Mental and Behavioral Health Worker

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Psychology students at Century College in class.

Delivery: This can be completed fully online, during the daytime only, or a combination of day, evening, Saturday, and online courses.
Start: Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester; can be completed Full- or Part-Time.

Related Programs:

About the Program

The Mental and Behavioral Health Worker certificate can be completed fully online, face-to-face, or a combination of the two! Students can complete it in just one year and can begin in any semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer).

This certificate prepares students to enter the workplace as entry-level Mental/Behavioral Health Workers. Mental/Behavioral Health Workers work directly with individuals with mental health diagnoses by interviewing them to obtain information, assisting with daily activities, practicing skills, and monitoring behavior and care. They may work in hospitals, residential facilities, patients’ homes, or other locations in the community.

The coursework in this certificate provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge about mental health, human development, and psychological principles that they will need for these positions, and prepares students to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a mental health or medical professional.

Since approximately 50 percent of the population will develop a mental health disorder at some point in their lives, the need for training in mental health is high!

Completion of this certificate offers many benefits, including:

  • Learn more about mental health and how to effectively assist people with mental health concerns
  • Obtain “real world” experience and employment while you pursue your degree
  • Earn a valuable “add on” certificate to other Century programs such as nursing/healthcare, education, first responder programs, and other helping professions (for example, it is only 11 additional credits for pre-Nursing, Addiction Counseling, and Health Sciences Broad Field students)
  • A career advancement opportunity for individuals already in the workplace who are looking to increase their marketability and training in mental health
  • In addition to your resume to highlight your training in psychology and mental health

In addition, this certificate can be completed as part of the Psychology Transfer Pathway AA degree, without having to take any additional courses.

American Psychological Association

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Cost & Financial Aid

As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.

Financial Aid

Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs qualify for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College’s Federal School Code is 010546.

Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to Century College students involved in several areas of study. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.

Tuition Cost per Credit Comparison: Century College $206.41, University of MN - TC $555.13, Priva...

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Psychology students doing homework.

Potential Job Titles

Psychology students writing notes.
  • Psychiatric Technician
  • Mental/Behavioral Health Worker
  • Mental Health Assistant/Technician
  • Behavior Technician
  • Behavioral Health Associate

Salary Data

Average Wage: $16.55/hour
Top Earners: $18.00/hour

Information gathered pertains to the seven-county metro area - careerwise.minnstate.edu

Related Programs

Social Work (Pre)

Psychology

Human Services

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    Program Faculty

  • Experience: Dr. Breyer-Peterson has a true passion for teaching psychology and educating people about mental health. She has been a full-time faculty member at Century College since 2011 and currently teaches General Psychology, Developmental Psychology: Lifespan, Abnormal Psychology, and Internship in Psychology. She is also a Licensed Psychologist, and has provided therapy in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and the VAMC. Dr. Breyer-Peterson has published several research articles in peer-reviewed journals which have been cited over 200 times. Dr. Breyer-Peterson coordinates the Mental and Behavioral Health Worker certificate and psychology internship in addition to teaching. She is also the director of Century’s Mental Health First Aid grant project, which provides free mental health training to students and employees.
    Teaching Approach: “I truly love teaching and helping all of my students succeed! I believe that we learn best when we are actually ‘doing something’ with the material, so in my classes, you will have frequent opportunities to engage in active and experiential learning and learn from one another. Since there often isn’t a ‘right’ answer in psychology, I also encourage students to think critically and scientifically as you learn new information. How does the information fit with your beliefs and experiences? Finally, I believe we can use what we learn in psychology to improve the lives of ourselves and others, so we often apply the information to real life so you can use what you learn immediately! I truly care about each of you, and strive to create an environment in my face-to-face and online courses where students feel they are understood, respected, and are comfortable seeking help. I am here to support you, encourage you, and help you succeed! Therefore, I frequently provide students with resources like a notes packet, study guide, and study tips to help you grow and develop as students. I love being a part of your academic journey and hope to see you in one of my classes!”
    Education: MA and PsyD, Counseling Psychology, University of St. Thomas
    Notable: Minnesota State Educator of the Year (2020); Minnesota State Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award; Minnesota Psychological Association Award for Outstanding Teaching
    Jessie Breyer-Peterson
    Faculty
    Bio
    Psychology
    W 3456
    651-779-3454

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