MHA-140 Intro to Mental Health: Module 6

Education, Certification and Licensure

This module focuses on the educational paths and credentials needed for careers in mental health. You’ll learn what’s required to work in various roles and gain insight into how to plan a career in this field.

Discussion: Build Your Mental Health Dream Team

Mental health care is rarely provided by one professional working alone. Clients often benefit from a team of specialists who bring different skills, training, and perspectives. In this discussion, you will become the “team manager” and create a mental health dream team for a fictional client.

Instructions

Step 1: Spin the Scenario – Choose one of the client scenarios below:

• Scenario A: A 16-year-old high school student experiencing anxiety, depression, and frequent school absences.
• Scenario B: A 35-year-old parent struggling with substance use, depression, and unemployment.
• Scenario C: A 72-year-old retiree experiencing grief, social isolation, and memory concerns.
• Scenario D: A military veteran experiencing PTSD, sleep problems, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Step 2: Build Your Team – Select two different mental health professionals who would work together to support your client.

Examples may include:

• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
• Peer Support Specialist
• Substance Use Counselor
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• School Counselor
• Case Manager

For each professional

1. Describe their role.
2. Explain the education, training, or licensure required.
3. Explain what services they could provide to your client.
4. Describe how their scope of practice differs from the other team members.

Step 4: Real-World Reflection

Share a personal reflection that AI cannot create for you:

• Which mental health profession sounds most interesting to you and why?
• What obstacles would keep you from pursuing this profession (fears, financial, academic, etc.).

Peer Responses

Reply to two classmates and address the following:

1. Which member of their dream team do you think is most important and why?
2. Your response should add something new to the conversation and demonstrate critical thinking about the course concepts, rather than focusing on the quality or content of your classmate’s individual post.

Instructions: Imagine you’ve completed all the education and training needed to become the mental health professional you’re most drawn to. Now, create a visual profile of your future practice, job, or role. You may use one of the following formats:

• A flyer or brochure
• A social media profile mockup (like Instagram or LinkedIn)
• A visual collage or poster
• A Canva or Google Slides presentation

Include:

• Your name, credentials (real or imagined)
• Your job title and professional role
• Where you work and who you serve
• 3 services you offer
• 1 value or ethical standard that guides your practice
• A quote, motto, or mission statement
• One fun/creative detail (e.g., therapy dog, forest view, sensory room, etc.)

Tools like Canva, PowerPoint, or even hand-drawn images scanned into a file are all welcome!