Description

Special OFFER FOR YOGAMU STUDENTS

You find the curriculum under the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION tab on this page

Teachers:

Dr. Diviya Matlani

Nikolai Manek

Become a Certified Mental Health Technician (MHTC)

Accreditation: After completion and certification through TerraMD you are eligible to sit for the AMCA (American Medical Certification Association) exam for certification (cost ~$120) if desired (in many cases our certification will be sufficient for potential employers). TerraMD (Yogamu sister clinic) is an approved AMCA test site.

Duration: Self-paced. This course can be completed within 3 months. You have up to 12 month to complete.

Transform Lives, Shape Futures

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges? As a Certified Mental Health Technician (MHTC), also known as a psychiatric aide, you’ll play a vital role in the care and support of individuals struggling with mental impairments or emotional disturbances. Our comprehensive program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly growing field.

What You’ll Do as a Mental Health Technician

As an MHTC, you’ll work closely with healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized treatment plans for your patients. Your responsibilities may include:

•Providing compassionate care to mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals.

•Assisting with the hygiene and daily living activities of patients.

•Monitoring vital signs, including pulse, temperature, and respiration.

•Dispensing medications and maintaining accurate records.

•Leading individual or group therapy sessions as part of therapeutic procedures.

Diverse Practice Settings

Mental Health Technicians are in high demand across various healthcare settings due to their specialized training in mental health and developmental disabilities. As an MHTC, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments, including:

•Private and public mental health hospitals

•Psychiatric wards of general hospitals

•Mental health clinics and outpatient centers

•Schools for individuals with developmental disabilities

•Substance abuse rehabilitation programs

•Nursing homes and residential care facilities

•Community agencies and social rehabilitation programs

•Psychiatric emergency teams, crisis units, and more

Whether you’re drawn to residential care homes, state hospitals, or specialized psychiatric facilities, your role as an MHTC will be critical in providing quality care and support to those in need.

Why Choose Our Program?

Our program is designed with your success in mind. By enrolling, you’ll gain:

•Hands-on experience in both clinical and therapeutic settings.

•The confidence to lead group therapy sessions and assist patients with their daily needs.

•A nationally recognized certification that opens doors to diverse job opportunities in mental health care.

•Support from experienced instructors dedicated to helping you succeed.

Expand Your Impact as a Meditation or Yoga Professional: Why Mental Health Technician Certification is a Perfect Fit

As a meditation teacher, yoga instructor, or yoga therapist, you already possess a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the healing power of holistic practices. Expanding your skillset with a Mental Health Technician (MHTC) certification can enhance your ability to serve your students and clients in even more profound ways.

Integrate Mental Health and Holistic Practices

Mental health and physical wellness are deeply intertwined. By becoming a certified Mental Health Technician, you’ll gain a solid foundation in mental health care, enabling you to:

•Support individuals with mental impairments or emotional disturbances using a compassionate, holistic approach.

•Incorporate your expertise in mindfulness and body awareness into therapeutic settings, offering a unique perspective that complements traditional mental health treatments.

•Enhance your ability to lead group or individual sessions, blending therapeutic techniques with meditation or yoga practices for a well-rounded healing experience.

Broaden Your Career Opportunities

With an MHTC certification, you’ll expand your career options far beyond the yoga studio or meditation hall. Your unique background will make you an asset in diverse environments, such as:

•Residential treatment programs and mental health hospitals, where you can offer both mental and physical support to patients.

•Substance abuse recovery centers, integrating mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques into rehabilitation plans.

•Community agencies and outpatient clinics, where your holistic approach can provide valuable support for individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Deepen Your Connection with Clients

As a yoga or meditation professional, you’re already committed to helping people find balance and peace. The MHTC certification adds another layer to your ability to connect with and support your clients:

•Understand the psychological aspects of the challenges your clients face, allowing for more empathetic and effective guidance.

•Develop strategies to assist clients who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues alongside physical or spiritual practices.

•Offer a more comprehensive service that addresses both the mind and body, enhancing your role as a trusted guide on their wellness journey.

Why This Path is Right for You

Combining your passion for holistic wellness with mental health expertise allows you to:

•Stand out in your field with a unique skill set that bridges the gap between physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

•Provide even more meaningful support to those who rely on your guidance, whether in a therapeutic setting or a wellness practice.

•Open doors to new professional opportunities and make a greater impact on the lives of those you serve.

Take the Next Step

Empower yourself to make a difference on multiple levels. Enroll in our Mental Health Technician certification program today and see how your background in yoga, meditation, or holistic therapy can be the key to unlocking deeper healing and growth for your clients.

Additional information

curriculum

1. Process & Procedure (9%)

1.01 Professional Conduct

• 1.01.1 Cultural Competency
• Understanding cultural differences in mental health perceptions.
• Communicating effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Addressing and respecting cultural beliefs and practices in treatment.
• 1.01.2 Ethical Conduct
• Adhering to ethical guidelines in mental health care.
• Recognizing and managing ethical dilemmas.
• Maintaining confidentiality and patient privacy.

1.02 Patient Rights

• Understanding patient rights in mental health care.
• Ensuring informed consent and respecting patient autonomy.
• Protecting patients from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

1.03 Scope of Practice

• 1.03.1 Staffing and Job Task Assignment
• Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Mental Health Technician.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
• Recognizing tasks within and beyond the scope of practice.

1.04 Psychology Statistics

• Basic understanding of psychological research and statistics.
• Interpreting statistical data in mental health studies.
• Applying evidence-based practices in patient care.

2. Psychological Development (57%)

2.01 Psychology 101: Knowledge & Understanding

• Overview of major psychological theories (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, humanistic).
• Understanding human behavior and mental processes.
• Developmental stages from childhood to adulthood.

2.02 Disease Identification

• Identifying common mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia).
• Understanding the diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders.
• Recognizing the early signs of mental illness.

2.03 Disease Characteristics & Traits

• Understanding the symptoms and behavioral traits of different mental health conditions.
• Differentiating between acute and chronic mental health issues.
• Recognizing co-occurring disorders (e.g., substance use and mental illness).

2.04 Signs & Symptoms

• Identifying the signs and symptoms of mental health crises.
• Understanding the physiological and psychological manifestations of mental illness.
• Recognizing risk factors for self-harm and suicide.

2.05 Treatment/Interventions

• Overview of treatment modalities (e.g., psychotherapy, medication, CBT).
• Crisis intervention strategies.
• Understanding the role of the Mental Health Technician in treatment planning and implementation.

2.06 Theory & Protocol

• Understanding the theoretical frameworks guiding mental health care.
• Adhering to established protocols in patient care.
• Implementing standardized procedures in various treatment settings.

3. Pharmacology (19%)

3.01 Identification and Classification of Medications

• Understanding different classes of psychiatric medications (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants).
• Identifying common medications used in mental health treatment.
• Understanding indications and contraindications for psychiatric medications.

3.02 Routes of Administration

• Understanding different routes of medication administration (e.g., oral, IM, IV).
• Knowledge of medication preparation and administration procedures.
• Ensuring patient safety during medication administration.

3.03 Knowledge of Medication Side Effects

• Identifying common side effects of psychiatric medications.
• Managing and reporting adverse reactions.
• Educating patients on potential side effects and how to manage them.

3.04 Patient Education & Discharge Planning

• Educating patients about their medications and treatment plans.
• Involving patients and families in discharge planning.
• Providing resources for ongoing support post-discharge.

4. Medical Office/Patient Charting Skills (12%)

4.01 Charting

• Proper documentation of patient interactions and care.
• Understanding legal and ethical considerations in charting.
• Using electronic health records (EHR) effectively.

4.02 Demonstrating Knowledge of Vital Signs

• Accurately measuring and recording vital signs.
• Understanding the significance of abnormal vital signs.
• Reporting and responding to changes in patient status.

4.03 Defining the Different Steps of Patient Examination

• Understanding the process of conducting a patient examination.
• Assisting healthcare professionals during patient exams.
• Documenting findings and observations accurately.

4.04 Demonstrating Knowledge of Proper Wound Care

• Basic principles of wound care and management.
• Identifying signs of infection and other complications.
• Assisting in dressing changes and wound monitoring.

4.05 Demonstrating Knowledge of First Aid

• Basic first aid skills for common injuries and emergencies.
• Understanding the steps for assessing and stabilizing patients.
• Coordinating with emergency services when necessary.

4.06 Demonstrating Knowledge of CPR

• Understanding the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Performing CPR on adults, children, and infants.
• Recognizing when to initiate CPR and other life-saving measures.

5. Practice Settings (3%)

5.01 Types of Facilities

• Overview of different mental health care facilities (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, community-based).
• Understanding the role of Mental Health Technicians in various settings.
• Adapting to different work environments and patient populations.

5.02 Purpose of Facilities

• Understanding the goals and objectives of different mental health facilities.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve patient-centered care.
• Promoting recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration of patients into society.