Mental Health Certificate Level 1 Basic and Advanced and A.A.S. (511500)

Mental Health Certificate Level 1 Basic and Advanced and A.A.S. (511500)

Faculty and Staff

Purpose

The Mental Health program will equip students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively support individuals with mental health and substance use challenges across various settings.  This comprehensive training prepares students to engage in client-centered care, enhancing their ability to respond to crises, understand the complexities of mental health and addiction, and advocate for clients’ rights.  Through developing effective communication, ethical decision-making, cultural competency and teamwork skills, students will become competent professionals who can work collaboratively within healthcare teams to ensure individuals received respectful, appropriate, and supportive care.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate mastery in the following areas:

1. Mental Health Support Skills: Students will be able to assist in providing mental health services in various settings, offering direct support to individuals with mental health challenges.
2. Understanding of Substance Use Disorders: Students will understand the causes and effects of substance use disorders and be prepared to provide basic support for individuals struggling with addiction.
3. Effective Communication: Students will demonstrate effective interviewing and communication skills, essential for interacting with clients and healthcare teams.
4. Crisis intervention: Students will be able to respond to mental health crises, providing immediate assistance and stabilizing individuals in distress.
5. Applied Psychology Skills: Students will be able to apply psychological theories and techniques to understand and manage patient behavior in real-world scenarios.
6. Client Advocacy: Students will be equipped to advocate for patients’ rights, ensuring they receive appropriate care and services.
7. Cultural Competency: Students will develop an understanding of diverse populations and will be able to deliver care that is respectful of cultural differences.
8. Ethical Decision-Making: Students will be able to apply ethical principles in all areas of their professional practice, particularly in relation to confidentiality and patient care.
9. Professionalism and Team Collaboration: Students will demonstrate professionalism in their workplace and will be able to collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Awards

The Mental Health program offers the following awards:

Mental Health Assistant Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
Mental Health Technician Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
Mental Health – Basic Level One Certificate
Mental Health – Advanced Level One Certificate
Mental Health Associate of Applied Science

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the Mental Health program through regular college admission procedures (see Admission Regulations section) and program-specific requirements. Students will receive Level One Certificates and the A.A.S. degree upon satisfaction with completing the program of study and upon making a formal application for graduation (see Curricula section).

Advanced Placement Policy

To receive advanced placement credit for DAAC 1019 and PSYT 1029, the applicant must hold a current Mental Health Technician Certification (CMHT) issued by the National Career Certification Board (NCCB).

1. Provide appropriate documentation to the Dean of Applied Sciences;
2. Apply and be admitted into the Mental Health program;
3. Have completed at least 6 semester hours at SWTX.

Students who meet these criteria and hold a CMHT will receive a (grade of “P”) for the following courses:

           DAAC 1319     Introduction to Substance Use Disorders.... 3 hrs.

           PSYT 1329     Interviewing and Communication Skills.......... 3 hrs.

Mental Health Resources

Academic Advising

Student Planning

Transfer Planning

Occupations

Occupational Profiles

Texas Reality Check

Texas Reality Check will show you how much your living expenses will cost, and the amount of money you will need to earn to pay for them.

Pathful Explore

Pathful Explore offers several resources to support your career readiness and future planning. Pathful Explore takes the guesswork out of planning for your future.  Start exploring and preparing for your career!