Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
Credential: Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
Credentialing Agency: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Renewal Period: 5 years
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is an advanced-level credential for professionals who practice clinical mental health counseling. CCMHCs diagnose and treat mental illness, often working as part of a health care team which may include doctors, nurse specialists, psychologists, and social workers. Candidates for the CCMHC are required to meet extensive educational, experiential, training, and other requirements. Candidates must take a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 0101 Social Science Series |  Some |
|
| 0180 Psychology Series | Some |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: NBCC National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Experience: 3000 hours
- Education: Masters
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403-3660
Phone: (336) 547-0607
Fax: (336) 547-0017
Email: certification@nbcc.org
Credential Pre-requisite REQUIREMENTS
The National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a prerequisite for the CCMHC credential; candidates for the CCMHC are required to hold the NCC in good standing.
Education REQUIREMENTS
Candidates for the CCMHC must complete a total of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of graduate-level academic credit in counseling from a regionally accredited program.
Coursework
All courses used to fulfill the coursework content areas, except for supervised field experience, must carry at least two-semester or three-quarter -hours of graduate-level credit. No course may be used to fulfill more than one content area. Candidates must successfully complete a course covering Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment and must successfully complete courses covering at least three of the following six content areas:
- Advanced Clinical Skills
- Family or Couples Counseling
- Addictions or Substance Abuse Counseling
- Human Sexuality Counseling
- Counseling for Trauma, Violence or Abuse
- Clinical Counseling for Special Populations
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Supervision
Candidates must document at least 100 hours of postgraduate clinical supervision. The individual verifying supervision cannot be related to the candidate and cannot be the same individual providing the professional endorsement.
Professional Endorsement
Candidates must obtain an endorsement from a professional colleague who holds a master’s degree or higher in a mental health field. The individual providing endorsement cannot be related to the applicant and cannot be the same individual verifying supervision.
Work Experience
Candidates must document at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical client work experience.
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
In addition, candidates must complete nine semester hours or 15 quarter hours of clinical training in supervised field experience. If a candidate does not have nine semester hours or 15 quarter hours of supervised field experience, a candidate may make use of one of the following alternative options:
Option 1:Six semester hours or 10 quarter hours of clinical training in supervised experience and a full state license.
Option 2:Six semester hours or 10 quarter hours of clinical training in supervised experience and an additional 120 hours of direct supervision.
Option 3:Three semester hours or five quarter hours of clinical training in supervised experience and 10 continuous years as a fully state-licensed counselor.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidates must obtain an endorsement from a professional colleague who holds a master’s degree or higher in a mental health field. The individual providing endorsement cannot be related to the candidate and cannot be the same individual verifying supervision.
- Candidates and those certified are required to adhere to NBCC’s ethical policies, including the Code of Ethics and the Policy Regarding the Provision of Distance Professional Services.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
Renewal Period: 5 years
MOST
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