MHRT/C stands for Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community. It’s a certification granted to individuals who work with adults with mental health diagnoses in community-based settings. These professionals provide direct support, helping their clients to manage their symptoms, improve their social and life skills, and pursue their personal recovery goals. The MHRT/C certification is recognized primarily in the state of Maine, and requires specific coursework and practical experiences.
To qualify for MHRT/C certification, an individual must first possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Beyond this, there are several paths to obtain the certification, including having a bachelor’s degree in a mental health-related field or a combination of coursework and work experience. The coursework should cover key areas such as community integration, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational support, and crisis resolution. Practical work experiences should involve direct service to adults with mental health diagnoses. It’s also crucial to note that ongoing professional development is necessary to maintain this certification.
MHRT/C professionals carry out a variety of responsibilities tailored towards improving the quality of life of their clients. Their duties include helping clients develop and implement personal recovery plans, providing education on managing mental health symptoms, facilitating community integration, and offering vocational support. They may also help clients develop social skills and enhance their communication abilities. Additionally, MHRT/C professionals are often involved in crisis resolution, assisting individuals to navigate challenging situations in a safe and healthy manner. One of the paramount aspects of their role is to promote independence and empowerment among their clients, encouraging them to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives.
MHRT/C professionals play an instrumental role in helping individuals with mental health issues. They offer a balanced and holistic approach to mental health care, integrating psychosocial rehabilitation and community integration. Through personalized recovery plans, they provide valuable coping mechanisms and symptom management strategies that empower individuals to navigate their daily lives with more autonomy and confidence. Moreover, they offer vocational support, thereby assisting individuals in finding meaningful employment that can contribute to their sense of purpose and self-esteem. MHRT/C professionals also extend their support beyond individuals to their families and broader community, promoting understanding and eliminating stigma surrounding mental health.
MHRT/C professionals undergo comprehensive training that prepares them to effectively support individuals with mental health diagnoses. The training typically consists of specific coursework across eight domains that address key concepts in mental health, including community integration, trauma and resilience, vocational support, and the connection between mind and body. Additionally, hands-on practical experience is essential, exposing the trainee to real-life scenarios and facilitating the application of learned concepts. Ongoing professional development and continuing education are also crucial components of the training, ensuring that MHRT/C professionals stay current with the latest practices and developments in the field of mental health.
Yes, your provisional MHT/c certification allows you to work in all MHRT/c positions. These positions include Care Coordinator, Case Manager, Skills worker, or Patient Navigator.
You are eligible for a 3-month provisional MHRT/c certification if you meet the following criteria:
You may also be eligible for the provisional MHRT/c if you have worked in DLS or CIPSS capacity part-time for multiple years and the time worked equals the same number of hours as working full-time for 1 year. This experience also requires written verification from your employer to be considered eligible.
Yes, Riverside has built its course schedule to ensure that, no matter which month you receive your provisional certification, the classes you need to extend your MHRT/C provisional for another year are being offered in the required timeframe.
No, the courses are designed to stand alone, allowing you to take them in any sequence. This flexibility helps you meet the requirement of completing the three priority domain classes and one extra class within the require time.
You can achieve full MHRT/C certification in four months by taking two classes each month, completing the eight necessary classes. Riverside Training & Education Center regularly schedules all 8 classes to be available every four months.
Higher education courses and degrees may also make you eligible for the provisional MHRT/C. Contact Riverside Training for an initial review and help with using the Muskie website or discuss your situation with a Muskie professional directly about your specific situation.
Yes, a certificate from the Muskie School will be provided directly to you upon completion.
All courses are held on Zoom, ensuring accessibility for students throughout Maine. The interface is straightforward, and if you need assistance, Riverside staff are ready to help over the phone.
One week prior to your class start date, you will receive information via email with the required password to join through the Riverside website.
