Psychiatric Rehabilitation—FAQs

Will I need to complete a criminal background check for this program?
Yes, in order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students may be asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs Subdivision Office, B150, and fees paid to the Cashier’s Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, please contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Deadline dates for completion of criminal background checks will be announced by Program Coordinators.

How long will it take to complete the program?
All the courses are offered concurrently. If you are able to take the course work and the internship at the same time, you could complete the classroom work in two semesters and the internships in the summer. Seventy eight hours of agency and community contact are required per internship. Students who work in the field of mental health may be able to receive internship credit for some supervised tasks. Please contact the program coordinator to see if you qualify.

Do I have you take the courses offered in the program in sequential order?
You have to take PSR-120 as the prerequisite to the other three courses. The other three classes are currently presented once in an academic year. An internship is taken after the matching class has been successfully completed. You can choose to complete the coursework after PSR-120 in a two-year period, in whichever order is most convenient.

How easy or difficult is it to find a job?
There are a wide range of opportunities for jobs with this certificate which provides the credential Mental Health Professional (MHP). The jobs will be entry-level jobs because mental health is a complex field with many levels of proficiency. Jobs are available in State-sponsored mental health programs, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, psychiatric and substance abuse programs, Centers for Integrated Living (CILA), Centers for Recovery, and nursing homes which specialize in the care of persons with psychiatric disorders. For more information on salaries and job titles, please see the About the Program section.

How many courses are offered online?
Currently courses offered as a classroom/online format. This allows for work to be completed through online access as well as meeting face-to-face two to three times per semester. Two of the classes require skills training which means that face-to-face is mandatory. In the future classes may be conducted entirely online for students who are working in the mental health field.

How are internships assigned?
Internships are assigned by meeting with the program coordinator to decide which affiliated agencies will most meet your needs. Students must have a method of transportation to the internship sites.

Do I complete my internship at one location?
Students generally complete their internships at two sites. Students are also required to visit community programs and resources such as National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) meetings, and advocacy events. Internships are designed by meeting with the program coordinator and interviewing with the agency program directors. You will be provided with a well-rounded experience.

Are courses offered at night or on the weekends?
We offer classes in the evening, twice weekly from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.