Community Health Worker (CHW) Therapeutic Mentoring Certificate

UMass Boston's Community Health Worker (CHW) Therapeutic Mentoring Certificate is an 80-hour, state-certified training program that prepares you to work as a therapeutic mentor with youth under age 21 in the Massachusetts behavioral health system. Approved by the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Community Health Workers (License CHWTP10408), this program provides a direct pathway to CHW certification, Medicaid-reimbursable practice, and a meaningful career supporting young people and families in your community.

Plan Your Education

Schedule & Registration: Cohorts offered fall and spring, with sessions designed to accommodate working adults and UMass Boston students.

Schedule:

• Fall 2026: September 8 - December 11
• Tuition: $1,650 (for the full 80-hour certificate program)

Registration: Enrollment is open to all Massachusetts residents age 18 and older with a high school diploma or equivalent. You do not need to be enrolled as a UMass Boston student.

Program Format

Total Hours: 80 hours

• Hybrid (56 hours online, 24 hours applied practice)
• Online Component: Asynchronous coursework via Canvas and live synchronous sessions via Zoom

Applied Practice: You'll need to complete 24 hours at approved field placement sites. Field placement could be at a mentoring program like Big Brothers Big Sisters or in community health centers, schools, or family service agencies across Massachusetts.

Duration: Approximately 10–12 weeks per cohort