College of Education

Program Purpose

The integrated behavioral health with rural youth certificate prepares graduates for work in integrated health settings and addresses the mental health needs of children and youth in rural communities. The certificate is appropriate for professionals who hold graduate degrees in counseling, social work, school psychology, marriage and family therapy, or other behavioral health disciplines and for current graduate students enrolled in these programs. Rural communities evidence high need and specific constraints relative to their rural context, and the needs of children and youth in these communities require strong collaborative work by professionals. This certificate is intended to increase awareness about rural context and community-specific needs and to help professionals become more competent in coordinating behavioral health and primary care services.