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. Please 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) provides a specialized, evidence-based curriculum designed for mental health professionals seeking to expand their expertise in virtual counseling and remote therapy. Focused on the evolving landscape of telehealth, the certificate equips participants with the tools necessary to deliver effective, ethical care in digital environments.
Students who complete this certificate gain a competitive advantage by developing the essential skills required to navigate and thrive in modern clinical practice. As telehealth continues to grow as a critical component of mental health care, professionals trained in virtual interventions are increasingly in demand. Please note: This certificate does not grant licensure or independent practice rights; it is intended to enhance the capabilities of those who are already licensed or actively pursuing licensure.
Who is this program for?
The Certificate in Telemental Health (Graduate Level) is designed to support mental health professionals aiming to strengthen their ability to deliver ethical, effective, and secure telehealth services. This certificate enhances the competencies of those who are already licensed or currently pursuing licensure and does not confer licensure or independent practice rights. Students and professionals who may find this certificate especially valuable include:
- Licensed mental health counselors
- Clinical social workers
- School counselors
- Psychologists and therapists
- Healthcare providers specializing in mental health
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. They 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 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 them 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 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 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 some courses in the certificate:
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 (Graduate Level) by visiting the Academic Catalog.
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.
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 $3242.61* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($360.29/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)
Yes, the certificate is available online, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere while maintaining professional and personal commitments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- CACREP Accreditation:
The Department of Advanced Education Programs holds Advanced-Level Accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See the Fort Hays State University CAEP Accredited Provider page for details.
Advanced-Level Accreditation is provided at the post-baccalaureate or graduate levels leading to licensure, certification, or endorsement. Advanced-Level Programs are designed to develop P-12 teachers who have already completed an initial-licensure program, currently licensed administrators, or other certified (or similar state language) school professionals for employment in P-12 schools/districts. CAEP's Advanced-Level accreditation does not include any advanced-level program not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts; any advanced-level non-licensure programs, including those specific to content areas; or educational leadership programs not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts.
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