Masters in Mental Health and Wellness With Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis
Become a Leader With an MS in Mental Health and Wellness With an Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration
Churches, hospitals and community-based organizations need strong leaders and administrators to develop, implement and direct impactful initiatives that make a positive difference in the community. You can learn the skills you’ll need for this career path by earning your Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Learn how to communicate key information to a variety of stakeholders, inspire others by leading by example and navigate the everyday nuances of community-based mental health organizations.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this master’s in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in community mental health administration degree is designed to integrate mental health and wellness within a leadership role. There is an emphasis on program planning and development, including budgetary issues, policies and procedures. You can learn to become effective and ethical advocates who can guide their organizations and communities toward a brighter future.
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Course Topics in the MS in Mental Health and Wellness Program
During your studies, you will be taught to polish your communication skills, explore professional ethics standards and delve into the details of organizational governance, policies and financial management. Some of the course topics you will learn in this master of science in mental health and wellness degree program include the following:
- Promoting ethics and cultural diversity in mental health and wellness
- Managing finances and budgets in the public sector
- Finding, training and utilizing skilled workers
- Integrating mental health, wellness and healthcare
- Instructing public administrators on economics
This master’s in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in community mental health administration degree focuses on building a solid framework of knowledge pertaining to behavioral, mental, spiritual and cognitive health. This includes exploring the following areas:
- Examine mental health disorders, treatment modalities and the dimensions of wellness.
- Explore the integration of body, spirit and mind, and examine the common health challenges faced by individuals with behavioral or mental health disorders.
- Survey the history of professional ethics, including the evolution of modern ethical codes as they pertain to legal standards and issues. Discover how public organizations serve their stakeholders, carry out their mission, comply with regulatory powers and manage resources to succeed in community mental health administration.
- Analyze key competencies in human resources such as workforce diversity, talent management, employee development and motivation.
- Conclude your studies with the mental health administration and wellness capstone, which focuses on contemporary issues and careers in the mental health and wellness field.
Career Opportunities for Graduates in the MS in Mental Health and Wellness With Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis
Graduates with a master's in mental health and wellness with community mental health administration emphasis can be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career path that supports the health and wellness of their communities. When you earn this degree at GCU, you will be prepared to pursue an administrative leadership position within a community-based mental health organization, church, hospital or social services agency. Mental health and wellness, and the allied professions present opportunities to serve others in Christ’s name.
It is important to note that this mental health and wellness master’s program does not lead to licensure as a mental health professional. While this program may provide a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing licensure in the future, additional training and education may be required to meet state licensing requirements. If you are seeking licensure or certification, contact your state department of education or the American Counseling Association for specific licensure requirements and program approval.
Online Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness With Community Mental Health Administration Emphasis FAQs
We understand that choosing a degree program is a big decision. This section will provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice about your education. Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the MS in mental health and wellness program with an emphasis in community mental health administration from GCU.
Community mental health administration refers to the management and coordination of mental health services and programs that are designed to meet the needs of individuals within a community. This may involve overseeing the delivery of mental healthcare in community-based settings such as clinics, schools and community centers, as well as working with local organizations and government agencies to ensure that mental health services are accessible and effective. Community mental health administrators may also be involved in developing and implementing policies related to mental health, advocating for the rights of people with mental illness and promoting public awareness of mental health issues.
Most management positions require a graduate degree in the field.1 These occupations, which involve heavy administrative duties, may include directors of mental health, behavioral health directors, managers of community behavioral health services, clinical care managers and social services managers.1 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degrees are common and sometimes preferred by employers who hire medical and health services managers, a career that is considered similar to mental health administration.2
Whether a master's degree in mental health and wellness with community mental health administration emphasis is worth it depends on your individual goals and circumstances. However, this degree can provide you with specialized skills and knowledge needed for leadership roles in mental health administration and related fields, potentially leading to opportunities for career advancement.
Are you interested in positioning yourself for possible career advancement or expanding your professional knowledge? A master of science in mental health and wellness with emphasis in mental health administration can equip you with the skills to work in a diverse evidence-based mental health field by exploring the influence of biological, social, cultural and spiritual factors on mental well-being. Filling out the form on this page and a university counselor will be in touch shortly.
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1 Healthcare Management Degree Guide (n.d.) 5 Healthcare Management Careers in the Mental Health Field. Retrieved on June 2, 2023.
2 Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2022, October) Medical and Health Services Manager. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course is an introductory course in mental health and wellness practices. The purpose of the course is to develop a basic understanding of mental health and wellness practices and wellness approaches. An overview of mental health disorders, basic overview of treatment practices, and the Dimensions of Wellness are covered.
Course Description
This course covers ethics and cultural diversity as it relates to mental health and wellness. The history of ethics is addressed, including how early ethical models evolved into modern ethical codes in the mental health and wellness professions. How ethics relates to legal standards and issues such as records and billing are addressed. Cultural diversity, sensitivity, and competence are covered.
Course Description
This course focuses on how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, the manner in which their services are carried out, how resources are managed, and how regulatory powers are complied with and/or managed. The best practices in public governance, issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability are examined.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the revenue and expenditure structure of the public sector, including revenue policy, expenditure policy, and budget structure and administration.
Course Description
The effective strategic management of human capital is the differentiator of every successful organization. This course examines talent management, workforce diversity, succession planning, employee development and motivation, and performance matrix. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic human resource acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers.
Course Description
In this course, the role of government in the economy is explored within the general context of market failure and social equity. Topics include allocation of goods and services, income distribution, externalities, public goods, and public choice theory. This course also examines the impact of macroeconomic events and policy decisions on the budgets and service levels of public entities.
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health, wellness, and health care, including the integration of these three fields. The course covers common mental health disorders, treatments, and supportive services, as well as an integrated focus on the mind and the body. The course examines the health challenges often faced by individuals with behavioral or mental health disorders, and it reviews appropriate services, interventions, preventative services, and treatments to achieve and maintain health and wellness.
Course Description
This course provides a practical, real-world exploration of the mental health and wellness field. Special focus is given to careers in mental health and wellness. The common duties and tasks performed by workers in the mental health and wellness field are investigated. Concepts covered throughout the program are examined through practical application. This course is the last course in the program of study; all other course work must be completed before this course.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.