HI 7300
Mental Health Support Professional
100% Online Certification Training
This dual certification program offers comprehensive training to launch a successful career in the mental health field.
Certifications earned
What does a Mental Health Support Professional do?
A Mental Health Support Professional—also referred to as a mental health technician, mental health care worker, psychiatric technician, mental health assistant, or behavioral health associate—assists psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed mental health therapists in caring for clients with psychiatric illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. While many work in psychiatric units within general hospitals, others choose more specialized settings, such as outpatient mental health departments, correctional facilities, addiction treatment centers, and psychiatric group homes.
- Show proficiency in using Electronic Health Records (EHR), including understanding their functions and accurately documenting patient information.
- Differentiate the roles and responsibilities involved in intake, crisis care, inpatient care, and discharge processes.
- Identify and understand psychology and substance use terminology, applying it effectively in communication with the psychiatric care team.
- Demonstrate strong observation, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
- Uphold client confidentiality by complying with HIPAA and HITECH privacy and security regulations.
What You’ll Learn – HI 7300 Mental Health Support Professional
The Mental Health Support Professional program prepares students for a fulfilling and in-demand career in mental health care. In this role, professionals work alongside licensed mental health providers—such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists—to deliver comprehensive care to psychiatric patients.
Amara’s Mental Health Support Professional program builds a strong foundation in mental health care, emphasizing best-practice skills to ensure high-quality service. Graduates will be prepared to make a meaningful impact on client outcomes by supporting both the mental health care team and the clients themselves.
This program leads to two industry-recognized certifications: Mental Health Technician – Certified (MHTC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These credentials demonstrate proficiency in mental health care processes, pharmacology, medical office and patient care skills, psychological development, and mental health disorders.
The core course, H1-7013: Fundamentals of Mental Health Care, provides the essential knowledge to care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, while also covering administrative and patient intake procedures. Through immersive, scenario-based virtual learning and three-dimensional clinical demonstrations, students experience the role of a Mental Health Support Professional in action.
To prepare graduates for work in healthcare facilities, HI-1014: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology is included, offering a foundational understanding of the language of medicine and basic anatomy and physiology.
Because electronic health records (EHR) are widely used for documentation and facility management, HI-1018: Electronic Health Records trains students in EHR and practice management software, while reinforcing HIPAA and HITECH compliance for privacy and security.
The program also incorporates PS-1011: Professionalism in Allied Health, developed with input from healthcare employers, to ensure students acquire the soft skills and workplace readiness essential for success.
All required materials and courseware are provided at enrollment—no additional purchases are needed. Students also benefit from the guidance of certified Student Success Coaches throughout the program.
Amara covers the full cost of the MHTC and CEHRS certification exams.
Program Courses
| Code | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PS 1011 | Professionalism in Allied Health | 2 Weeks |
| HI 1014 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology | 6 Weeks |
| HI 7013 | Fundamentals of Mental Health Care | 6 Weeks |
| HI 1018 | Electronic Health Records | 4 Weeks |
| Total Program Duration | 18 Weeks |
Enrollment Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Amara Covered Materials
- 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
*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by Amara. They are not included in the tuition costs and are provided at no additional cost to students. However, students have access to these materials for a limited time frame aligned with their program. Access to these materials outside of this period is not guaranteed, and students may be responsible for costs associated with any extended access.
Student Services
- Dedicated Student Success Advisors
- Tailored support based on performance & behavior
- Exam preparation process
- 1 year post-program access to Career Center & Career Coaches
Mental Health Support Professional Training Online
Active Duty Military Grants
Amara accepts education benefits from the Department of Defense for Active Duty Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.
Military Spouse Grants
Spouses of Active Duty Service Members in certain ranks may be eligible for assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Workforce Grants
Amara partners with American Job Centers in 30+ states and accepts Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce grant funding.
FAQs: Mental Health Support Professional Training Program
What is a Mental Health Support Professional?
A Mental Health Support Professional assists mental health professionals like psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists in the care of clients with psychiatric illnesses and developmental disabilities. They work in settings such as psychiatric units, outpatient facilities, correctional institutions, and addiction treatment centers.
What is the Career Outlook for a Mental Health Support Professional?
The career outlook for Mental Health SupportProfessionals is very positive, with available jobs expected to grow by 18% over the next ten years.
How Do I Become a Mental Health Support Professional?
To become a Mental Health Support Professional, complete a training program like the one offered by Amara. This program covers essential topics such as therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, patient intake, and discharge planning. The training prepares you for roles in various mental health settings and equips you with the skills needed to support mental health professionals and clients effectively.
What skills will I learn in your online Mental Health Support Professional certification training program?
In the Amara online Mental Health Support Professional certification training course, you will learn therapeutic communication techniques, crisis intervention strategies, patient intake and assessment procedures, inpatient and crisis care support, discharge planning and follow-up care, confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, supporting mental health professionals in various settings, and understanding psychiatric illnesses and developmental disabilities.
What are the enrollment requirements for your online Mental Health Support Professional certification training program?
The enrollment requirements include earning a High School Diploma or GED, internet access, course registration and payment.
Do you offer scholarships for your Mental Health Support Professional certification training program?
Amara provides financial aid options through government grant-funded programs like:
How long is your Mental Health Support Professional certification training program?
The total program duration is 18 weeks.
How is your Mental Health Support Professional certification training program structured and taught?
The program is developed with collaboration from industry-recognized subject matter experts and includes interactive simulations, interviews with real-world experts, game-based learning, and more, catering to every type of learner.
Do you offer certification exam prep or help for the Mental Health Support Professional exam?
Yes, the program includes a strategic exam preparation process and dedicated Student Success Advisors to provide tailored support based on performance.
What’s included in your Mental Health Support Professional certification training program?
The course includes expert-led video-based training, an eBook (“Foundations of Mental Health Care 8E”), a pdf textbook (“Introduction to Anatomy and Medical Terminology: A Course Companion”), competency assessments, and the national certification exam fee. All materials needed for the program are covered by Amara.
Is your Mental Health Support Professional certification training program valid nationwide?
Some Amara programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.
Is your Mental Health Support Professional certification training program accredited?
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authorities, AMCA and the NHA. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exams.