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Best mental health specialist certifications
Mental health specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an mental health specialist to employers. However, not all mental health specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a mental health specialist are Mental Health, Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI), and Basic Life Support (BLS).
Below is a list of the best mental health specialist certifications. Obtaining an mental health specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for mental health specialists
| Rank | Mental health specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mental Health | AOTA |
| 2 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 3 | Basic Life Support (BLS) | AHA |
| 4 | Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) | AAHCPAD |
| 5 | Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 6 | Medication Aide Certification (MACE) | NCSBN |
| 7 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 8 | Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW) | NASW |
| 9 | Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS) | NAFC |
| 10 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
10 best mental health specialist certifications
1. Mental Health
Occupational therapy in mental health.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
2. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Basic Life Support (BLS)
The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)
Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
6. Medication Aide Certification (MACE)
The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
7. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)
The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
10. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
What is the best certification for a mental health specialist?
The best mental health specialist certification is Mental Health. The Mental Health is awarded by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this mental health specialist certification:
- To become a certified Mental Health, you don't need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for mental health specialists?
The most in-demand mental health specialist certification is Mental Health based on all active job postings. Having this mental health specialist certification will give you access to more mental health specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a mental health specialist career and salary?
The Basic Life Support certification will help you to secure a registered nurse position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A registered nurse's average salary is $63,827 whereas mental health specialists make an average salary of $47,321.
The most common combination of mental health specialist certifications include: Mental Health, Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI), and Basic Life Support (BLS).
Online courses for mental health specialists to earn certifications
1. Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders
This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's...
2. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
3. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
4. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate
Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...
5. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course
Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...
6. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
7. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide
How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...
8. Mental Health and Neuroplasticity: Change your Brain
10 Alternatives to Medication to Improve Mental Health - Research backed treatments for Depression and Anxiety...
9. Cognitive Psychology for Positive Mental Health and Wellness
Optimise your mental health and reduce stress by mastering the key concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Psychology (CBP)...
10. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
11. Mental Health First Aid Skills -
This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...
12. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate
Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...
13. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor
Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...
14. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace
The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...
15. Existential Therapy, Psychotherapy & Counselling
Helping Individuals to Live Meaningful, Free & Authentic Lives...
16. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certificate
Become a certified CBT practitioner and learn to use cognitive behavior therapy to improve people's mental health...
17. A Beginner's Guide to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Learn how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) contributes to long-term personal growth and sustainable mental resilience...
18. Couples Counselling using Systemic Family Therapy
Help people build stronger relationships and marriages by learning couples counselling skills...
19. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
20. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...