that mental health technicians have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide quality care for clients with mental health issues.

The IATP-MHTC certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive online training course that covers topics such as psychological trauma, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and ethical considerations in the field of mental health. The course also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The course typically takes around 30 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace.

Once you have completed the training course and passed the exam, you will receive your IATP-MHTC certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or taking the exam again.

The cost of obtaining the IATP-MHTC certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 USD for the entire program.

Do You Really Need a Mental Health Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. Mental health technician certificates are not required in all states, and even in states where they are required, there may be other ways to become certified. The main purpose of a mental health technician certificate is to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and experience needed to work with people who have mental health issues.

A mental health technician certificate can provide an individual with more job opportunities and higher salaries than someone without one. It can also help an individual gain access to specialized training and resources that would otherwise not be available. Furthermore, a certificate can give employers confidence that the person they are hiring has been properly trained and is qualified for the position.

In addition to providing job opportunities and higher salaries, a mental health technician certificate can also help an individual gain personal satisfaction from helping others in need. It is important for anyone working in this field to have a passion for helping others, as well as an understanding of how to do so effectively. A certificate can show potential employers that the applicant has taken the initiative to learn about mental health issues and how best to treat them.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a mental health technician certificate comes down to their own personal goals and ambitions within the field of mental health care. For those interested in pursuing a career in this area, obtaining certification can open up many doors for advancement and growth within their profession.

Related: Mental Health Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Mental Health Technician Certifications

1. What is a Mental Health Technician Certification?

-A Mental Health Technician Certification is a professional certification awarded to those who have completed an approved program of study in mental health and/or behavioral sciences, including topics such as psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing, and more. It is designed to demonstrate competency in understanding and managing the needs of individuals with mental illness or other psychological issues.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Mental Health Technician Certification?

-The requirements vary depending on the organization offering the certification. Generally speaking, you must complete an approved program of study in mental health and/or behavioral sciences, pass a written examination and demonstrate proficiency in relevant skills through clinical practice hours or other experience.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Mental Health Technician?

-It typically takes between one to two years to become certified as a Mental Health Technician depending on the program you choose and your individual learning pace. Most programs require completion of coursework as well as hands-on clinical experience.

4. Is there an age requirement for becoming certified as a Mental Health Technician?

-No, there is no age requirement for becoming certified as a Mental Health Technician. However, most programs require applicants to be 18 years or older due to the nature of the field and its potential risks.

5. Is there ongoing continuing education required after receiving my certification?

-Yes, many certifying organizations require that their members engage in ongoing continuing education (CE) activities in order to maintain their certification status over time. The amount and type of CE activities required vary by organization but typically involve attending workshops or conferences related to mental health topics and completing online courses or reading professional literature related to mental health care best practices.