Certification - Diplomate in Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practice
Who is this credential for?
This certification is for those who have demonstrated advanced practice in Clinical Mental Health Counseling beyond the level of independent practice licensing, with verifiable competence (e.g., ongoing participation in private or group clinical practice; leadership roles in state or national mental health organizations; past awards or acknowledgments as a clinical mental health counselor; regular participation in continuing education activities; etc.).
What does this credential represent?
The AMHCA Diplomate certification signifies that an LCMHC has attained advanced standing in the profession. This standing is attested to by experience, accomplishments, and by service to the profession. Diplomates represent LCMHCs who have achieved the highest standards of clinical practice.
Successful applicants will be awarded a certificate and may refer to themselves as an AMHCA Diplomate in Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practice or AMHCA Diplomate
Pricing
$150 (print certificate)
Renewal
$50 (digital and print certificate)
Renewal
Valid for 2 years from issue date
Complete Requirements
Be a Clinical Member of AMHCA
Have completed all of the licensing requirements as defined by the respective state and have been awarded the license to practice independently. As an independent practitioner, the applicant must have practiced independently for a minimum of five years after completing all state licensure requirements.
Demonstrated advanced practice in Clinical Mental Health Counseling beyond the level of independent practice licensing, with verifiable competence (e.g., ongoing participation in private or group clinical practice; leadership roles in state or national mental health organizations; past awards or acknowledgments as a clinical mental health counselor; regular participation in continuing education activities; etc.).
Advanced Education and Research Criteria require that the applicant meet all of the following requirements (A, B, C, D):
- Document service to the profession beyond general membership for at least two years (e.g., serving on a licensing board, on a state chapter board, in an executive or committee position for a professional clinical organization, etc.).
- Attest to having completed 120 hours of continuing education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling during the last four consecutive years. If submitting, at the same time, for the AMHCA Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialist, only 60 of the 120 hours may be counted simultaneously for both credentialing certifications. Continuing education that applicants have attested to may be audited by AMHCA.
- Certify that you have read and will abide by the AMHCA Code of Ethics, The Clinical Mental Health Counselor Declaration, and the AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- List the events and dates where you have demonstrated ongoing participation in mental health related activities beyond clinical practice (e.g., lectures, panels, workshops, webinars; community mental health activities; awards received, etc.)
- Additional experience that includes two of the following:
- Three years of additional practice at the highest level of clinical licensing available in the applicant’s state for a total of eight years fully licensed at the highest level – or –
- Three years of graduate teaching in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (full-time or part-time) – or –
- Three years of experience as a clinical supervisor – or –
- Additional credential (e.g., completed requirements as an Approved AAMFT Supervisor, CCMHC, ACS, LADAC, CAP, etc.) – or –
- A doctorate in Counselor Education or a doctorate related to the professional identity of Clinical Mental Health Counseling – or –
- Publishing a book or making another contribution that adds to the advancement of mental health for the public or the advancement of the profession.
- Complete application and pay fee.