Eligibility Requirements

  
Individuals of all backgrounds can achieve the CPRP. Currently CPRPs vary from MDs, PhDs to GEDs, occupational therapists to peer specialists, social workers to case workers – all sharing a commitment to the fundamental principle that recovery from serious mental illness is possible.
 
Candidates for the CPRP must meet eligibility requirements in three categories:
  1. Academic Preparation; 
  2. Work Experience; and
  3. Training in Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
Nearly all candidates are required to complete 45 hours of applicable trainings. All training must address “the treatment and/or rehabilitation of adults with serious mental illness.” This would include topics on direct care, vocational or life skills training, crisis intervention, treatment modalities, medications, diversity, ethical/legal issues, etc.
 

Individuals who have formal academic preparation in psychiatric rehabilitation are not required to submit additional training hours.  

PATHWAY I.

·         Bachelor Degree (or higher) in Psychiatric Rehabilitation; and

·         Six months of full-time work experience in a psychiatric rehabilitation program/environment

PATHWAY II.

·         Associate Degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation; and

·         12 months (1 year) of full-time work experience in a psychiatric rehabilitation program/environment

PATHWAY III.

·         Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Rehabilitation Certificate Program;

·         24 months (2 years) of full-time work experience in a psychiatric rehabilitation program/environment

Minimum Requirements for Individuals with Academic Preparation in ALL Other Fields

Individuals with academic preparation in mental health related field (e.g., psychology, social work, rehabilitation counseling, etc.) are required to complete additional training hours specific to psychiatric rehabilitation.

 

PATHWAY IV.

·         Bachelor Degree (or higher) in any field;

·         12 months (1 year) of full-time work experience in a psychiatric rehabilitation program/environment; and

·         45 contact hours (training hours) in psychiatric rehabilitation.

 

PATHWAY V.

·         Associates Degree in any field;

·         24 months (2 years) of full-time work experience in a psychiatric rehabilitation program/environment; and

·         45 contact hours (training hours) in psychiatric rehabilitation.

 

PATHWAY VI.

·         High School Diploma or GED;

·         24 months (2 years) of full-time work experience in a psychiatric rehabilitation program/environment; and

·         45 contact hours (training hours) in psychiatric rehabilitation.

 

Please Note: All psychiatric rehabilitation training/continuing education must be directly applicable to the seven (7) domains explained on the Exam Blue Print (PDF).

Required Documentation 
All required documents must be included or accounted for in the application packet:

1.     Official Transcript or Diploma 

2.     Employment Verification for documented work experience

3.     Training/Continuing Education Listing

 

 

Please visit www.uspra.org for complete information on the CPRP.