The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) 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.”
Employment in Mississippi’s “state mental health system,” as defined above, is a mandatory requirement to apply for and hold a DMH professional credential.
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 credential; however, eligible individuals who hold other professional credentials are also encouraged to apply. DMH 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 (or who supervise the provision of) services to individuals with mental illness or emotional disturbance. |
| Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 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 (or who supervise the provision of) services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. |
| DMH Addictions 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 (or who supervise the provision of) addiction counseling services. Prevention services are not applicable to this credentialing program.
PCAT web-based training course list (formerly PCAC) |
| DMH Community Support Specialist 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 (or who supervise the provision of) community support or Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) Waiver support coordination services as described by the DMH Operational Standard for Mental Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilties, and Substance Abuse Community Service Providers.
DMH Community Support Specialist Standards & Requirements and Application Forms PCCSS web-based training course list (Community Support Specialists) |
| Licensed DMH 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 administrators of mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities or addictions programs.
FY 2013 PLACE Review Board Meeting Dates & Application Deadlines |
How do I get more information?
- General inquiries pertaining to DMH professional credentialing and/or application assistance needs should be directed to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) Division of Professional Licensure and Certification (PLACE).
- The application booklets/application forms for the Addiction Counselor and Case Management Professional Credentialing Programs are currently available for download at this website. Application forms for the other credentialing programs are available by contacting the DMH Division of PLACE.
Contact Information:
Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH)
Division of Professional Licensure and Certification (PLACE)
1101 Robert E. Lee Building
239 North Lamar Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
601-359-1288 (DMH Main #)
601-359-6295 (Fax)
www.dmh.ms.gov
601-359-5360 (PLACE Main #)
place@dmh.state.ms.us (PLACE email)

1-877-210-8513





