Professional Development
Mental Health Support Professional
What does a Mental Health Support Professional do?
A Mental Health Support Professional, also known as mental health technician, mental health care worker, psychiatric technician, mental health assistant or behavioral health associate, is an individual who assists psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed mental health therapists in the care of clients with psychiatric illness and/or developmental disabilities.
Where Can You Work?
While many choose to work in psychiatric units in general hospitals, some choose to work specifically in more focused areas. Some of the more common specialized mental health settings include outpatient mental health wings of hospitals, correctional institutions, addiction residential facilities, and psychiatric group homes.
Length
18 Weeks
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- English language proficiency
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- Introduction to Anatomy and Medical Terminology: A Course Companion
- eBook: Foundations of Mental Health Care 8E
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Cost
$4,100
Mental Health Support Professional
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Support licensed mental health professionals in clinical environments
- Assist with patient intake, assessment, and observation
- Provide support during inpatient, outpatient, and crisis care
- Document patient information using electronic health record systems
- Support discharge planning and follow-up care
- Maintain patient safety, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance
Courses - 18 Weeks
- Professionalism in Allied Health
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
- Fundamentals of Mental Health Care
- Electronic Health Records
Program Preview
Mental Health Support Professional Job Possibilities
Psychiatric Technician
$37,380 – $58,880
ESTIMATED SALARY
Mental Health Specialist
$37,160 – $52,050
ESTIMATED SALARY
Behavioral Health Aide/Technician
$44,150 – $82,710
ESTIMATED SALARY
Certification Information
Upon completion of your training, you’ll be qualified to earn the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist Certification and the Mental Health Technician Certification through the National Health career Association and the American Medical Certification Association.
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist
The Electronic Health Records Specialist Certification (CEHRS) certification showcases to employers that you are equipped with the knowledge to ensure the security, accuracy and completeness of patient data. Sometimes paired with other certifications in order to expand an employee’s skillset, this certification is highly sought after in the healthcare industry.
Mental Health Technician Certification
The Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) is offered through the American Medical Certification Association. Obtaining MHTC certification demonstrates knowledge in the field of mental health care. The MHTC exam covers topics such as process and procedures, psychological development, pharmacology, medical office skills, patient care skills, and practice settings. After passing the exam and becoming certified, the MHTC certification must be renewed every two years through continuing education, some of which is offered by the AMCA.
Issuing Authority
Payment Options
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Program Comparison
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Emerge Education
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Community College
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Program & Tuition Cost
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$4,000 average
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Up to $20,000
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Exam Fees, Books & Materials
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Included
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Up to $750
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Job Ready In
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3–6 months
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24–48 months
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Schedule Flexibility
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On-demand 24/7
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Set class schedule
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Travel Requirements
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None: 100% online
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On-campus classrooms
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Student Support
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Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
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Professors: scheduled office hours
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Career Coaching
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Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
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Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
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Content Delivery
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3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
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Professor lectures
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Meet Your Training Specialist
Kelly Lougee is your Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Kelly to learn more about the program and how to achieve your career goals. If you are a manager interested in group enrollment, please contact Kelly directly so she can assist you with the enrollment process.
FAQ
You will complete the courses in this program over 18 weeks, making students job-ready in 5 months. The program is flexible, allowing for assignments to be completed anytime, from anywhere, 24/7.
No, these courses do not count for college credit
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.