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Mental Health Support Specialist
Career
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What does a Mental Health Support Specialist do?
Mental health support staff have the opportunity to interact with clients on a day-to-day basis. During the day, mental health support specialists participate in client intake, crisis care and inpatient care, including assistance with clinical skills, like taking vital signs, as well as some activities of daily living, or ADLs. They support and assist the client through all phases of treatment, helping to provide a physically safe and therapeutic environment, which may include encouraging the client to participate in group therapy. Mental health support specialists also support the client by communicating observations and concerns to the client’s mental health care team. Accurate documentation of both clinical duties and observations are a key responsibility of the mental health support specialist.
Where Can You Work?
While many choose to work in psychiatric units in general hospitals, some choose to work specifically in more focused areas. Some of the more common specialized mental health settings include outpatient mental health wings of hospitals, correctional institutions, addiction residential facilities, and psychiatric group homes.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- English language proficiency
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- Introduction to Anatomy and Medical Terminology: A Course Companion (PDF)
- eBook: Foundations of Mental Health Care 8E
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Clinical Requirement
This program requires a clinical component. If you have any questions or need clarification about the clinical requirements, please feel free to reach out to your Training Specialist for guidance.
Mental Health Support Specialist
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
- Distinguish intake, crisis care, inpatient care and discharge duties
- Recognize psychology and substance use terminology and apply that knowledge where applicable to psychiatric team communication
- Demonstrate skills in observation, communication, interpersonal needs and working well under stress
- Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and HITECH privacy and security laws
- Demonstrate understanding of Electronic HeaIth Record (EHR) functionality and documentation
Courses - 14 Weeks
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Fundamentals of Mental Health Care |
Program Preview
Mental Health Support Specialist Job Possibilities
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Psychiatric Technician
ESTIMATED SALARY
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Psychiatric Technician
ESTIMATED SALARY
HIDDEN
Behavioral Health Aide/Technician
ESTIMATED SALARY
Certification Information
MHTC
Mental Health Technician Certification
The Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) is offered through the American Medical Certification Association. Obtaining MHTC certification demonstrates knowledge in the field of mental health care. The MHTC exam covers topics such as process and procedures, psychological development, pharmacology, medical office skills, patient care skills, and practice settings. After passing the exam and becoming certified, the MHTC certification must be renewed every two years through continuing education, some of which is offered by the AMCA.
Issuing Authority
Payment Options
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Program Comparisons
Emerge Education | Community College | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 average | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Job Ready In | 3–6 months | 24–48 months |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist
Your Training Specialist is here to help you understand the program and payment options and succeed! Get in touch with your Training Specialist to learn more about the program and how to achieve your career goals. If you are a manager interested in group enrollment, please let us know so she can assist you with the enrollment process.
FAQ
You will complete the courses in this program over 18 weeks, making students job-ready in 5 months. The program is flexible, allowing for assignments to be completed anytime, from anywhere, 24/7.
No, these courses do not count for college credit
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.