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Introduction to QMHA Certification
What is QMHA Certification?
• Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHAs) are essential
personnel in state-certified mental health programs,
assisting licensed professionals such as QMHPs, RNs, LPCs,
LCSWs, LMFTs, Licensed Clinical Psychologists, and
Psychiatrists.
• QMHAs are registered and certified through the Mental
Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon
(MHACBO), ensuring they meet state standards for mental
health support.
• The role of QMHAs is crucial in bridging the gap between
clients and mental health services, providing necessary
support and guidance throughout the treatment process.
Role and Responsibilities of QMHAs
• QMHAs engage directly with clients, helping them navigate
mental health services and ensuring they remain involved
in their treatment plans.
• They assist in gathering information for mental health
evaluations, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and
treatment planning.
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• QMHAs monitor client progress towards treatment goals,
providing feedback to mental health professionals to
adjust care as needed.
• They conduct safety assessments to evaluate both client
safety and the safety of their living environments, which is
vital for effective care.
• QMHAs also facilitate communication with families and
significant others, promoting a supportive network for the
client.
Steps to Become a QMHA
Step One: Initial Registration (QMHA-R)
• To begin the journey to becoming a QMHA, candidates
must first register as QMHA-R, which is valid for two years.
• Basic requirements include a bachelor's degree in
behavioral science or a combination of three years of
education and relevant experience in behavioral health.
• Candidates must undergo an initial competency
assessment from a qualified supervisor, which evaluates
their readiness to work with mental health clients.
Step Two: Basic Certification (QMHA-I)
• Before the expiration of the QMHA-R registration,
candidates must obtain certification as QMHA-I.
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• This requires documentation of 1,000 supervised clinical
experience hours verified by a qualified supervisor in a
state-approved mental health program.
• Candidates must also pass the QMHA-I Exam, which
assesses their knowledge of QMHA competencies through
a national psychometric exam.
Step Three: Optional Advanced Certification (QMHA-II)
• Candidates wishing to advance their qualifications can
pursue QMHA-II certification, which requires an additional
4,000 supervised clinical experience hours.
• They must successfully pass the QMHA-II Exam, which
covers advanced competencies, case management, care
coordination, and legal compliance in mental health.
• This step is optional but beneficial for those seeking to
deepen their expertise and career opportunities.
Competencies and Assessments
Clinical Competency Assessment
• The clinical competency assessment requires 1,000
supervised hours focusing on essential skills such as
communication, engagement, and monitoring client
progress.
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• Key competencies include teaching basic living skills,
implementing interventions, and facilitating family
involvement in treatment.
• This assessment ensures that QMHAs are equipped to
handle various aspects of client care effectively.
Psychometric Exams
• The QMHA Level I and II exams are critical components of
the certification process, testing knowledge and
application of mental health competencies.
• The QMHA Level I exam consists of 100 multiple-choice
questions covering foundational competencies necessary
for effective practice.
• The QMHA Level II exam delves into advanced topics,
including case management and regulatory compliance,
ensuring candidates are well-prepared for complex
scenarios.
Recertification and Continuing Education
Recertification Requirements
• QMHAs must recertify every two years, which involves
updating personal information and completing continuing
education requirements.
Introduction to QMHA Certification
What is QMHA Certification?
• Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHAs) are essential
personnel in state-certified mental health programs,
assisting licensed professionals such as QMHPs, RNs, LPCs,
LCSWs, LMFTs, Licensed Clinical Psychologists, and
Psychiatrists.
• QMHAs are registered and certified through the Mental
Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon
(MHACBO), ensuring they meet state standards for mental
health support.
• The role of QMHAs is crucial in bridging the gap between
clients and mental health services, providing necessary
support and guidance throughout the treatment process.
Role and Responsibilities of QMHAs
• QMHAs engage directly with clients, helping them navigate
mental health services and ensuring they remain involved
in their treatment plans.
• They assist in gathering information for mental health
evaluations, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and
treatment planning.
,2|Page
• QMHAs monitor client progress towards treatment goals,
providing feedback to mental health professionals to
adjust care as needed.
• They conduct safety assessments to evaluate both client
safety and the safety of their living environments, which is
vital for effective care.
• QMHAs also facilitate communication with families and
significant others, promoting a supportive network for the
client.
Steps to Become a QMHA
Step One: Initial Registration (QMHA-R)
• To begin the journey to becoming a QMHA, candidates
must first register as QMHA-R, which is valid for two years.
• Basic requirements include a bachelor's degree in
behavioral science or a combination of three years of
education and relevant experience in behavioral health.
• Candidates must undergo an initial competency
assessment from a qualified supervisor, which evaluates
their readiness to work with mental health clients.
Step Two: Basic Certification (QMHA-I)
• Before the expiration of the QMHA-R registration,
candidates must obtain certification as QMHA-I.
,3|Page
• This requires documentation of 1,000 supervised clinical
experience hours verified by a qualified supervisor in a
state-approved mental health program.
• Candidates must also pass the QMHA-I Exam, which
assesses their knowledge of QMHA competencies through
a national psychometric exam.
Step Three: Optional Advanced Certification (QMHA-II)
• Candidates wishing to advance their qualifications can
pursue QMHA-II certification, which requires an additional
4,000 supervised clinical experience hours.
• They must successfully pass the QMHA-II Exam, which
covers advanced competencies, case management, care
coordination, and legal compliance in mental health.
• This step is optional but beneficial for those seeking to
deepen their expertise and career opportunities.
Competencies and Assessments
Clinical Competency Assessment
• The clinical competency assessment requires 1,000
supervised hours focusing on essential skills such as
communication, engagement, and monitoring client
progress.
, 4|Page
• Key competencies include teaching basic living skills,
implementing interventions, and facilitating family
involvement in treatment.
• This assessment ensures that QMHAs are equipped to
handle various aspects of client care effectively.
Psychometric Exams
• The QMHA Level I and II exams are critical components of
the certification process, testing knowledge and
application of mental health competencies.
• The QMHA Level I exam consists of 100 multiple-choice
questions covering foundational competencies necessary
for effective practice.
• The QMHA Level II exam delves into advanced topics,
including case management and regulatory compliance,
ensuring candidates are well-prepared for complex
scenarios.
Recertification and Continuing Education
Recertification Requirements
• QMHAs must recertify every two years, which involves
updating personal information and completing continuing
education requirements.
