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Behavioral Health Technician & Qualified Mental Health Professional Credentials

Program at a Glance

Program Type
Less than 1-year Credential
Area of Study
Healthcare
Est. Program Cost
$799.00

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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.

A Behavioral Health Technician listens while a patient speaks

Step 1

Behavioral Health Technician Credential

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.

Where This Leads
  • Right after the course: apply and register with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Behavioral Health Technician–Assistant.
  • With an associate's degree: apply and register as a full Behavioral Health Technician.
A behavioral health technician talks to a patient

Step 2

Qualified Mental Health Professional 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.

Where This Leads
  • Enrolled in a bachelor's program: apply for the Qualified Mental Health Professional–Trainee credential.
  • Bachelor's degree + 1,500 supervised clinical hours under a QMHP: apply and register as a full Qualified Mental Health Professional.

Your next step starts with one email.

Have questions about eligibility, scholarships, or registering for Fall 2026? Germanna's workforce team is ready to help you map out your pathway.

Email gccworkforce@germanna.edu

Ready to hit the ground running?

Enroll today to get started. Scholarships are available.

Find classes

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We’re thinking differently at Germanna and shaping an entirely new approach to career-focused education. Our faculty has extensive teaching experience and can break down complex concepts as you gain more knowledge of the field.
Work Experience
Work experience can help you identify areas of opportunity for advancement. At Germanna, education and training are available for any stage of your career.
Technical Training
Technical training and career-based certificates can further develop the specific job skills you need to advance in your current job or change careers.
Associate's Degree
Our associate degrees can prepare you for entry-level careers, professional certifications, and successful transfer to a four-year school.
College Transfer
Transfer your Germanna credits to top Virginia four-year schools including UMW, VCU, and Hampton U through our guaranteed transfer agreements.
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