Integrated Behavioral Health with Rural Youth Certificate

Program Coordinator: Allison Crowe (225 Ragsdale Hall; 252-328-4218; crowea@ecu.edu)

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.

Students are required to complete required courses and a capstone. The capstone experience includes a two-day workshop that emphasizes the essential practical skills needed for professionals to integrate into health settings in rural communities. The capstone also includes a written synthesis of the academic and practical experiences encountered throughout the certificate program. The capstone does not include course credits but does include professional development hours for those who request it.

The certificate requires 12 s.h. as follows: