Congratulations on completing the Mental Health Coach First Responder Training! You are now eligible to apply for Certification through the International Board of Christian Care – the preferred faith-based credentialing board recognizing mental health leaders around the globe!

As a result, your first-year certification dues are waived upon successful completion of your MHC First Responder training through Light University, with a small application fee of $50.00 plus $74.50 for the second year. This credential renews every two (2) years with a renewal fee of $149.

To apply for your Mental Health Coach certification, click here.

WHY GET A BMHC CREDENTIAL?

BENEFITS of HOLDING a BMHC CREDENTIAL

Your voluntary credential communicates to clients and colleagues alike that you have completed sufficient standards and a thorough and professional review. It is a public statement that you are qualified to provide ethical and competent Mental Health Coaching services from a Christian perspective. You can refer inquiring church members to review the Mental Health Coach code of ethics, doctrinal standards, and credentialing requirements. The strength of credentialing numbers provides greater influence and presence in the national and international community.

  • National Recognition for practice and ministry excellence with ethical integrity.
  • Receive a BMHC Professional Certificate noting membership affiliation, core BMHC credential, and any earned specialty designations – suitable for framing and public presentation.
  • Be able to use the BMHC Credential Designation and Logo publicly on business cards, letterheads, and in all professional communications.

WHAT CREDENTIALS ARE OFFERED?

BOARD CERTIFIED MENTAL HEALTH COACH (BCMHC)

Apply for Certification

Basic Requirements:

  • Completion of the Mental Health Coaching First Responder Program (42 hours) or Youth Mental Health Coaching First Responder Program (42 hours). These courses include C-MHC 101, 201, and 301 or YMHC 101, 201 and 301.
  • Identify and practice as a Mental Health Coach. This refers to independently practicing mental health coaches who incorporate biblical principles and coaching skills with appropriate theory, knowledge, and professional practice.
  • Once the credential is awarded, maintain at least 12 CEs every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and coaching skills with appropriate theory, knowledge, and practice.

BOARD CERTIFIED MASTER MENTAL HEALTH COACH (BCMMHC)

Apply for Certification

Basic Requirements:

  • Completion of two of the following Mental Health Coaching First Responder Programs.
  • Identify and practice as a Mental Health Coach. This refers to independently practicing mental health coaches who incorporate biblical principles and coaching skills with appropriate theory, knowledge and who are involved in a significant professional practice of Christian Coaching.
  • Once the credential is awarded, maintain at least 12 CEs every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and coaching skills with appropriate theory, knowledge, and practice.

Renewals

Download Renewal Form

The ongoing mission of the BCMHC is to serve Christian Mental Health Coaches throughout the world in taking positive and tangible steps to further develop the emerging ministry and maintain a viable and comprehensive Christian Care Connect as a resource for those who are hurting. Under the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC), the BCMHC continues to offer its members and the Christian Mental Health Coach community the following benefits:

1. National Credentials – We deliver a clinically rigorous, biblically-based, and voluntary national credential in Christian crisis response that utilizes a systematic and thorough evaluation process.

2. Ethics – We continue to advance the AACC Christian Crisis Response Code of Ethics while promoting Christian crisis response in a manner that not only maintains a high ethical standard of care but also honors the sacred trust that God has given to each of us.

3. Advocacy – We advocate both the profession and ministry of Christian Mental Health Coaching to the Body of Christ and our sister professions at the state and national levels, as well as in the communities where we live and work.

Please review the Renewal Application, Attestation, and Agreement carefully, as well as the specific requirements for your particular credential. You may want to make a photocopy of all completed forms to keep for your records. The biennial (two-year) renewal fee for all credentials is $149.00. Checks should be made payable to IBCC.

On behalf of the entire IBCC team, thank you for being part of the IBCC, and may God bless you in all your counseling work and related ministry.

Please send your completed renewal application and all required supporting documentation to:

IBCC c/o Administrative Coordinator
c/o Administrative Coordinator
P.O. Box 739
Forest, Virginia 24551