Mental Health Paraprofessional Certification
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Certification Course for Mental Health and Well-Being Paraprofessionals

Developed by Cognitio+ • Aligned with WHO mhGAP, WHO QualityRights, and PCMH 2024–2028 Framework

Course Deep Dive

I. Course Overview: Purpose, Frameworks, and Philosophy

Purpose: This certification course equips the learner with the essential knowledge, values, and practical skills to provide safe, ethical, and compassionate peer-based psychosocial support online and in community contexts.

Guiding Frameworks

  • WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), 2023 update
  • WHO QualityRights Initiative: Dignity, Recovery, and Human Rights in Mental Health
  • Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH) Strategic Framework 2024–2028:
    • Pillar 1: Service Delivery and Workforce Development
    • Pillar 2: Mental Health Promotion and Prevention
    • Pillar 3: Governance, Data, and Research
    • Pillar 4: Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

Course Philosophy: The course applies Psychological First Aid (PFA) principles—Look, Listen, Link—and builds foundational competencies in empathy, communication, and referral, ensuring participants can respond to mental health needs safely within their scope.

II. Certification Structure

Component Description Duration Assessment
Part 1 – Foundational Training Online modules introducing ethics, skills, and principles 24 hours Knowledge quizzes, reflection exercises
Part 2 – Practicum 10 guided online or community support sessions under mentor supervision 10 hours Observation rubric, supervisor/mentor evaluation
Part 3 – Final Assessment Final assessment, and course evaluation
Certification Validity 2 years (renewable via refresher module and updated practicum) — —
Part 4 – Certification and Integration Verified completion certificate issuance

III. Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, trainees will be able to:

  1. Apply generative listening, and the core support and communication skills in online or face-to-face conversations.
  2. Demonstrate ethical communication, confidentiality, and data privacy in online interactions.
  3. Recognize and respond appropriately to psychological distress and crisis indicators.
  4. Identify when and how to refer individuals to professional mental health or community services.
  5. Apply self-care, boundaries, and mindfulness practices to sustain personal resilience.
  6. Uphold human rights, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity in all interactions.

IV. Competency Domains

Domain Competency Standard Source
Communication and Support Demonstrates empathy, reflective listening, and rapport-building WHO mhGAP (2023)
Ethics and Confidentiality Adheres to data privacy and informed consent practices WHO QualityRights, RA 10173
Crisis Response and Referral Applies Look–Listen–Link in crisis; initiates safe referrals WHO PFA Guide
Cultural and Community Sensitivity Integrates local and cultural contexts PCMH Framework
Personal and Peer Resilience Practices mindfulness, self-care, and supervision DOH–PCMH Workforce Pillar

V. Course Modules

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VI. Assessment Framework

Assessment Type Tool Weight
Knowledge Pre and Post-Test 20%
Skills Role-plays and simulations 30%
Practicum Observation & mentor evaluation 40%
Reflection Reflections and peer discussion 10%

Passing Grade: 75% overall

VII. Certification and Integration

Validity: 2 years

Renewal Requirements:

  • Completion of refresher course (minimum 6 hours)
  • Mentor endorsement

VIII. Required References

  1. World Health Organization (2023). mhGAP Intervention Guide: Version 3.0.
  2. World Health Organization (2022). QualityRights Mental Health, Disability and Human Rights Toolkit.
  3. Philippine Council for Mental Health (2024). Strategic Framework for Mental Health 2024–2028.
  4. Department of Health (2021). Guidelines on Community-Based Mental Health Services.
  5. Republic Act 11036. The Mental Health Act of the Philippines.
  6. Republic Act 10173. Data Privacy Act of 2012.
  7. Comprehensive Guidebook for Mental Health and Well-Being Paraprofessional
  8. Course Manual
  9. Cognitio+'s Web App
  10. Cognitio+'s Digital Resilience Tools
  11. Cognitio+'s Teletherapy and Online Counseling Services

“The goal of the paraprofessional is not to diagnose, fix, or advise—but to listen, hold space, and connect others to help.”
— Adapted from WHO QualityRights, 2023

IX. Discussions