The Advocate Magazine Number 46: Issue 1 | Page 8

Congratulations to AMHCA Members Who Earned Advanced Certifications in the Past Year

AMHCA Counseling Certifications Tips continued from page 810

tunities for the future of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling profession .
A certification through AMHCA ’ s CCB gives us a way to convey to clients that we are well-trained professionals , and that we ’ re able to meet clients ’ mental health needs . The Credentialing and Certification Board is an autonomous board operating under AMHCA ’ s umbrella , and we are dedicated to upholding and advancing high standards for the most qualified Clinical Mental Health Counselors in our profession .
The CCB currently offers numerous advanced certifications , which are obtainable after you have three years of independent licensure and have met the specific practice and education requirements for that specific domain . ( See amhca . org / credential for FAQs and to see the credentials you may already qualify for .)
Earning the designation of an advanced practitioner in your specific area of interest demonstrates you ’ ve attained a high level of professional competency and training . Additionally , being designated as a specialist in your chosen area of expertise shows that your skills have reached an advanced level , beyond that of simply being a licensed practitioner . An AMHCA credential is a significant asset to your professional standing among peers , clients , and prospective clients .
On behalf of the entire Credentialing and Certification Board , I welcome you to peruse the certifications AMHCA offers , and to apply for this designation of advanced standing in our profession . Certifications are available for CMHCs early in their careers , those with expertise in different specialties , and those with well-established careers .
See the types of credentials available in the box on page 7 , and see the names of some of the recent AMHCA members who have earned a credential in the box below .

Congratulations to AMHCA Members Who Earned Advanced Certifications in the Past Year

New Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialists :
Specialist in Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Dr . Robert Lima , Massachusetts
Specialist in Forensic Evaluation
• Dr . Aaron Norton , Florida
• Dr . G . Michael Pilcher , Florida
Specialist in Integrated Behavioral Health Care Counseling
• Dr . Keith Klostermann , New York Specialist in Trauma Counseling
• Dr . Courtney Boddie , Illinois
New Diplomates in Advanced Clinical Mental Health
Counseling Practice :
continued on page 8
• Dr . Christopher Griffith , Kentucky
• Dr . Andrew Mendonsa , California
• Dr . Brent Moore , Missouri
• Dr . Richard Siegel , Florida
New Fellows in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Research :
• Dr . Ellen Behrens , Utah
• Dr . Mark Gerig , Indiana
• Dr . James Greenstone , Texas
• Dr . Michelle Flaum , Ohio
• Dr . Justin Lauka , Maryland
For more information on AMHCA ’ s Counseling Certifications , visit amhca . org / members / career / credential
8 The Advocate Magazine 2023 , Issue # 1 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org