Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level)
Hours: 9 Online
About
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) at Fort Hays State University provides comprehensive training in telehealth technology, virtual counseling techniques, and ethical considerations. It's designed for mental health professionals or graduate students pursuing licensure, equipping them with skills to deliver evidence-based treatment remotely. Note: Completing the certificate does not confer licensure or independently qualify individuals to practice mental health counseling or therapy.
By completing this certification, mental health professionals will be prepared to address clients' unique challenges in rural and underserved areas. Students will also enhance their skills in telehealth platforms, client engagement, crisis intervention, and legal and ethical considerations.
Why pursue a Certificate in Telemental Health at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) at Fort Hays State University stands out due to its specialized focus on virtual counseling and remote therapy. As one of the few certificates designed explicitly for mental health professionals, it ensures that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date training in evidence-based telehealth practices.
Students who complete the certificate gain a competitive edge in mental health by acquiring skills essential for adapting to modern clinical practice. As telehealth services become increasingly integral to mental health care, professionals trained in distance counseling and virtual interventions are in high demand. Note: This certificate does not grant licensure or independent practice rights and is intended to enhance the skills of those already licensed or on the path to licensure.
Who is this program for?
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) will benefit mental health professionals seeking to enhance their ability to provide ethical, effective, and secure telehealth services. This certificate is intended to augment the skills of those already licensed or in the process of obtaining licensure and does not confer licensure or independent practice rights. Individuals who may find this certification particularly valuable include:
- Licensed mental health counselors
- Clinical social workers
- School counselors
- Psychologists and therapists
- Healthcare providers specializing in mental health
Learning Outcomes
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) at FHSU provides a deep understanding of virtual therapy principles, ethical practices, and technology-driven mental health care. Students will gain specialized expertise in delivering high-quality telehealth services that meet professional standards and address the needs of diverse populations.
Proficiency in Telehealth Platforms and Digital Therapy Tools
Students will develop a thorough understanding of secure telehealth platforms, video conferencing software, and digital therapy applications. The curriculum emphasizes Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, cybersecurity best practices, and confidentiality measures to ensure ethical virtual counseling.
Application of Legal and Ethical Guidelines in Virtual Therapy
Students receive a strong foundation in telehealth's ethical and legal aspects, including understanding state and federal regulations governing virtual mental health services. Ethical dilemmas in online therapy, informed consent procedures, and licensing requirements across different jurisdictions are some of the topics instructors cover to prepare students for responsible practice.
Mastery of Evidence-Based Counseling Techniques for Remote Therapy
Students will gain practical experience applying evidence-based therapeutic interventions in a virtual setting. The curriculum includes strategies for building strong therapeutic relationships online, conducting remote assessments, and delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention via telehealth.
Adaptation of Counseling Techniques for Special Populations
Students will learn how to modify traditional counseling approaches to meet the unique needs of clients from diverse backgrounds. Instruction will emphasize techniques for working with children, individuals with special needs, and underserved communities through telehealth, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in virtual therapy.
Real-World Applications
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) provides practical skills that can be applied directly in clinical settings, allowing mental health professionals to offer secure, effective, and ethical virtual therapy. The curriculum focuses on critical components of distance counseling, including best practices for engaging clients remotely, managing crises in virtual sessions, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical guidelines.
Mental health professionals or graduate students pursuing licensure who complete this certificate can integrate telehealth services into their practice, whether in private practice, community mental health centers, or hospital settings. The demand for qualified telemental health providers is rising due to the ongoing mental health crisis and the expansion of online therapy.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The mental health industry is evolving rapidly, and staying updated with the latest trends. Research is crucial for providing adequate care. In FHSU’s Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level), special attention is given to privacy concerns, cybersecurity issues, and compliance with national telehealth policies to ensure professionals are ready for digital mental health care challenges.
As the demand for remote therapy grows, this certificate ensures mental health professionals or graduate students pursuing licensure learn the most relevant and effective telehealth strategies. Students who complete this certificate will know how artificial intelligence (AI), mobile applications, and data-driven approaches transform mental health services.
Practical Activities
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) emphasizes practical training to prepare students for real-world virtual mental health care applications. Students will engage in interactive virtual simulations that mirror actual counseling sessions, allowing them to practice their skills in a controlled and supportive environment.
Additionally, students will explore real-world scenarios involving crisis management in virtual settings, ethical dilemmas in telehealth, and best practices for ensuring client confidentiality. Our certificate provides access to telehealth software and secure communication platforms, giving students direct experience with the technology they will use in their professional practices.
What You’ll Learn:
- Best practices in virtual mental health care
- Legal and ethical telehealth considerations
- Crisis management for remote clients
- Evidence-based virtual counseling techniques
- Telemental health technology applications
How You’ll Learn:
- Fully online coursework
- Interactive virtual training modules
- Case study analysis and applied practice
- Engaging in discussions with industry experts
- Practical simulations in distance counseling
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3141.72* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($349.08/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
For those interested in expanding their mental health expertise beyond telemental health, Fort Hays State University offers additional relevant programs, including:
- M.S. in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
- M.S. in Counseling (School Counseling)
- Certificate in Foundations of Public Mental Health
- M.S. in Psychology (School)
- M.S. in Psychology (Clinical)
Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.