Start caring for your community, one credential at a time.
Two stackable certifications, recognized by the Virginia Board of Counseling, take you from a high school diploma or GED to real, paid work in mental health and substance use support—without a four-year degree required to begin.
Step 1: Behavioral Health Technician Credential
Limited scholarships available · 7 seats for fall 2026
This 40-hour course prepares you to support people living with mental health and substance use conditions, in clinical and community settings alike. You'll build real, usable skills—patient observation, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and documentation—alongside a working understanding of psychological disorders and treatment approaches. Graduates step into healthcare teams ready to deliver compassionate, client-centered care.
Course Length
40 hours
Tuition
$799
Format
Stafford + Online
Fall 2026 Class Dates
- Register for August 24, 2026 through November 2, 2026 · Mondays, 2–4 p.m.
- Register for September 10–11, 2026 · Thursday & Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where This Leads
Right after the course: apply and register with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Behavioral Health Technician–Assistant (BHTA).
With an associate's degree: apply and register as a full Behavioral Health Technician (BHT).
Step 2: Qualified Mental Health Professional Credential
Entry requirement: BHT credential
Building on your BHT foundation, this course prepares you to provide collaborative behavioral health services to adults and youth, under supervision or within your professional role. That includes assisting with assessments, implementing treatment plans, skill-building, crisis intervention, case management, and coordinating with families and other providers—all within approved agencies and in line with state regulations and ethical standards.
Course Length
40 hours
Tuition
$699
Format
Stafford + Online/Hybrid
Where This Leads
Enrolled in a bachelor's program: apply for the Qualified Mental Health Professional–Trainee (QMHPT) credential.
Bachelor's degree + 1,500 supervised clinical hours: apply and register as a full Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
Hear it from the experts on B101.5
Dr. Kevin Handley, John Stroffolino, Beverly Lemmons, and Dr. Misty Mesimer joined B101.5 to talk about Germanna's Behavioral Health pathway and how it’s helping address a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals. The program gives students a faster path to the training and credentials they need to enter the workforce, without spending years working toward a traditional degree.