Certificate in Telemental Health - Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Certificate

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

Courses

The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) curriculum provides comprehensive training in telemental health, focusing on the core principles of distance counseling, including legal, ethical, and technological considerations. Students will refine their ability to engage clients in virtual therapy, apply crisis intervention techniques, and adapt counseling strategies for telehealth. They will also learn to address the unique challenges of providing online therapy to diverse populations, including children, individuals with disabilities, and clients in rural communities. Below are the courses in the Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level):

COUN 865: Foundations of Telemental Health: Ethics, Legal Standards, and Best Practices

This advanced course equips mental health professionals with the knowledge and skills for telemental health services, covering ethics, legal standards, confidentiality, informed consent, and boundary management. It also addresses HIPAA, HITECH, licensure portability, and practical skills like platform selection, client engagement, and crisis management, focusing on cognitive-based interventions.

COUN 866: Advanced Clinical Skills in Telemental Health: Techniques and Modalities for Virtual Counseling

This advanced course focuses on adapting traditional counseling techniques like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing for virtual environments. It covers client engagement, rapport building, crisis intervention, and group teletherapy while addressing the practical and ethical aspects of digital platforms, including confidentiality and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Participants will learn to apply evidence-based practices and develop competencies for effective telemental health services.Bottom of FormCCCCCCC

COUN 867: Telemental Health and Special Populations: Children, Adolescents and Rural Communities

This course explores telehealth services for special populations, including children, adolescents, rural communities, and those with limited digital literacy. It covers ethical considerations, confidentiality, and enhancing outcomes, focusing on school-based services and underserved populations.

Discover the full Certificate in Telemental Health by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The increasing demand for virtual mental health services has created new and diverse career opportunities for trained professionals in telemental health. Students who complete FHSU’s Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) are well-equipped to meet this growing need, offering services to individuals, families, and groups. It is important to note that the certificate does not grant licensure or independent practice rights. Instead, it is designed to enhance the skills of those already licensed or on the path to licensure in the following areas. As remote therapy continues to gain traction, licensed mental health professionals with expertise in telemental health are poised for success.

Telemental Health Provider in a Counseling/Mental Health Profession

Licensed mental health professionals who complete this certificate will be better equipped to provide telemental health services as part of their practice. The increasing demand for online therapy means that licensed mental health professionals with expertise in telemental health will be highly sought after.

Clinical Counselor with Telehealth Specialization

Traditional clinical counseling is evolving to include remote therapy options, and professionals with specialized training in telemental health will have a competitive advantage. Students who complete this certificate can integrate telemental health services into their practice, allowing them to expand their client base and provide convenient, high-quality care.

School Counselor with Telehealth Integration

Schools are increasingly recognizing the benefits of telemental health counseling, particularly for students who may not have access to in-person mental health services. With a telemental health certification, school counselors can implement virtual counseling sessions, providing students with essential support while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

Social Worker in Telehealth Services

Social workers play a crucial role in connecting individuals with mental health resources, and telemental health training allows them to provide remote support to vulnerable populations. With this certification, social workers can offer online counseling, crisis intervention, and case management services, making mental health care more accessible to clients facing financial, geographic, or social barriers.

Private Practice Clinician

Independent mental health practitioners can expand their services significantly by incorporating telemental health. Private practice clinicians with telemental health expertise can reach a wider audience, reduce overhead costs associated with in-person therapy, and provide flexible counseling options tailored to the needs of diverse clients.

Admission Requirements

Professionals currently licensed or pursuing licensure in mental health professions (ex., LPC, LMHC, LCPC, Counselor supervisors, students pursuing a master’s degree) will benefit the most from Fort Hays State University’s Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level).

Relevant Professional Experience

Applicants should have prior experience or coursework in mental health, counseling, or a related field. While prior telehealth experience is unnecessary, familiarity with mental health practices, ethical considerations, and client interactions will help students succeed in the certificate.

Application Process

Students must submit a completed application through Fort Hays State University's online application portal. The application should include academic transcripts verifying the completion of a master's degree and any additional documentation highlighting professional experience in counseling, social work, or healthcare.

Required Coursework and Prerequisites

No additional prerequisite courses are necessary for the Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level). The three courses in telemental health provide all necessary training for students who meet the general admission requirements.

Technology Requirements

With the Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) available entirely online, students must have access to a reliable internet connection, webcam, and secure telehealth platform that meets HIPAA compliance standards. Coursework may involve virtual simulations, interactive discussions, and case study analyses that require familiarity with digital tools.

Rolling Admissions and Start Dates

FHSU accepts applications on a rolling basis, allowing students to begin the certificate in any academic term. Interested applicants should check with the FHSU admissions office for specific enrollment deadlines and tuition details.

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.

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Related Programs

For those interested in expanding their mental health expertise beyond telemental health, Fort Hays State University offers additional relevant programs, including:

FAQ

Is the Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) available online?

Yes, the certificate is available online, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere while maintaining professional and personal commitments.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level)?

This certification enhances the skills of mental health professionals by preparing them to provide ethical and effective remote therapy. It also expands career opportunities by meeting the growing demand for virtual counseling services.

Who can enroll in the Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level)?

The certificate is ideal for mental health professionals, including counselors, social workers, and psychologists. Students must have a bachelor's degree and a background in counseling or a related mental health field.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) consists of three courses, and students typically can complete it in less than a year, depending on the student's course load and scheduling preferences.

What kind of technology is necessary for the coursework?

Students need a reliable internet connection, webcam, and a secure telehealth platform compatible with HIPAA regulations. Some coursework may involve simulations and interactive virtual training exercises.

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.

Accreditations

Telemental Health

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