Mental Health Work
Certificate of Achievement Psychology · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
This certificate program is designed to prepare entry-level mental health workers for the workforce and to serve as a stepping stone toward higher academic degrees in the field of mental health. Potential entry-level mental health work positions include: mental health technician, social services assistant, residential home counselor, child care worker assistant, counselor aid, gerontology aid, research assistant, youth counselor, foster care worker, behavior analyst, case management aid, family services aid, patient care specialist and patient advocate assistant. Employment options for students who complete the Certificate of Achievement in Mental Health Work include Mental Health Worker/ Counselor, Behavioral Health Technician/Educator, Peer Mentor, Residential Counselor, Outreach Worker and Patient Care Specialist.
Students must complete all required courses within ten years in order to receive the Mental Health Work Certificate of Achievement.
The Psychology Department recommends that students take PSYC 276 Field Work in Psychological Services in their final semester.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Mental Health Work Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills appropriate for entry level mental health work.
- Develop an understanding of current career opportunities in the entry-level mental health field.
- Develop skills to evaluate resources available to address specific, culturally relevant, and diverse mental health and social services needs.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: | 19 | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 130 | Introduction to Community Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 161 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 245 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| HUMS 95 | Public Assistance and Benefits Program | 1 |
| HUMS 105 | Family Strengthening Models in Behavioral Health | 3 |
| PSYC 276 | Field Work in Psychological Services | 3 |