Top 10 Mental Health Worker Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for mental health workers. Having a certification shows employers that you have a higher level of knowledge and skill in your field. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about the profession and stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices. Certifications can also give you an edge over other candidates who may not have the same qualifications or experience. Finally, having a certification can help demonstrate to employers that you are committed to providing quality care and services in your area of expertise.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Mental Health Workers and explain how they can contribute to a mental health worker's career growth.

What are Mental Health Worker Certifications?

Mental health worker certification is a professional credential that shows employers and clients that a mental health worker has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide quality care. Certification demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of ethical practice in the field of mental health. It also serves as an important indicator that a mental health worker has met certain educational, experience, and training requirements.

Certification can be beneficial for both employers and workers in several ways. For employers, it can help them identify qualified candidates for positions within their organizations, since applicants with certifications have already proven their competency in the field. In addition, having certified workers can help employers demonstrate commitment to providing quality care to their clients. For workers, having certification may make them more attractive candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization. Certification also provides recognition from colleagues and other professionals in the field that they have achieved a higher level of competence in their profession. Finally, it may open up opportunities for additional professional development or continuing education activities that could further enhance their skills and career growth prospects.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the type of certification required for a mental health worker in your state or region before beginning the process of obtaining one. Different states and regions may have different requirements, so it is important to make sure you understand the specific requirements that apply to you.

Related: What does a Mental Health Worker do?

Top 10 Mental Health Worker Certifications

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

1. Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP)

Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) is a professional certification awarded by the International Association of Peer Supporters (IAPS). The CPRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in providing psychiatric rehabilitation services. It is an internationally recognized credential that shows that you are qualified to provide quality mental health services.

To become a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• Have at least two years of experience in providing direct mental health services;
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training related to psychiatric rehabilitation;
• Pass an exam administered by IAPS.

The cost for the CPRP certification varies depending on the type of training and materials you choose. Generally, the cost ranges from $400 to $800 USD. The exam fee is separate and typically costs around $175 USD. It usually takes about six months to complete all the requirements for certification.

2. Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Professional (CMHIMP)

Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Professional (CMHIMP) is a certification program offered by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM). It is designed to recognize and credential those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of integrative mental health. The certification requires practitioners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of integrative mental health, including nutrition, lifestyle medicine, mind-body practices, and other evidence-based approaches.

The certification process takes approximately three months to complete. In order to become certified as a CMHIMP, applicants must first successfully pass an online examination that covers topics such as nutrition and lifestyle medicine, mind-body practices, evidence-based approaches to mental health care, and professional ethics. Once they have passed the exam, they must then complete an application that includes providing documentation of their education and experience in the field of integrative mental health. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their proficiency in the areas covered by the certification exam.

The cost for becoming certified as a CMHIMP varies depending on where you take your exam and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400-$2,000 USD for the entire process.

3. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

A Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional who has been certified in the field of mental health counseling. This certification is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and requires a master's degree in mental health counseling or a related field, as well as two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ethical practice.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for certification. During this time, applicants must complete their master's degree program and gain the necessary supervised clinical experience. Applicants must also submit an application to the NBCC with documentation of their educational background and work experience.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the applicant's situation. The fee for taking the exam is $195, and there may be additional costs associated with obtaining transcripts or other documents needed for application. Additionally, some states have additional requirements that may require additional fees or coursework before certification can be obtained.

4. Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of trauma-informed care. The CCTP credential is awarded to individuals who have met the education, experience, and training requirements necessary to provide clinical services that are trauma-informed.

To earn the CCTP credential, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a master’s degree or higher in a mental health related field from an accredited college or university.
• Have at least two years of full-time clinical experience working with trauma survivors.
• Complete at least 40 hours of specialized training in trauma-informed care within the past three years.
• Pass a written examination demonstrating knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care principles and practices.

The process of obtaining the CCTP credential typically takes between six months and one year, depending on how quickly an applicant completes all required components. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application packet which includes proof of educational credentials, work experience, specialized training, and other relevant information. Once approved by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS), applicants can then take the written examination which is administered by AAETS. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CCTP certification.

The cost for obtaining the CCTP certification varies depending on whether you choose to become a member or nonmember of AAETS. For members, there is an initial fee for membership as well as additional fees for taking the exam and receiving your certificate upon passing it. Nonmembers pay only for taking and passing the exam itself; however, they do not receive any additional benefits associated with being a member such as discounts on continuing education courses or access to other resources offered by AAETS.

5. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

A Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is a mental health professional who has been trained and licensed to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LMHCs are educated in psychology, human development, mental health assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy, and other related topics. They use evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with emotional issues or mental health problems.

In order to become an LMHC, one must first complete a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university. After graduation, the individual must then pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Once the NCMHCE is passed, the individual can apply for licensure in their state of residence. Each state has its own requirements for licensure which may include additional coursework or supervised experience hours.

The cost of becoming an LMHC varies depending on the state in which you live and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $15,000-$30,000 for a master's degree program. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking the NCMHCE exam and applying for licensure in your state of residence.

It typically takes two to three years to become an LMHC once all educational requirements have been met. This includes completing a master's degree program and passing the NCMHCE exam as well as any additional requirements set by your state of residence.

6. Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have met the educational, training, and experience requirements to provide addiction counseling services. The CAC credential is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), which is a non-profit organization that sets standards for professional counselors in the United States.

To become certified as a CAC, an individual must meet certain qualifications. These include:

• Completion of a master's degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university;
• At least two years of supervised clinical experience in addiction counseling;
• Passing scores on the NBCC Examination for Addiction Counseling; and
• A minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in addiction-related topics every three years to maintain certification.

The process of becoming certified as a CAC typically takes between one and two years to complete, depending on how quickly an individual can fulfill all of the necessary requirements. The cost of becoming certified can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of program chosen and any applicable fees associated with taking the NBCC examination.

7. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN)

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN) is a specialized type of nursing that focuses on the mental health care of individuals. This type of nurse provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for psychiatric disorders. APPNs are knowledgeable in the use of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to treat mental health issues. They also provide support and education for clients and their families.

The requirements to become an APPN vary from state to state, but typically include a master's degree in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nursing, as well as certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The process can take up to four years depending on the individual's educational background.

In order to become an APPN, individuals must first complete an accredited nursing program at either the associate or bachelor’s level. After completing this program, individuals must then obtain a master’s degree in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Once they have obtained their degree, they must then pass the ANCC certification exam to become certified as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN).

The cost of becoming an APPN varies depending on the individual's educational background and where they attend school. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $15,000-$50,000 for a master's degree in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the ANCC certification exam which can range from $200-$400.

8. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a credential offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is a voluntary certification that recognizes counselors who have met national standards for counseling practice. The NCC credential is widely accepted as a mark of excellence and professionalism in the field of counseling.

To become an NCC, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Holding a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited college or university;
• Completing at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience in counseling;
• Passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE);
• Meeting NBCC’s ethical standards; and
• Participating in continuing education activities.

It typically takes about two years to complete all the requirements for the NCC credential. Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply online through NBCC’s website. The cost to apply is $195 USD. After submitting the application, it typically takes another six to eight weeks before applicants receive their results.

9. Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional certification in the field of behavior analysis. The BCBA credential is granted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which is an independent organization that sets standards for the practice of behavior analysis. The BCBA credential indicates that an individual has met a set of standards, including education and experience requirements, and has passed an examination demonstrating their knowledge and skills in behavior analysis.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all of the requirements to become a BCBA. The requirements include coursework in areas such as ethical practices, research methods, and measurement systems; supervised experience providing behavior-analytic services; and passing the BACB’s certification exam.

To get your BCBA certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements established by the BACB. These include having a master’s degree or higher from an accredited university in an approved field related to behavior analysis, completing coursework in areas such as ethical practices, research methods, and measurement systems; completing supervised experience providing behavior-analytic services; and passing the BACB’s certification exam. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for your BCBA certification through the BACB website.

The cost of becoming a BCBA varies depending on where you live and what educational programs you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $4,000-$10,000 USD for tuition alone. Additional costs may include fees associated with taking the BACB exam ($200 USD), supervision fees ($50-$100 USD per hour), travel expenses for attending conferences or workshops ($500-$1,500 USD), and books/materials ($200-$400 USD).

10. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) is a mental health professional who has been licensed by the state to provide clinical counseling services. LPCCs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. They work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them understand and manage their mental health.

It typically takes two to three years of post-graduate study in counseling or a related field to become an LPCC. This includes completing a master’s degree program in counseling or psychology and passing an examination administered by the state board of professional counselors. Many states also require applicants to have supervised experience working with clients before they can be licensed.

The cost of becoming an LPCC varies depending on the state you live in as each state has different requirements for licensure. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay fees for application processing, examination fees, and continuing education requirements. You may also need to pay for supervision hours if required by your state board.

In addition to meeting the educational and experience requirements set forth by your state board of professional counselors, you must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The NCMHCE is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of clinical counseling techniques and principles as well as your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

Do You Really Need a Mental Health Worker Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a mental health worker certificate to practice in the field. However, having one can be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field. A mental health worker certificate can provide evidence that you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to work with people who are dealing with mental health issues. It also serves as a credential that demonstrates your commitment to helping others in this field and may open up opportunities for advancement within the profession.

In addition, many employers require applicants to possess a certificate or diploma in order to be considered for certain positions. This means that having a mental health worker certificate could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs. Additionally, many states require that practitioners obtain specific certifications or credentials before they can legally practice within the state. So, depending on where you intend to practice, having a valid certification could be essential for licensure or employment purposes.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a mental health worker certificate is up to you and should be based on your own goals and interests. If you think it could benefit your career prospects or help you become better at what you do, then it might be worth considering getting one.

Related: Mental Health Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Mental Health Worker Certifications

1. What kind of certifications do mental health workers need?

A: Mental health workers typically need to be licensed in the state they are practicing in, which may require completing a bachelor’s degree and passing a licensing exam. In addition, specific certifications such as Certified Mental Health Worker (CMHW), Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) may be required depending on the type of job and location.

2. How long does it take to become certified?

A: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification being sought and the individual's educational background. Generally speaking, obtaining a bachelor’s degree and passing the necessary licensing exams can take anywhere from two to four years.

3. How much does it cost to become certified?

A: Costs vary depending on the type of certification being sought and where an individual is located geographically. Generally speaking, tuition for a bachelor’s degree program may range from $15,000-$30,000 or more depending on the school and length of program; fees associated with licensing exams may also apply.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for mental health workers?

A: Yes, most states require mental health workers to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their license or certification status. This requirement is typically based on hours completed each year or every two years, depending on state regulations.

5. Are there any resources available for those interested in becoming certified?

A: Yes, there are many resources available online that provide information about becoming certified as a mental health worker, including websites that offer free practice tests as well as information about licensing requirements by state. Additionally, local organizations such as universities or hospitals may offer courses specifically tailored towards obtaining certification in mental health work.