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.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COACH (CPMHC)

Basic Requirements:

  • Completion Mental Health Coach Core – 42 hours of MHC
  • Completion of 24-hour course Professional Mental Health Coach OR completion of the 24-hour course Dare to Care 
    • If you completed Professional Mental Health Coach, your designation is Certified Professional Mental Health Coach- General Practitioner, CPMHC-GP
    • If you completed Dare to Care, your designation is Certified Professional Mental Health Coach- Church Based, CPMHC-CB
  • Completion of the Mental Health Coach Knowledge Assessment
  • Be able to document a minimum of 6 hours of MHC mentor coaching
  • Be able to document which church or ministry under which you are practicing if you are working with or for a ministry (CPMHC-CB requirement)

Additional Supportive Documentation Needed:

  • Professional Liability Insurance: While not required by law or for certification, liability insurance is strongly recommended for mental health coaches. It helps protect against potential claims arising from client interactions, even when services are delivered ethically and within scope. Please consult legal counsel and your state’s regulations. If you carry liability insurance, include your policy details with your online application.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Maintain at least 18 CEs of approved specialized Mental Health Coaching training, every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and coaching skills with appropriate theory, knowledge, and practice.
  • Completion of 24-hour course Professional Mental Health Coach OR completion of the 24-hour course Dare to Care 
    • If you completed Professional Mental Health Coach, your designation is Certified Professional Mental Health Coach- General Practitioner, CPMHC-GP
    • If you completed Dare to Care, your designation is Certified Professional Mental Health Coach- Church Based, CPMHC-CB

CMPMHC- Certified Master Professional Mental Health Coach (- GP or –CB)

Basic Requirements:

  • Completion Mental Health Coach Core – 42 hours of MHC
  • Completion of 24-hour course Professional Mental Health Coach OR completion of the 24-hour course Dare to Care 
    • If you completed Professional Mental Health Coach, your designation is Certified Professional Mental Health Coach- General Practitioner, CMPMHC-GP
    • If you completed Dare to Care, your designation is Certified Professional Mental Health. Coach- Church Based, CMPMHC-CB
  • Completion of one of the Specialties
    • Life Recovery
    • Crisis Response & Trauma Care
    • Marriage & Family
    • Grief & Loss
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Gerontology
    • Addiction & Recovery
    • Trauma-Informed Care and Coaching
    • Recovery Alive Coaching
  • Completion of the Mental Health Coach Knowledge Assessment
  • Be able to document a minimum of 8 hours of MHC mentor coaching
  • Be able to document which church or ministry under which you are practicing if you are working with or for a ministry (CPMHC-CB requirement)

Additional Supportive Documentation Needed:

  • Professional Liability Insurance: While not required by law or for certification, liability insurance is strongly recommended for mental health coaches. It helps protect against potential claims arising from client interactions, even when services are delivered ethically and within scope. Please consult legal counsel and your state’s regulations. If you carry liability insurance, include your policy details with your online application.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Maintain at least 24 CEs of approved specialized Mental Health Coaching training, every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and coaching skills with appropriate theory, knowledge, and practice
  • At least 1 hour of CEs every renewal must be centered on ethics, professional conduct, or scope of 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. What if I send in an application and I do not meet the requirements?  
    • We will let you know that you do not meet the requirements and give you other options for credentials that your information will meet requirements or suggest ways to attain what you need to meet those requirements. 
  2. How long does it take to process applications? 
    • The usual processing time is 3-4 weeks. If there is something missing from your application or we need additional information for the board to decide if you meet the requirements for the credential, this can extend to 5-6 weeks depending on response times. Please be looking for emails from ibcc.applications@aacc.net for emails regarding your application. 
  3. How will I know if you have received my application? 
    • If you are applying using the online application for coaching credentials, you receive a verification email that we have received your application.  
    • If you are sending in a paper application, you will receive a verification email from ibcc.application@aacc.net. 
  4. Can I use Chrisitan Life Coaching courses for Mental Health Coaching Credentials?  
    • No, the courses must be mental health coaching in nature 
  5. Is there a grace period if I forget to renew my credential in time? 
    • Your credential will be considered “inactive” if you do not renew your credential before your renewal date. You are allowed a 6-month grace period, where you can complete the renewal, and it will become “active” again. If it is beyond 6 months, you will need to reapply for the credential. 
  6. What should I put for my name on the certificate/ ID card? 
    • We only allow for your first name, middle initial, and last name. We do not allow any other designations, degrees, or licenses. Please be aware that the ID card only allows for 34 characters. 
  7. What if I need a reprint of my certificate?  
    • You can order a reprint of your certificate for $25. Please contact the IBCC at info.ibcc@aacc.net. 
  8. Can I lose my credential for any reason? 
    • Yes, you can. If you receive a complaint from a client or counselee, and it is determined through an investigation that you have violated the AACC code of ethics, the board can determine that you will be put on a probation period or that the credential is terminated, and you are unable to reapply for it.  
  9. What if there is a complaint lodged against me fraudulently?  
    • Through an investigation, the board can determine if the credential holder displayed no wrongdoing and will receive no reprimand.  
  10. Where can I find Continuing Education credits that will apply to my credential?  
    • IBCC approves most of AACC workshops at their conference and webinars, and Light University’s on-demand options. 
  11. When does my credential need to be renewed? 
    • Your renewal date will be shown on the certificate that you received from IBCC.  
    • You can also find your renewal date by logging into your dashboard on aacc.net. If you have a hard time logging in, please contact AACC.