Best Online Graduate Certificates in Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counseling with advanced training prepares you to work with more types of clients. If you are interested in increasing your abilities with clients in counseling, this is a great opportunity. Learn how to work with patients in more modalities as you become better versed in mental health counseling.

Here is what you can expect to learn while in mental health counseling training, as well as how to apply to a program. Get started on the pathway to success with the right tools you need to excel in mental health counseling.

What Will I Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Graduate Certificate Program?

While training in a mental health counseling program leading to a graduate-level certificate, you will cover a variety of topics. This includes clinical counseling and applied therapy coursework that exposes you to interview principles. Learn how to engage with patients in a number of practice areas in a professional way when you complete this certificate course.

Keep in mind that this is an advanced-level mental health counseling program. You will already have a general framework of counseling and therapy from undergraduate-level counseling courses. Therefore, you will be prepared to take the courses that are typical of mental health counseling and therapy.

These courses in mental health counseling will provide advanced-level training in clinical counseling theories. This includes training on how to identify and treat common mental health conditions. Coursework also covers ethics and the ethical treatment of patients during counseling. Evidence-based practices are provided that cover a wide range of individuals, groups, and families. Some topics that you may cover include:

• Clinical diagnosis of patients with mental health issues

• Substance abuse disorder counseling

• Advanced counseling techniques

• Marriage and family therapy

• Counseling for religious groups

• Career counseling and development

• Counseling research and evaluation

• Social diversity

• Cultural diversity

• Family and couple counseling

• Ethics and professional organization

• Human growth and development

Succeed at providing more accurate diagnoses and treatments for patients while in practice with this certificate. Find out more about how to begin training with information about admission to a program that will lead to your mental health counseling certificate. This will prepare you for the job market or help you be able to work with more types of patients.

Admissions Requirements for a Mental Health Certificate

As you prepare to start a program in mental health counseling leading to a graduate certificate, there are some areas that must be attended to. Start by locating your school and academic records for any of your previous colleges and degrees.

This includes any prior certificate programs you have successfully completed. You may also be required to request letters of recommendation from past colleagues or professors.

While most of the schools are currently offering 100 percent remote and online training for mental health counseling, you may still be required to submit traditional application documents. This is the typical process of applying to a college or technical institute.

You may also be required to submit health insurance information and get a drug screen to be eligible to work with patients in a clinical setting. This will depend on the type of certificate program and school you are applying to for admission.

• Applicants should have a graduate degree, such as a preferred Master’s Degree of Arts in Counseling degree

• Previous therapy, counseling, and mental health training with patients

• College transcripts and work records, such as a resume

• Letters of recommendation from employers and professors

• Personal essay or statement of intent

• Application fees

Once you are accepted into a mental health counseling program, you will earn the certificate you need to exceed at your job.

List of Mental Health Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs

Find an online or campus-based graduate certificate program in mental health counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Liz Norris, LPCC

Liz Norris is a highly skilled and compassionate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has devoted her career to helping individuals achieve mental wellness and lead fulfilling lives. After receiving her master's degree in counseling, Liz worked in various clinical settings, including community mental health clinics and private practices. Throughout her career, Liz recognized the importance of providing resources and support to aspiring counselors and psychologists. This led to her involvement with CounselingPsychology.org, a website dedicated to helping individuals navigate the journey towards becoming a mental health professional. Liz is a mother of three who enjoys writing, tennis, and volunteering in her community.