Mental Health Counseling: Five Popular Certification Options Now
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- National Certified School Counselor
- Master Addictions Counselor
- Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems
- Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services
Mental health counseling is a critical part of the greater healthcare system today, and as a result, there is a wide variety of certifications to be found for the many types of mental health counseling practitioners out there. What are some of the most important and popular options in this area of certification? The following five certifications mark some of the most popular, pivotal, and respected in the mental health counseling industry right now.
Related resource: Top 30 Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling Online Degree Programs
1. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor
As with numbers two and three on this list, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor certificate is facilitated by the National Board for Certified Counselors, or NBCC – one of the primary accrediting authorities in modern mental health counseling. With this particular certification, earners show a high degree of prowess in advanced counseling and clinical skills alike. To be eligible to participate in this certification program, applicants must first present with adequate clinical experience, a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, and a professional endorsement.
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2. National Certified School Counselor
The National Certified School Counselor is another offering of the mental health counseling industry’s all-important NBCC. This certification opens many occupational doors with the official assertion that its holder is highly experienced and capable in clinical practice as well as the full spectrum of counseling specializations. Consideration for participation in this NBCC certification program hinges on the applicant’s clinical experience, professional endorsements, provable hours worked, and a pass on the counseling exam.
3. Master Addictions Counselor
Next, the NBCC is soon expected to take on the facilitation and responsibility for the Master Addictions Counselor certification, though it has not fully done so yet. As its name suggests, this certification strictly focuses on addiction counseling abilities in the participating candidate. The eligibility requirements for participation in this program typically include substantial training and experience in the greater practice areas of addiction counseling.
4. Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems
The Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems certification can be found offered by a number of colleges and trade schools across the U.S. This valuable certificate assures its holder as being highly learned in couples counseling as well as the many, diverse areas of family dynamic today. This is a graduate certificate that is often earned in place of or in conjunction with a master’s degree in some area of counseling practice.
5. Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services
Also offered at a variety of colleges and trade schools across the U.S., the Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services certification program affords its holders with another valuable credential in mental health work. This one is broader than many other certifications, but is nonetheless weighty, covering virtually all areas of the mental health counseling discipline such as human development, theories of psychotherapy, legal and ethical parameters, and more. This certificate officially serves as a well-respected graduate certificate across the industry.
Mental health counseling is arguably as important as any other component to the healthcare system today. Due to this importance and the depth of knowledge utilized therein, there are many educational decorations one can seek to earn in order to become a professional in this industry. For more on the various mental health counseling certifications available right now, the National Board for Certified Counselors mentioned throughout this piece, is a premier resource with which to inquire further.