Qualified Mental Health Associate

Registered (QMHA-R) Certificate Program

The QMHA-R program equips students with the skills to support individuals facing mental health challenges. Starting junior year, students combine classroom learning, hands-on experience, and online coursework to build expertise in communication, crisis intervention, and ethical practices. In senior year, students gain real-world experience at community agencies while completing an online course through United We Heal, fulfilling certification requirements.

Year One

    • Learn ethical guidelines, including confidentiality, informed consent, and mandated reporting.

    • Develop self-care strategies to prevent burnout and maintain balance.

    • Build micro skills like active listening, rapport building, and mindfulness.

    • Study brain functions, the nervous system, and the role of hormones in behavior.

    • Explore the impact of trauma, resilience, and the nature vs. nurture dynamic.

    • Understand consciousness, sleep, and the effects of psychoactive substances.

Year Two

    • Study the biopsychosocial model and its impact on behavior.

    • Learn to build therapeutic relationships, conduct assessments, and create treatment plans.

    • Explore evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing.

    • Examine the dynamics between individuals, families, and communities.

    • Gain hands-on experience through a rigorous internship.

    • Participate in a book study on The Whole Brain Child and field-based seminars.

Step Into Mental Health Careers: Build the skills to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

Hands-On Experience: Apply your knowledge in community settings, practicing crisis intervention, therapeutic techniques, and professional communication.

Get Certified: Prepare for QMHA-R certification and earn $21–$25/hour.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of this program, you will be well-prepared to pursue a variety of exciting career paths in the behavioral health field, including: 

Positions available post graduation

    • Mental Health Technician: Assisting licensed therapists with assessments, interventions, and client care.

    • Case Manager: Coordinating services for individuals with mental health conditions, including housing, employment, and healthcare.

    • Residential Counselor: Providing support and supervision to individuals living in group homes or other residential settings.

    • Peer Support Specialist: Offering guidance and emotional support based on personal lived experience with mental health challenges.

    • Crisis Intervention Specialist: Responding to mental health emergencies and providing immediate support.

    • Outreach Worker: Connecting individuals with mental health services and community resources.

    • Support Specialist: Assisting individuals with daily living skills, such as budgeting, cooking, and social interactions.

    • School-Based Therapist: Providing mental health support to students in a school setting.

    • Behavior Specialist: Assisting students with behavioral challenges and developing behavior management plans.

QMHA Certificate Levels

    • This is the initial level.

    • It typically involves meeting basic qualifications (like education and experience) to begin working in a mental health setting.  

    • This is often a stepping stone towards full certification.

    • This is the core certification.

    • It requires meeting specific educational and experience requirements, often including supervised hours working in a mental health setting.  

    • It demonstrates a foundational level of competence in the field.

    • This is an optional advanced level.

    • It often requires additional supervised hours and may involve passing a more advanced exam.  

    • It signifies a higher level of expertise and may open doors to more advanced roles or supervisory positions.

Applicable Degrees

    • Psychology: A foundational degree with various specializations (e.g., clinical, counseling, developmental, social).

    • Social Work: Focuses on social justice and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

    • Human Services: Broad field encompassing various social service roles, including those in mental health.

    • Counseling: Prepares students for roles as counselors, therapists, and educators.

    • Special Education: For those interested in working with children and adolescents with disabilities.

    • Rehabilitation Sciences: Focuses on helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence.

    • Criminal Justice: With a specialization in mental health, can prepare for roles in corrections or forensic psychology.

    • Master of Social Work (MSW): A widely recognized degree with various specializations (e.g., clinical, child and family, mental health).

    • Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Often with specializations in clinical, counseling, or school psychology.

    • Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling: May have specializations in areas like marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, or school counseling.

    • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): With a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

    • Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): Focuses on family systems and couples therapy.

    • Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling: Prepares for roles as school counselors.

    • Master of Public Health (MPH): With a concentration in mental health, focusing on public health issues related to mental illness.

    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology: Highest level of education in psychology, often involving research and academia.

    • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): A professional doctorate degree emphasizing clinical practice.

    • Doctor of Social Work (DSW): Advanced degree for social workers often focused on research, administration, or specialized practice.

    • Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling or School Psychology: Advanced degrees for those pursuing leadership roles or specialized research in education.

    • Doctor of Medicine (MD): Required for becoming a psychiatrist.