Fellow in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Research
Who is this credential for?
This advanced credential from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is designed for independently licensed clinical mental health counselors who have demonstrated excellence in counselor education, research, and scholarly contribution. These professionals have advanced beyond foundational teaching or research roles and have made sustained, meaningful contributions to the academic and professional development of the clinical mental health counseling field. Fellows are recognized as leaders who influence the profession through teaching, research, publication, and innovation.
What does this credential represent?
The Fellow in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Research represents the highest level of achievement in academic, scholarly, and research contributions within the profession. This designation reflects advanced expertise in counselor education and/or research, as well as a sustained record of impact beyond the academic institution. Counselors who earn the Fellow credential demonstrate leadership in shaping the future of the profession through teaching, scholarship, and professional service. This credential enhances professional credibility and distinguishes recipients as experts in clinical mental health counseling education and research.
Successful applicants receive an official certificate and may use the designation AMHCA Fellow in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Research.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be independently licensed clinical mental health counselors and active AMHCA members. A minimum of five years of post-licensure independent practice at the highest level available in their state is required.
To qualify for this specialty, applicants must complete the following:
- Licensure and Professional Standing
Maintain a current, active license to practice independently as a clinical mental health counselor at the highest level available in their state.
- Doctoral Degree
Hold a doctorate in Counselor Education or a doctorate related to the professional identity of clinical mental health counselors.
- Service to the Profession
Document at least two years of service to the profession beyond general membership. Examples include service on licensing boards, professional association leadership roles, or committee participation.
- Advanced Education and Research Contributions
Demonstrate sustained contributions to counselor education and/or research that extend beyond the academic institution and contribute to the profession. This must include:
- A minimum of seven years of full-time graduate-level teaching and/or research
- Publication of at least one text, four or more peer-reviewed journal articles, or equivalent scholarly work
- Additional Professional Impact (Select at least one)
Applicants must demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Three years of experience as a clinical supervisor in an academic or research setting
- Documented development of a new course of study, research initiative, or other significant professional contribution that advances clinical mental health counseling (e.g., theory development, public policy, professional practice innovation)
- Ethical Standards
Attest 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.
- Application Submission
Submit a completed application, including a current CV or resume, and pay the required fee. All applications are reviewed through a rigorous peer-review process conducted by the AMHCA Credentialing and Certification Board to ensure that candidates meet established standards for advanced scholarly and professional contribution.
Pricing and Renewal
The application fee for this credential is $150, which includes both a digital and printed certificate. Renewal is required every two years and includes a $50 fee. To maintain the credential, specialists must demonstrate ongoing professional development, maintain active licensure, and continue to adhere to ethical and professional standards.
Membership Requirement
An active AMHCA membership is required to apply. For those who are not yet members, a non-member application option is available that includes one year of membership with the credential application.
This credential reflects a commitment to excellence in counselor education and research and positions recipients as leaders shaping the future of clinical mental health counseling.