Community Mental Health
Certificate
The Community Mental Health Certificate Program is designed to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a position in the mental health field or provide an opportunity for advancement through credentialing for those already working in the field. Upon completion students are eligible for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Community credential (MHRT/C) offered by the state of Maine.
-
Program tracks
Full-time
Online -
Estimated certificate completion time
2 semesters, 27 credits
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Community Mental Health program? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch with you.
"*" indicates required fields
Courses
Areas of study include trauma, vocational rehabilitation, substance abuse, listening/communication techniques, and cultural awareness. Upon completion of the certificate requirements students are eligible to apply for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Community (MHRT) certificate through the State of Maine. This certificate represents the minimum licensing qualifications necessary for working in the mental health field in Maine and is required for all positions funded by the Main Department of Health and Human Services. The courses in this program are transferable to the Behavioral Health Studies program.
The sequencing of courses in this program begins in the fall semester. Students entering in the spring or summer will likely take longer than one year to complete the program. *Intended for part-time study.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Community Mental Health Certificate will be able to:
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity to working with diverse populations.
- Utilize listening and communication techniques which demonstrate an empathic and non-judgmental approach to helping clients.
- Articulate awareness of the importance of self-care and what that means for them as an individual.
- Collaborate with clients to optimize access to services.
- Recognize the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines relating to issues such as confidentiality and providing services in the least restrictive setting.
Careers
Qualified graduates of the Community Mental Health certificate will be eligible for entry level employment at community health centers, hospitals, schools, social service and mental health programs, and child care settings. Specific jobs may include, but are not limited to, Community Support Worker, Residential Service Worker, Rehabilitation Technician, Youth and Family Counselor, Case Manager, Direct Support Professional, Life Skills Coach, and in-home Support Worker.
Meet the Faculty
-
Cathleen Ferrick
Chair - BHS/Gerontology, Faculty - Psychology
Cathleen Ferrick is the chair of the Behavioral Health Studies, Gerontology, Forensic Social Work, and Criminal Justice programs. In addition to teaching, she also has many years of clinical experience in the human service field in a wide range of areas including child protection, adoption, crisis intervention, and court investigations. Cathleen has a BA in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology as well as the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Community (MHRT/C) credential and a post-graduate certificate in Trauma Informed Expressive Art Therapies.