The Division of Professional Licensure and Certification (PLACE) is responsible for developing and implementing licensure and certification programs for categories of professionals who are employed at programs which are operated, funded and/or certified by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH). The network of programs fitting this description is collectively referred to as Mississippi's "state mental health system."

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health professional credentialing programs are primarily designed for individuals employed within the state mental health system who do not hold any other professional license or certification; however, eligible individuals who hold other professional credentials are also encouraged to apply. The DMH Division of PLACE currently offers the following credentialing programs:

• Mental Health Therapist Program: This professional credentialing program for persons with eligible master's level or above degrees is designed for individuals who are employed within the state mental health system who provide services (or who supervise the provision of services) to individuals with mental illness or emotional disturbance.
  


• Mental Retardation Therapist Program: This professional credentialing program for persons with eligible master's level or above degrees is designed for individuals who are employed within the state mental health system who provide services (or who supervise the provision of services) to individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities.
  


• Addiction Counselor Program: This professional credentialing program for persons with eligible master's level or above degrees is designed for individuals who are employed within the state mental health system who provide addiction counseling services (or who supervise the provision of such services) to individuals. Prevention services are not applicable to this credentialing program.
  
  Addiction Counselor Program Application and Guidelines Booklet



• Case Management Certification Program: This professional credentialing program for persons with eligible bachelor's level or above degrees is designed for individuals who are employed within the state mental health system who provide case management services (or who supervise the provision of case management services) as described by the DMH Minimum Standards for Community Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services.
  


• Licensed Mental Health/Mental Retardation Administrator Program: This professional credentialing program for persons with eligible master's level or above degrees is designed for individuals employed within the state mental health system who serve as top-level administrators of mental health, mental retardation or addictions programs or who demonstrate the potential for future advancement into such positions.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

The Division of PLACE's mailing address is:

Division of Professional Licensure and Certification
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
239 North Lamar Street
1101 Robert E. Lee Building

Jackson, Mississippi  39201