In the field of mental health services, the roles of Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA) and Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) are pivotal, each with distinct qualifications and responsibilities as defined by the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). Updated to reflect significant rule changes effective January 01, 2012, these designations ensure that individuals working in these capacities possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality mental health services. A QMHA is required to have a bachelor's degree in a behavioral sciences field or a combination of relevant work, education, training, or experience totaling at least three years, working under the direct supervision of a QMHP. On the other hand, a QMHP must have a more advanced level of education and can be licensed by state authorized licensing boards, although licensure is separate from the QMHP criteria. Both QMHAs and QMHPs are essential for conducting assessments, implementing individual service and support plans (ISSPs), and providing therapy, with a specific focus on meeting the competencies outlined in the OAR. These include effective communication, understanding of mental health terminology, and the ability to coordinate services and supports identified in an ISSP. The process to become a QMHA or QMHP involves meeting the minimum criteria set by the OAR, and employers play a crucial role in verifying these qualifications. Additionally, there are provisions for variances under certain circumstances, offering flexibility in meeting the requirements. For those interested in these roles, the Oregon Secretary of State’s office provides access to the relevant OAR sections online, offering a wealth of information for potential QMHAs and QMHPs.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Qmha Form |
| Form Length | 3 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 45 sec |
| Other names | qmha credentials, qmha requirements oregon, qmha certification in oregon, qmha application |
Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA) &
Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) –
UPDATED TO REFLECT ISSR RULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE JAN 01, 2012
Common Questions and Answers
1. What is a QMHA?
According to OAR
(a)Bachelor's degree in a behavioral sciences field; or
(b)A combination of at least three years relevant work, education, training or experience.”
Additionally, OAR
2. What is a QMHP?
According to OAR
(a)Bachelor’s degree in nursing and licensed by the State of Oregon;
(b)Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon;
(c)Graduate degree in psychology;
(d)Graduate degree in social work;
(e)Graduate degree in recreational, art, or music therapy; or
(f)Graduate degree in a behavioral science field.
Additionally, OAR
and conducting a mental status examination, complete a
3. How does a person become a QMHA or QMHP?
In order to receive the designation as a QMHA or a QMHP the person must meet minimum Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) criteria. The Community Mental Health Provider determines who is qualified under the rule and requirement and as such is subject to review by the state (e.g., during site reviews) as described in OAR
According to
(e)QMHAs must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and apply each of these concepts, implement skills development strategies, and identify, implement and coordinate the services and supports identified in an ISSP.
(f)QMHPs must demonstrate the ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, cultural, social and work relationships, and conducting a mental status examination, complete a five- axis DSM diagnosis, write and supervise the implementation of a ISSP and provide individual, family or group therapy within the scope of their training.
4. Who decides whether a person meets QMHA or QMHP qualifications?
The employer is responsible for assuring that an employee meets the criteria for QMHA or QMHP as defined by OARs under which the organization is certified. The Addictions and Mental Health Division (AMH) or, in the case of county subcontractors, the local
5. Is there any flexibility to the requirements for QMHA or QMHP?
OAR
request to the AMH for approval prior to employing a person as a QMHA or QMHP if the person does not already meet criteria. Variances to the OAR requirements are rarely issued but there are circumstances under which the AMH would approve a variance request. Most commonly these circumstances include a lack of resources needed to implement the standards required in OAR and if the use of these resources would result in improved outcomes for the individuals receiving services. Requests for variances are sometimes observed in rural communities where there is a documented lack of persons who would meet QMHA or QMHP standards or persons with unique skills or abilities that are not otherwise available but are determined to be needed for the community (e.g., persons to work with
6. Does a QMHA or QMHP need to be licensed or certified?
The answer to this is “No.” QMHAs and QMHPs are not required to be licensed or certified and the state does not issue any documentation to verify that a person meets criteria as a QMHA or QMHP. While some organizations or third party payers may require that a person be licensed, this is a completely separate from whether or not a person meets criteria as a QMHP. QMHPs may be licensed by state authorized licensing boards, such as the Board of Clinical Social Workers, the Board of Psychological Examiners, the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists, the Board of Nursing, and the Board of Medical Examiners. However, licensure through these boards is independent of whether or not a person meets criteria as a QMHP.
7. Where can I find the OAR for QMHA &QMHP?
The website for the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) is maintained by the Oregon Secretary of State office. The following steps will lead you to the website for mental health rules related to QMHA & QMHP:
•Go to: http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/banners/rules.htm;
•Select: Numerical Index by OAR Chapter Number;
•Type in
•Click on Addictions & Mental Health Division
•Click on Division
•Scroll down to Division 32: “Community Treatment and Support Services. Mental Health Services for Homeless Individuals.”
•Scroll down to Integrated Services and Support Rules:
For further questions, contact Sherry Sullens at Sherry.d.sullens@state.or.us or Chris Potter at Chris.a.potter@state.or.us.