The online nine-credit Tele-behavioral Health Services Certificate will provide instruction on the effective use of technology to deliver substance use disorder treatment and recovery services or other behavioral health services. The curriculum uses current technologies and instructional/consultation activities to provide virtual interactive training; real-time skill-based learning and practice; group and self-study activities, reading assignments, and discussions on topics essential to increasing knowledge, building skills; and changing practice through the adoption of evidence-based and promising practices.

The certificate applies to individuals in the behavioral health workforce, including and not limited to counselors, clinical supervisors, administrators, recovery specialists, justice professionals, and students and available to person who:

• Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree;
• Would like to add use of technology to deliver remote services to their body of knowledge;
• Uses or plans to incorporate videoconferencing into clinical and/or recovery support services; and
• Supports the idea of using technology to provide clinical and recovery support services.

NOTE: Students enrolled in this program as “certificate seeking only students” are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

Certificate Requirements

The following three courses are required to complete the certificate. It is recommended to schedule an advising appointment should you have any questions.

• CAS 661 – Clinical Considerations and Technology in Behavioral Health (3 units)
• CAS 662 – Ethics and Technology in Behavioral Health Practice (3 units)
• CAS 663 – Virtual Client Engagement in Behavioral Health Practice (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes

• Explore historical shifts leading to telehealth and its impact on behavioral health.
• Address ethical, legal, and clinical concerns in using technology and social media in behavioral health practice.
• Demonstrate safe and effective tech-based practices in behavioral health through critical evaluation and skill application.
• Assess technology’s influence on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in behavioral health.
• Analyze personal communication preferences’ impact on professional relationships with colleagues and clients, including the differences and similarities between in-person, virtual client services, and phone when using reflective listening and communicating tools.
• Develop skills for engaging online conversations effectively, to include effective skills for phone, online, and in-person discussions.
• Demonstrate competency in using the skills and strategies for engaging people in discussions about change using both simple and complex reflections, active listening, and open-ended questions in a virtual setting.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall – August 1st
• Spring – November 1st
• Summer – April 1st

To apply visit UNR Graduate Admissions: