Parkland College Adds New Mental Health Certificate Program

Parkland College to add Mental Health Certificate this fall 2021

Parkland College will be adding a new Mental Health Certificate program this fall.

The new five-credit-hour certificate will train entry-level mental health and social service workers to enter full or part time mental health support professional roles. These skills include therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques; identification of signs and symptoms of mental illness, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities; and certification in mental health first aid, among others.

The two-course program, offered by Parkland's Social Science and Human Services department, can be completed in a single semester and will benefit people working or wanting to work in social services organizations.

"After hearing from our partners in the community that workers need these skills to best serve their clients, we have developed this new certificate in order to meet this important need," said Joseph Walwik, dean of arts and sciences.

"Students enrolling in these courses will earn a certificate in Mental Health First Aid and also gain basic knowledge about mental health, substance abuse, developmental and other issues. We are confident that with this training students will leave Parkland prepared to enter the social services workforce.”

The Mental Health Certificate will be available to take starting this Fall 2021. To register, visit parkland.edu/apply-now. For more information about the program, please visit parkland.edu/mentalhealthcertificate.