Still have questions?

Read our Credential FAQs or contact Rebecca Woodson, the Director, Office of Credentialing and Continuing Education, at rwoodson@amhca.org

Apply for AMHCA Credentialing Certifications

Since 2012, AMHCA has recognized outstanding professional development through the Diplomate and Clinical Mental Health Specialist (DCMHS) program. Over the years, AMHCA saw that some CMHCs gain expertise and prominence by following professional development paths that do not always include specialization in a particular area. To recognize this, the AMHCA board of directors voted in 2018 to expand the DCMHS program beyond recognizing specialists in a specific area. The DCMHS program is now separated into three advanced-level credentialing certifications: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialist, Diplomate in Advanced Clinical mental Health Counseling Practice, and Fellow in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Research.

For LCMHCs who are independently licensed, AMHCA offers advanced credentialing certifications. The establishment of board certification provides evidence of increasing professional competence and expertise that can convey to clients that an LCMHC holds independently recognized competencies.

All three advanced AMHCA certifications are certified by the AMHCA Credentialing and Certification Board. This board is composed of seasoned licensed mental health professionals, at least three of whom independently assess every application and determine if the applicant meets all of the criteria.

As of February 9th, AMHCA will briefly pause receiving credentialing applications to revamp the application process. Once the revamping has been completed, an announcement will be made of the credentialing application being back online. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we revisit our credentialing systems and processes.  If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to DrBSmith@amhca.org.

We will process all applications received by Feb 9.