Health Care Tag (6-9 Months)

Mental Health Support Specialist

Start Your Career in Behavioral Health Support

Mental health is one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare. As a Mental Health Support Specialist, you’ll provide entry-level assistance to patients and families while working alongside counselors, nurses, and social service providers. This program gives you the foundational training, skills, and certification preparation needed to launch your career in community and behavioral health.

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Program Highlights

Feature	Detail
Duration	~12–16 weeks (short-term, accelerated)
Weekly Commitment	~15 hours
Format	Hybrid: online instruction with in-person workshops and practicum hours
Certifications Offered	Eligibility for entry-level behavioral health or peer support certifications (varies by state and site)
Practicum/Externship	Supervised placement in a behavioral health or community care setting
Compliance	Requires background check, drug screen, and immunization records for practicum participation

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What You’ll Learn

• Basics of psychology and human development
• Recognizing common mental health conditions and behavioral challenges
• Entry-level crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Communication skills for patient and family support
• Documentation and confidentiality standards (HIPAA)
• Community resources, referral processes, and case support fundamentals

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Outcomes & Career Path

Graduates of this program are prepared to:

• Work in entry-level support roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential facilities, schools, or nonprofit agencies
• Assist licensed mental health professionals with daily client interaction, observation, and support tasks
• Provide community outreach and frontline behavioral health services
• Use this program as a stepping-stone to the Mental Health Support Professional program or stack into GA’s Applied Management AAS pathway for further advancement

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Financial Aid & Funding Options

Funding support may be available to qualified students:

• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) workforce grants
• Federal and state financial aid, including Pell Grants (if eligible)
• MyCAA tuition assistance for military spouses
• Institutional scholarships and workforce development partnerships

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Exams & Certifications

• Primary Certification: Eligibility for recognized entry-level behavioral health or peer support certifications (varies by state/agency)
• Practicum hours must be completed to sit for certification where required
• Exam fees may be included in eligible funding or reimbursable upon completion

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Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Background check, drug screening, and immunizations for practicum placement
• Internet-capable device for hybrid learning
• Compassion, patience, and communication skills recommended

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Career Outlook & Salary

• Job Growth: Strong demand for behavioral health aides and peer support workers in healthcare and community settings
• Employers: Behavioral health clinics, schools, nonprofits, community agencies, and hospitals
• Estimated Earnings: Entry-level mental health support roles in Georgia typically start in the mid-$20,000s to low-$30,000s, with advancement opportunities after additional certification or education

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Enrollment

• Accelerated training with multiple start dates per year
• Short-term format allows fast entry into the workforce
• Practicum placement provides supervised, real-world experience

 

How is the Specialist program different from the Professional program

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