Become a
Board Certified Christian Master Mental Health Coach

Dear Colleague:

In addition to the MHC First Responder Training, we have created several areas of specializations for you to choose from. Each specialization includes two courses (Regular Tuition $800). Executive Scholarship Available! Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now.

Once you have successfully completed the MHC First Responder Training and one of the MHC Specializations, you have met the educational requirements and are eligible to apply for Master Mental Health Coach Certification through the prestigious International Board of Christian Care.

Just think what it would mean to your church, family, and friends to know that you are a Board Certified Christian Master Mental Health Coach. Imagine the confidence you will have in yourself and how God will be able to more effectively use you to help those who are hurting and looking for direction

Each specialization includes two video-based courses in a subject area taught by some of the world’s leading mental health and ministry experts. Each course is on-demand 24/7/365 through our robust learning management system to facilitate the best learning experience. Upon successful completion, students will receive their certificate of completion are immediately eligible to apply for the Certified Master Mental Health Coach Designation with a specialization in their area of study.

 

Enroll now for the best savings we have to offer.  We can’t wait to see how God is going to use this program of study!

Life Recovery

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

LRC12

Course Description

Our dynamic Life Recovery Coaching specialization is anchored by two distinct courses focusing on a biblically based application of the 12-Step model and Christian recovery principles. As a Mental Health Coach, do not miss this incredible resource to be equipped and more effectively serve those on the path to recovery.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now.

Crisis Response and Trauma Care 

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

CRTC12

Course Description

This specialization in Crisis Response and Trauma Care prepares leaders to come alongside those who are hurting to help properly and adequately respond when a crisis happens. The good news is God is always in our trouble, and He has no greater plan than work through His people as a conduit to tell them that He will make a way.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now.

Marriage and Family 

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

MFRL12

Course Description

his specialization in Marriage and Family helps leaders learn that life is all about relationships – but getting them right can be difficult. We are recruiting an army of influencers and leaders to create a culture of blessing in homes, churches and businesses around the world.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now.

Grief and Loss

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

GAL12

Course Description

This specialization in Grief and Loss helps leaders hear compelling stories and case examples, gain insightful and practical information, understand strategic interventions for those grieving, and learn how to walk alongside those who are in deep mourning. As the grief process can come in relentless waves filled with various, intense emotions, this program will provide the necessary tools to help serve, support, and encourage those who are struggling.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now.

Suicide Prevention

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

SU12

Course Description

This specialization in Suicide Prevention helps leaders recognize that no word brings more alarm, fear, pain, or concern than suicide. The statistics surrounding suicide are alarming: Over 40,000 Americans die by suicide every year. These are hurting people who desperately need our help. This innovative curriculum offers what you need to incorporate effective prevention and intervention strategies for your practice or ministry! Cutting-edge techniques include the SAFE-T method and are designed to help educate and equip you.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now.

Gerontology – Caring For Seniors God’s Way

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

CFS12

Course Description

This specialization in Gerontology helps leaders recognize thatone of the most significant and challenging populations over the next 20 years has to do with aging; what some call the golden years and others call the not so golden years. It’s the study and practice of gerontology. If you work with, have influence on, or have family members in their later years, this dynamic course is for you! Our goal is to help you understand the tough issues the elderly wrestle with today and confidently use the Bible when working with those who need clear direction, support and encouragement.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now

Addiction and Recovery

Use the following Coupon Code and save $120!

ADAR12

Course Description

This specialization in Addiction and Recovery helps leaders recognize that addiction is now one of the top public health issue in the United States. Addiction can tear apart individuals and families and destroy lives. As Christians, God wants us to be His instruments of healing and restoration for those caught in the chains of addiction. The good news is that with today’s incredible medical and scientific advances that have refined the way we understand addictions, and with the application of spiritual transformation and renewal, we can offer real hope.

(Regular Tuition $800) Executive Scholarship: Mental Health Coach students receive an additional $50 off if you enroll now

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH COACH?

Mental health coaching is a form of strengths-based support for persons living with serious mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder). Coaches help clients develop a healthy balance in life, give guidance in decision making, offer support in navigating mental health difficulties, and assistance in establishing a recovery plan. Coaches help clients find ways to obtain and maintain stability, manage difficult symptoms, rebuild relationships, and find a purpose for living. Coaches also help clients find resources for professional care and treatment, family support, and education.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MENTAL HEALTH COACH?

Mental health coaches are unlike licensed mental health care providers in that coaches do not diagnose or offer professional care or treatment for mental health difficulties and disorders. Coaches support any positive change, helping persons in professional care to manage symptoms, build support for recovery, and work on life goals such as relationships, work, and education. Mental health coaching is action-oriented with an emphasis on improving one’s present life and reaching goals for the future.

WHO CAN ENROLL?

Under the discretion of your Church, anyone with a calling to offer help, hope and encouragement to those who are hurting and looking for guidance and direction in everyday life. Our 2020 mission—to engage, educate and equip 750 churches and congregations and 7,500 students all over America and around the world.

HOW DO I ENROLL IN THE MENTAL HEALTH COACH PROGRAM?

To have your church considered for the Mental Health Coach program, you can apply at https://lightuniversity.com/mental-health-coaching/ and a member of our team will reach out to you with more information. Students must be enrolled through their approved local church. Once you enroll and successfully complete all three courses, you will become a “Certified Mental Health Coach” by the International Board of Christian Care. Each student will also receive a FREE 6 month membership in the prestigious American Association of Christian Counselors

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE MENTAL HEALTH COACH PROGRAM?

The Mental Health Coach program is a 40-hour Biblically-based, clinically excellent training program that consists of three individual courses. The Mental Health Coach program is completely online so you can study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace, on any of your favorite devices!

101: Foundations of Mental Health Coaching (15 hours)

This introductory course is designed to provide students with an orientation to the field of mental health coaching. Topics covered include the role and scope of mental health coaching within the local church, ethical guidelines and professional standards in coaching, crisis intervention techniques, and the integration of faith and biblical wisdom in coaching.                                      

201: Mental Health Coaching Skills (13 hours)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the fundamental theories and skills of Christ-centered mental health coaching. Key elements of the coaching process, including methods of change, listening, effective communication, giving hope, small groups, and counseling theory, will be discussed.

 

301: Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders (12 hours)

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of mental and behavioral health disorders. Particular emphasis will be placed on factors that cause mental disorders, as well as conventional treatments. Conditions discussed include addiction, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

ARE THERE ANY FEES FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH COACH PROGRAM?

While tuition is covered for the Mental Health Coach program, there is a one-time $54 technology fee that covers all three courses.

WHAT IS SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI)?

The National Institute of Mental Health defines Serious Mental Illness (SMI) as “a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. The burden of mental illnesses is particularly concentrated among those who experience disability due to SMI.”1

 

1 in 25 adults U.S. adults experience Serious Mental Illness. Examples of SMI include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Illness. Mental Illness. 2019.
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP19-5068, NSDUH Series H-54). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
IS A MENTAL HEALTH COACH DIFFERENT FROM A CERTIFIED PEER COUNSELOR?

A certified peer specialist (CPC), is a person with significant personal “lived experience” related to a mental or behavioral health problem that has completed a state-approved certified peer specialist program. CPCs encourage and support individuals who are in the process of recovering from mental or behavioral health problems. CPCs and mental health coaches, while similar, differ primarily in two ways. First, mental health coaches are not required to have a personal “lived experience” like a CPC. Second, the training to become a certified mental health coach, while similar to that of a CPC, is more intensive.

ARE MENTAL HEALTH COACHES ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT?

Currently, 39 state Medicaid programs cover peer support services for either individual with mental illness, individuals with addiction, or both. Check with your state’s department of health services to determine if your state supports Medicaid reimbursement for mental health coaches.