ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Perry Foundation Academy of Health's Mental Health Technician Certification program is a 5-week program that dives into the history of mental health and teaches the skills needed to be an effective mental healthcare provider. During this course, you will gain an understanding of the history of mental health and the basics of mental health care. You will review the ethics of caring for your clients and will ultimately gain an understanding of developmental psychology throughout a person's lifespan, as well as how sociocultural influences can impact one's mental health.
You will participate in the development and implementation of basic nursing care and therapeutic treatment plans for those with mental health needs. Students will receive training in physical assessment, psychiatric and substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, health/wellness education, emergency and crisis intervention, and basic nursing assistant skills.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to take the Mental Health Technician Certification exam through the American Medical Certification Association (administered onsite).
This Program is Perfect For
Mental Health Technicians work under many different job titles and in a variety of both healthcare and non-healthcare settings. Although created with entry-level healthcare workers in mind, this program is ideal for:
- Entry-level healthcare workers
- School district employees
- Correction officers
- First responders
- Those working in addiction centers
- Current Certified Nursing Assistants seeking a stackable credential in a Mental Health Specialty
What You Will Learn
By completing this program, participants will be able to:
- Explain the history, ethics, and legal foundations of mental health care, including HIPAA and mandated reporting
- Describe how culture, sociocultural factors, and developmental stage influence mental health and illness
- Apply major theories of mental illness and recognize common complementary and alternative therapies
- Identify classifications of psychotherapeutic medications and describe care guidelines for clients receiving them
- Perform core mental health assessment skills, including data collection and the mental status examination
- Apply principles of therapeutic communication and build effective therapeutic relationships with clients
- Recognize mental health problems across childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and late adulthood, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Identify signs and appropriate interventions for anxiety, mood, eating, sleeping, and dissociative disorders
- Assess and respond to anger, aggression, violence, and suicide risk in a clinical setting
- Recognize substance-related, sexual, and personality disorders and their associated treatment approaches
- Apply infection control, safety, and bloodborne pathogen standards in a healthcare setting
- Take and record vital signs, and perform basic first aid and CPR
- Prepare for and complete the Mental Health Technician Certification exam
Program Details
Credential Type: Standalone Certification Program
Program Length: 5 Weeks | 120 Hours | 15 Sessions
Schedule: October 5, 2026 to November 9, 2026. Meets weekly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Instructional Format: In-person at the Perry Foundation
CEUs: 12.00
Assessment Methods: Case scenarios, treatment plan development, interview practice, final exam, and the Mental Health Technician Certification exam
Note: Students wishing to enroll in the MHT Program must be 18 years of age and show proof of high school diploma or equivalency. Once registered, students will complete an enrollment agreement.
Once you fulfill all certificate program requirements as outlined in the Academic Plan, you may request your certificate.