HEART - Behavioral Health Career Pathways

Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C)

The MHRT/C certification prepares individuals to provide community-based, direct care mental health services. Professionals in this role support people living with mental health challenges by helping them build skills, access resources, and work toward greater independence.

MHRT/C certification can be earned through:

• Approved college coursework

• Professional experience in behavioral health

• Non-academic, competency-based training programs

Learn more about MHRT/C training

• For a comprehensive overview of the guidelines and the overall certification pathway, please visit the Muskie School Center for Learning.

• To view the specific state-mandated training requirements and official DHHS certification documents, you can refer to the Maine Office of Behavioral Health.

• For more specific info regarding academic pathways and professional development courses, such as those offered at WCCC, check out the Washington County Community College MHRT/C page.

Community Health Worker (CHW)

Community Health Workers are frontline public health professionals who help bridge the gap between community members and health and social services.

They support individuals by:

• Connecting people to healthcare and community resources

• Advocating for individual and community needs

• Promoting healthy behaviors and prevention

• Improving health outcomes in their communities

In Maine, CHW training is available through several online training providers.

Learn more about Community Health Worker training

• To explore the new formal certification process and the state’s competency-based assessment requirements, please visit the MECHW Certification page.

• For general information on workforce development, featured projects, and core skill training modules, you can find more specific info at MCD Global Health.

  Recovery Coach

  Recovery Coaches are trained peers who support individuals navigating addiction recovery. They provide encouragement, guidance, and mentoring based on principles of recovery and empowerment.

  Recovery Coaches offer:

  • Non-clinical peer support

  • Goal setting and accountability

  • Resource navigation

  • Encouragement throughout the recovery journey

  Certification is available through a variety of in-person and online training programs.

  Learn more about Recovery Coach training

  • For information on local training academies, including the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy and specialized youth coaching programs, visit Healthy Acadia’s SPR-RCT page.

  • To understand the formal registration process and the requirements for becoming a Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC) in Maine, please refer to the Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board.

  Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS)

  The Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) credential is designed for individuals who have lived experience with mental health challenges or substance use recovery.

  Peer specialists use their lived experience to:

  • Support others in their recovery journeys

  • Build authentic, trusting relationships

  • Promote hope and empowerment

  • Help people navigate services and supports

  CIPSS is a Maine-based certification for peer support professionals working in behavioral health settings.

  Learn more about CIPSS training

  You can find the official certification overview and application instructions at the Muskie School’s CIPSS page.

• For state-level training schedules and DHHS-specific resources regarding intentional peer support, refer to the Maine Office of Behavioral Health.

• Additionally, the Rural Behavioral Health Workforce Center provides a clear step-by-step guide for those navigating the certification path.