Certificate in
School Based Program for Mental Health
The Postgraduate Certificate Program in School-Based Program for Mental Health will focus on capacity-building for the school administrators, faculty, and non-teaching staff of the HEIs to promote mental wellness, prevent mental health problems, and provide psychological, social, and emotional support in their settings. Due to the increasing need to address students’ mental health and well-being, all school personnel should be involved in promoting the positive well-being of students. The program aims to help the school personnel to come up with programs that will address mental health concerns and issues in their own setting.
This addresses one of the objectives of the Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036), which is to “integrate strategies promoting mental health in educational institutions, the workplace and in communities”. This program will provide knowledge and skills to the members of the HEIs, which will equip them to create and develop programs and activities to inform, prevent, and address mental health issues and concerns in their schools. The program and activities that they will design will be practical and relevant to the needs of their particular setting.
The graduates of this program will have 12 units credited in the Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling (as pre-Master’s) or Doctor of Education in Counselor Education (as pre-Doctorate) of Miriam College based on their eligibility requirements. Participants have one year to seek admission to the Graduate Program for the crediting of the units, but are highly encouraged to apply immediately.
Specific courses or subjects in the Master’s and Doctorate Programs:
Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling
- Developmental Psychology
- Theories of Personality
- Group Process
- Trends and Issues in Guidance and Counseling
Doctor of Education in Counselor Education
- Seminar in Counseling Supervision
- Seminar in the Design and Development of Mental Health Programs
- Assessment for Mental Health
- Psycho- Education Consultation Skills
Program Outcomes
At the end of the program, the participants will be able to
- promote mental wellness;
- prevent mental health challenges; and
- provide psychological, emotional support to students
Key Competencies Developed
By the end of the program, graduates will be able to develop the following key competencies:
- Skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating school-based mental health programs and interventions;
- Ability to promote mental health awareness and well-being among students, faculty, and staff;
- Competence in providing basic psychological first aid and appropriate referral for mental health concerns;
- Capacity to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in developing and sustaining mental health initiatives;
- Knowledge of relevant mental health laws, policies, and ethical practices in educational settings;
- Skills in needs assessment and data-driven decision-making for mental health program development; and
- Leadership in fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment that prioritizes mental wellness.
These competencies can be assessed through a variety of methods, including the following:
- Performance-based assessments, such as the design and presentation of a school-based mental health program or intervention plan;
- Reflective journals and portfolios demonstrate personal growth, professional insight, and application of mental health principles;
- Case studies and simulations evaluating skills in psychological first aid, referral, and ethical decision-making;
- Group projects and collaborative activities that showcase teamwork and leadership in mental health promotion;
- Written examinations or quizzes assessing knowledge of mental health laws, policies, and theoretical foundations; and
- Supervisory feedback and peer evaluations during practicum or experiential learning activities.
Total Program Units: 15 units
This program is modular in delivery.
The following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are addressed by this program:
Potential Careers
A Postgraduate Certificate in School-Based Mental Health prepares graduates for a variety of professional roles with a strong emphasis on mental health and wellness, such as the following:
- School Mental Health Coordinator
- Student Wellness Officer
- Mental Health Program Developer
- Guidance Associate
- Mental Health Advocate or Educator
- Psychosocial Support Specialist
- Training and Development Coordinator (focusing on faculty and staff mental health)
- Community Outreach or Liaison Officer (for school–community mental health partnerships)
- Consultant for School-Based Mental Health Programs
CURRICULUM SUMMARY
Course Code [Core Course] | Course Description | Units |
MH 201 | Teaching for Wellbeing (Positive Education) | 3 |
MH 202 | Understanding Learners from a Developmental Mindset (Developmental Psychology) | 3 |
MH 203 | Coaching for Mental Health and the Development of MH Program | 3 |
MH 204 | Human Centered Education | 3 |
MH 205 | Best Practices for Emotional Health and Well-being | 3 |
Total | 15 | |
