Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness: Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Business

Program

Grad. Cert. in Mental Health and Wellness: Community Mental Health Administration

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U.S. Citizen

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Country

United States

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Overview

Serve Others in the Community Mental Health Administration Field

Work toward becoming a more effective and impactful community leader within the mental health field by enhancing your academic qualifications. The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration at Grand Canyon University brings together the principles of health and wellness with the fundamentals of social services and organizational planning. Examine key facets of motivation, supervisory skills and communication that you could draw on to make a positive difference within a leadership role in a community-based organization.

Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this mental health certificate is appropriate for students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work or a related field. GCU’s graduate certificate program is a thoughtful blend of health and wellness courses with administrative and organizational leadership curriculum.

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Wellness Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 16

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Earn Your Mental Health Administration Graduate Certificate at GCU

Every year, millions of Americans are affected by mental health issues. One in five experience some form of mental illness, and one in 20 experience a severe mental health disorder.¹ With a mental health certificate from GCU, you can position yourself to pursue potential supervisory and leadership roles within community organizations committed to supporting and empowering individuals and families. Pursue your passion for uplifting others in your community and work toward positive change with a foundation of competencies taught in these community mental health courses.

Take Courses on Community Mental Health Administration Online

This graduate certificate in mental health is available via online classes on our virtual learning platform. Connect with a community of learners and knowledgeable instructors in the mental health field. Complete your coursework while continuing to meet your professional and personal responsibilities.

Careers

Help Those in Need With Community Mental Health

Families and individuals often rely on community-based organizations to promote wellness and enhance quality of life. With a graduate certificate emphasis in community mental health administration, you may be prepared to pursue work in settings such as:²

Hospitals
Faith-based organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Ambulatory healthcare facilities
Social service agencies

Alternatively, you may choose to focus your career on research or public policy advocacy.

This graduate certificate does not lead to clinical licensure. Some community mental health administrator jobs may require licensure or additional qualifications. You may elect to use the graduate certificate program to prepare for an advanced degree in the field. GCU offers master’s degrees and doctoral programs in psychology and counseling.

Accreditation

Take Community Mental Health Courses at an Accredited University

Before you enroll in courses on community mental health, it’s important to consider the academic reputation of the institution. GCU is pleased to be an institutionally accredited school, which reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering quality education and a well-rounded curriculum.

In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A mental health certificate can allow you to examine topics of interest to your professional field. Before getting started, you may have some questions. The following are some frequently asked questions and answers to assist your career-related research.

There are several skills and qualities that can be helpful for aspiring community mental health administrators. These include:³

Leadership skills, including mentoring and training
Communication skills
Conflict resolution
Teamwork and collaboration
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Empathy
Adaptability and flexibility

Behavioral health science and mental health are similar terms often used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences. Whereas a behavioral health professional explores how a person’s actions, lifestyle and social interactions may affect their wellbeing, a mental health professional focuses on how a person’s psychological state (including emotions and personality) affects them.⁴

Mental health administrators lead mental health and behavioral health facilities. They are charged with ensuring the quality of patient care, compliance with all regulations and efficient business operations. They may handle a variety of tasks, including:⁵

Establishing organizational or departmental objectives and tasks
Developing an annual budget
Developing new programs, strategies and marketing approaches
Overseeing professional certifications, licensure and accreditations
Managing funding, staffing, program evaluation and other day-to-day responsibilities

Explore Emphasis Options

Explore specialized Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness program options focused on your interests.

Integrated Health Studies

Christian Ministry

Family Dynamics Studies

Grief and Bereavement

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major16 credits

Degree Requirements16 credits

Core Courses

MHW-640

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health, wellness, and health care, including the integration of these three fields. The course covers common mental health disorders, treatments, and supportive services, as well as an integrated focus on the mind and the body. The course examines the health challenges often faced by individuals with behavioral or mental health disorders, and it reviews appropriate services, interventions, preventative services, and treatments to achieve and maintain health and wellness.

ADM-614

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, the role of government in the economy is explored within the general context of market failure and social equity. Topics include allocation of goods and services, income distribution, externalities, public goods, and public choice theory. This course also examines the impact of macroeconomic events and policy decisions on the budgets and service levels of public entities.

ADM-624

4 Total Credits

ADM-626

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Start Your Journey Today

Further your academic qualifications and position yourself to pursue potential leadership roles in community mental health administration. Apply today for enrollment in community mental health courses at GCU.

Apply Now

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023, April). Mental Health By the Numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). Community Health Workers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
Lee, S. (2025, Jan. 30). How To Become a Healthcare Administrator In 6 Steps. EduMed. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
Gillette, H. (2023, March 28). What’s the Difference Between Mental Health and Behavioral Health? Healthline. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
HealthcareAdministrationEDU.org. (n.d.). Mental Health Administration Careers. HealthcareAdministrationEDU.org. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness: Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis

Serve Others in the Community Mental Health Administration Field

Earn Your Mental Health Administration Graduate Certificate at GCU

Take Courses on Community Mental Health Administration Online

Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis Curriculum

Help Those in Need With Community Mental Health

Take Community Mental Health Courses at an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Emphasis Options

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

We're here to help.

Take Courses on Community Mental Health Administration Online

Earn Your Mental Health Administration Graduate Certificate at GCU

Frequently Asked Questions

Help Those in Need With Community Mental Health

Take Community Mental Health Courses at an Accredited University

Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis Curriculum

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Explore Emphasis Options