Human Services: Mental Health Certificate (MNHL-CC-HS)

CT State Community College Catalog 2023-2024 New students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2023 will begin as students of Connecticut State Community College under this catalog.  Continuing students from one of the 12 community colleges will be transitioned into a CT State program in this catalog as of the start of the Fall 2023 term. The policies, courses and programs described are applicable as of the Fall 2023 term and may be updated as circumstances require.

The Human Services Mental Health Certificate prepares students for entry level positions as mental health aids, work in rehabilitation agencies, or at other mental health agencies. Students who complete this certificate are assigned to work under the supervision of other licensed and/or credential professionals such as social workers, case managers, counselors, addiction specialists, and psychologists and handle a wide range of entry level job responsibilities.

The certificate is designed to provide education and training for individuals seeking entry employment in various human service settings. It is also designed to provide a basis for those who choose to continue their education in social work, early intervention and prevention, gerontology, mental health, home visitation, early childhood and education programming, addiction, advocacy, social justice, and other related fields.

This 30-credit career certificate is designed to prepare students for diverse employment opportunities and competent performance in a variety of entry-level community, care related, and social service minded organizations. Instruction is cross-disciplinary and designed for maximum transferability for those wishing to continue their studies to psychology, social work, education, or other helping professions. Emphasis is on the empirical and theoretical aspects of the social sciences and application through experiential learning including a practicum. This degree is interdisciplinary in nature and embraces the holistic approach. Students may be required to complete a background check, drug screening, and proof of health (e.g., vaccinations) for field work. Field work may be required which may include travel at the student’s expense, coordination, and planning.

Learning Outcomes:

Student will understand and/or acquire knowledge:

• The history and foundation of the human services profession.
• Entry-level skills of appropriate strategies, techniques, and intervention for best practices.
• Working collaboratively in and with groups of diverse sizes and demographics.
• Skills and methods appropriate for use and application with diverse populations.
• Entry-level competency in the performance of case management needs assessment, group work, interviewing process, and client engagement.

See program advisor/coordinator or an academic counselor to discuss practicum (HSER 2690  and HSER 2696 ) requirements during your first semester at the CT State Community College. Both HSER 2690  and HSER 2696  require 120 hours of field work. Finally, students may be required to complete a background check, proof of health (e.g., vaccinations), and drug screening for field work.