HI 7200
Mental Health Support Specialist
100% Online Certification Training
Gain the skills needed to support psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health clients in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.
Certifications earned
What does a Mental Health Support Specialist do?
Mental health support staff work closely with clients on a daily basis, engaging in activities such as client intake, crisis care, and inpatient support. Their role may involve assisting with clinical tasks like taking vital signs, as well as helping with activities of daily living (ADLs). They guide and assist clients through all phases of treatment, contributing to a safe and therapeutic environment—which may include encouraging participation in group therapy. In addition, mental health support specialists communicate observations and concerns to the client’s mental health care team and are responsible for accurately documenting both clinical duties and observations.
- Identify and differentiate the responsibilities involved in intake, crisis care, inpatient care, and discharge processes.
- Understand psychology and substance use terminology and use it effectively when communicating with the psychiatric care team.
- Show proficiency in observation, communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to perform effectively under stress.
- Protect client confidentiality by following HIPAA and HITECH privacy and security regulations.
- Show knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR) features and accurate documentation practices.
What You’ll Learn – HI 7200 Mental Health Support Specialist
The Mental Health Support Specialist program prepares students for a meaningful and in-demand career in mental health care. In this role, specialists work alongside licensed mental health professionals—such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists—to deliver comprehensive care to psychiatric patients.
The need for qualified mental health support staff in the U.S. is projected to grow by 11% through 2031. This program equips students to work in a variety of mental health care settings, with a strong emphasis on interpersonal communication, conflict management, and relationship-building skills essential to every area of mental health care.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to earn the Mental Health Technician Certified (MHTC) credential from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA). This certification validates knowledge in mental health care processes, pharmacology, medical office and patient care skills, practice settings, and psychological development, including various mental health disorders.
The core course, H1-7013: Fundamentals of Mental Health Care, immerses students in the role of a Mental Health Support Specialist through interactive, scenario-based learning and three-dimensional clinical skills demonstrations. To ensure graduates are prepared to work in healthcare environments, the program also includes HI-1014: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, providing essential knowledge of the language of medicine and the basics of human anatomy and physiology.
To further support employability, PS-1011: Professionalism in Allied Health is included, offering training in the soft skills and workplace readiness employers expect—developed with direct input from healthcare professionals and hiring managers.
Students receive all required materials and courseware upon enrollment, with no additional purchases necessary. Throughout the program, they benefit from the guidance of certified Student Success Coaches who provide subject matter support.
The cost of the MHTC exam is fully covered by Amara.
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 |
| Total Program Duration | 14 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 Specialist 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 Specialist Online Certification Training Program
What is a Mental Health Support Specialist?
A Mental Health Support Specialist assists psychiatrists, therapists and mental health clients in managing mental health and substance use disorders. They perform tasks such as client intake, crisis care, inpatient care, taking vital signs and aiding in daily living activities. They help create a safe, therapeutic environment, support clients through treatment phases and communicate observations to the mental health care team.
What is the Career Outlook for a Mental Health Support Specialist?
The career outlook for Mental Health Support Specialists is very positive, with available jobs expected to grow by 18% over the next ten years.
How Do I Become a Mental Health Support Specialist?
To become a Mental Health Support Specialist, complete a training program like the one offered by Amara. This program covers mental health disorders, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention and HIPAA regulations. Graduates are prepared to provide support in various mental health settings and assist in client care, intake and daily living activities.
What Skills Will I Learn in Your Online Mental Health Support Specialist Certification Training Course?
In the Amara online Mental Health Support Specialist certification training course, you will learn a comprehensive range of skills, including:
Understanding mental health disorders, therapeutic communication techniques, crisis intervention strategies, client intake and assessment procedures, inpatient and crisis care support, HIPAA regulations and compliance, vital signs monitoring and documentation and supporting daily living activities.
What are the enrollment requirements for your online Mental Health Support Specialist certification training program?
To enroll in the Amara’s Mental Health Support Specialist program, you will need a High School Diploma or GED, internet access, course registration and payment.
Do you offer scholarships or grants for your online Mental Health Support Specialist certification training program?
While Amara does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
How long is Your Mental Health Support Specialist certification training program?
The total program duration is 14 weeks if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
How is your Mental Health Support Specialist 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 Specialist 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 Specialist certification training program?
The program 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 Specialist 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 Specialist certification training program accredited?
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certification you’ll earn in this program is accredited through the exam-issuing authority, AMCA. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.