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Best mental health therapist certifications
The best certifications for a mental health therapist are Mental Health, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), and Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW).
Mental health therapist certifications demonstrate your competency as a mental health therapist to employers. However, not all mental health therapist certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best mental health therapist certifications. Obtaining a mental health therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for mental health therapists
| Rank | Mental health therapist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mental Health | AOTA |
| 2 | Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) | IC&RC |
| 3 | Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 4 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 5 | Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) | NBCC |
| 6 | Master Therapist (MTAPA) | APA, DAPA |
| 7 | National Clinical Supervision Endorsement (NCSE) | NAADAC |
| 8 | Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW) | NASW |
| 9 | The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) | NBCC |
9 best mental health therapist 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 Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
The International Examination for Alcohol & Drug Counselors is the first examination to test knowledge and skills about alcohol and drug counseling on an international level. It has been developed by IC&RC through the cooperation of its Member Boards and their strong desire to have an international exam that is based on current practice in the field.Alcohol & Drug Counselor is one of the five reciprocal certifications offered through IC&RC.
- 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)
3. 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
4. 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)
5. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The CCMHC was launched originally in 1979 by the National Academy for Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors. In 1993, the Academy and NBCC reached an agreement for NBCC to take over administration and testing for the CCMHC certification. Over 1100 NCCs currently hold the CCMHC certification.
- 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 5 year(s)
6. Master Therapist (MTAPA)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
7. National Clinical Supervision Endorsement (NCSE)
While clinical supervision has long been regarded as a significant part of the counseling profession, the importance of effective clinical supervision in the addiction treatment process has gained increased attention over the past years. Clinical Supervision is an intervention or training that is provided by a more qualified addiction professional to a less experienced person in the addiction profession.
- 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 3 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. The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is an examination managed by NBCC. The examination consists of 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases that are designed to sample a broad area of competencies, not merely the recall of isolated facts. The cases assess clinical problem-solving ability, including identifying, analyzing, diagnosing and treating clinical issues
- 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 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a mental health therapist?
The best mental health therapist 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 therapist 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 therapists?
The most in-demand mental health therapist certification is Mental Health based on all active job postings. Having this mental health therapist certification will give you access to more mental health therapist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a mental health therapist career and salary?
The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor certification will help you to secure a therapist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A therapist's average salary is $51,306 whereas mental health therapists make an average salary of $50,259.
The most common combination of mental health therapist certifications include: Mental Health, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), and Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW).
Online courses for mental health therapists 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. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
5. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate
Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...
6. Mental Health and Neuroplasticity: Change your Brain
10 Alternatives to Medication to Improve Mental Health - Research backed treatments for Depression and Anxiety...
7. 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)...
8. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
9. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide
How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...
10. 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...
11. 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)...
12. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
13. Advanced Training for Trauma Treatment of Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD...
14. The Comprehensive PTSD Course
**The Only Dedicated & Comprehensive PTSD Course On The (UDEMY) Platform! – Everything You Need To Know About PTSD**...
15. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace
The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...
16. [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!...
17. NEBOSH health and safety Management System
It Shows the Start point to Build your Health & safety Career and how to Join the field and becoming HSE Specialist...
18. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
19. Treating PTSD, Trauma & Phobias With The Rewind Technique
Learn to treat phobias, PTSD & trauma underlying many problems (depression, anxiety, addictions) often in one session...
20. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system
Upgrate your health and safety career by understanding the requriements for an OH & S management system from ISO 45001...