Certificate in Integrative Behavioral Health

Learn a groundbreaking, holistic and integrative approach to treating mental health problems. This course will provide complementary methods of care which are combined with medications and psychotherapy to effectively address the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of individuals with a variety of mental health conditions.

6 Weeks / 24 Course Hrs

Starting November 11, 2026

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Stephen F. Austin State University

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$178USD

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$178USD

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Starting November 11 | December 16

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0mh

A well-established certificate program, regularly revised to reflect current evidence-based practices. It demonstrates the dramatic shift taking place as a growing number of alternative, holistic, and integrative therapies are being used to support behavioral health. While the field of integrative medicine emphasizes treating the mind, body, and spirit, integrative behavioral health applies conventional and evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies to a wide range of mental and behavioral health conditions. Medication and psychotherapy can save lives, and they can also be part of an integrative solution for individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges. Topics covered include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, depression, PTSD, ADHD, chronic pain, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, substance use disorder and addiction, suicide assessment and prevention, and mental health and aging.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe a range of mental and behavioral health conditions and the alternative, holistic, and integrative therapies used to support individuals experiencing these conditions.

(24.0 contact hours)

Note: NCBTMB awards 20.0 contact hours for massage therapists for this certificate.

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 07/11/2029

Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships: The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.

Non-endorsement of Products: Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).

What you will learn

Describe the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for ADHD.
Discuss the symptoms, aspects of care, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Identify types of anxiety disorders and treatment options.
Examine symptoms, risk factors, and traditional and integrative treatment methods for bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.
Describe pain management, types of pain and integrative treatments for chronic pain.
Describe the different forms of depressive disorders and treatment approaches for depression.
Discuss the most commonly occurring mental health problems experienced by older adults.
Examine the nature and extent of PTSD.
Identify sleep disorders and treatment methods.

How you will benefit

Enhanced clinical confidence — Apply evidence-based and integrative strategies when supporting individuals with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other behavioral health conditions.
Improved assessment skills — Recognize key symptoms, risk factors, and behavioral patterns across diverse mental and behavioral health presentations, leading to more accurate referrals and care planning.
Stronger integrative practice — Incorporate complementary and alternative approaches alongside conventional treatment models to support whole-person care.
Greater effectiveness with aging populations — Better understand the unique behavioral health challenges faced by older adults, improving communication, support, and care coordination.
Expanded ability to support neurocognitive conditions — Apply practical knowledge related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to enhance safety, caregiver guidance, and patient engagement.
Improved chronic pain and sleep support — Use integrative frameworks to help individuals manage chronic pain and sleep disorders more effectively.
More effective trauma-informed care — Strengthen your ability to recognize PTSD symptoms and support individuals using compassionate, evidence-aligned approaches.
Broader professional versatility — Apply certificate knowledge across counseling, coaching, healthcare, wellness, and allied health settings, increasing your value and adaptability in multidisciplinary environments.
Enhanced ability to guide clients toward appropriate resources — Confidently connect individuals to relevant behavioral health services, integrative therapies, and community supports.

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
24 course hours

Outline

Anxiety disorders are the third most commonly occurring mental disorders, manifested by disturbances of mood, thinking, behavior, and physiological activity. The five major types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the types of anxiety disorders, conventional treatment modalities, and integrative treatment approaches

It is sometimes difficult to determine if a child or adolescent is going through a “phase” or showing signs of a more serious psychiatric challenge such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in moods and energy. These shifts are different from the normal “ups and downs” that every child or teenager goes through from time to time. Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder can suffer from damaged relationships, substance misuse, and poor school performance, and they can even commit suicide. However, today there are more treatment options available than ever before for children and adolescents with this disorder.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, including the symptoms, risk factors, and traditional treatment methods available for this specific population as well as integrative approaches to assessing, treating, and managing the disorder.

Sleep disorders are common complaints, and they include difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, and interrupted sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one third of adults say they get enough sleep every night.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe sleep disorders and conventional as well as integrative treatment approaches for sleep disorders. The primary types of sleep disorders, methods of diagnosing sleep conditions, conventional treatments, and integrative approaches will be presented.

The enormous increase in the diverse elderly population has prompted a vital societal challenge: the design and delivery of mental health services to older adults. Because the elderly population in the United States and globally is projected to grow rapidly, the need for geriatric mental health services will also increase dramatically. Continued intellectual, social, and physical activity throughout the life cycle are important for the maintenance of mental health in later life. This course explores the personal factors and mental health concerns for older adults; common mental health concerns among older adults as well as traditional and alternative therapies, treatments, and interventions; cultural competency as it relates to mental health concerns; barriers to mental health care in older adults and alternate resources; and trends and initiatives in mental health for older adults.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the commonly occurring mental health concerns experienced by older adults, including important factors related to mental health promotion and wellness, as well as strategies, therapies, and services that may be directed at improving the mental health of older adults.

Depression is one of the most serious and costly health care problems facing the United States today. It is one of the most common types of mental disorders. Depression interferes with an individual’s daily life and normal functioning and may cause emotional pain for the individual with the disorder as well as family and friends. Although depression is a common but serious mental illness, with treatment depressive symptoms can be alleviated.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the different forms of depressive disorders, including the pathophysiology, symptoms, and diagnosis of depression, and to describe the conventional and integrative treatment approaches for depression.

Pain is a universal experience for virtually every human being and is an indication that something is wrong. Pain interferes with the enjoyment of life. It makes it difficult to work, socialize with friends and family, sleep, and accomplish activities of daily living. It may reduce productivity and create financial hardships in terms of lost work and high medical bills. Chronic pain can lead to a loss of appetite, depression, and many other physical and psychological consequences as well as a loss of the joy of life.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the scope of chronic pain, key historical events in pain management, the physiology of pain, types of pain, conventional pharmacological treatments for pain, and integrative approaches to pain management.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a condition in which the concept of loss is profound and central—the loss of one’s memories, independence, ability to recognize loved ones, and dignity. Often referred to as “the long goodbye,” AD is the most common type of dementia, affecting millions of Americans. It is responsible for billions of dollars annually in health care costs. However, new research is providing hope for those with Alzheimer’s disease as well as for their families and caregivers.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the signs and symptoms of AD, methods of diagnosis, aspects of care and treatment, caregiver issues, integrative health considerations, and implications for the future of Alzheimer’s disease and various other types of dementia.

When individuals experience a traumatic, terrifying, life-changing event or series of events, with a real or threatened risk of death, they may develop a variety of symptoms known as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although this condition has been described throughout history, veteran groups and health care providers have been slow to acknowledge its existence or explore the many dimensions of the disorder. Fortunately, this is changing as more individuals begin to discuss the personal and health-related issues concerning PTSD.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the nature and extent of PTSD as well as potential causes of the disorder, risk factors associated with PTSD, symptoms and diagnostic criteria for individuals with PTSD, and current treatment options for individuals with PTSD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. Usually first diagnosed in childhood, it often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, focusing, and controlling impulsive behaviors, or they may be overly active.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe ADHD, including the signs and symptoms of the disorder, potential causes and risk factors, diagnostic issues to consider, and traditional as well as integrative treatment options.

Individuals engage in substance use and addictive behaviors for a variety of complex reasons. Substances and addictive behaviors can produce intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention, and physical control. Substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction impact individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Social attitudes and political, legal, and public-health responses to substance use and addictive behaviors make this an especially complicated issue. Prevention, early intervention, and the availability of a variety of treatment options contribute significantly to reducing the incidence and impact of substance use disorder and addiction.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the key issues in the recognition, intervention, and prevention of substance use disorder (SUD) and addictive behaviors.

Suicide—taking your own life—is a tragic reaction to stressful life circumstances. Approximately 700,000 to one million people die by suicide in the world each year. This means someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds. In the United States, there is one death by suicide every 12 minutes. Understanding the issues surrounding suicide and mental health is a vital step in preventing suicide, helping others in crisis, and changing the way all of us view suicide and mental health issues.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the incidence of suicide, associated risk factors, and evidence-based approaches to treatment and prevention.

Instructors & Support

Caroline Swenson

Caroline Swenson, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)

The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

NCBTMB

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. (Provider Number 451562-11)

A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or cumulative final exam. You will have access to all lessons at the start of your course, and an instructor is available if you have any questions.

An automatic 10-day extension is provided immediately after the session end date. No further extension can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).

Reviews

I will have a greater understanding of what residents and patients are experiencing and I will be able to more able to know what to do for them.

I currently work with the mentally retarded and some mental health. Our resident's are becoming older, as I have been there 14 years, and I now am more informed in caring for them.

This course has helped me to understand the needs of my patients mental status.

I feel more confident taking care of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. I have been working with more of these patients in home care so this last lesson was my main focus

The facts and pathophysiology of the diseases was a great review. I am an RN, and I am studying Reiki therapy and the other alternative approaches that were mention is perhaps something I can incorporate into my practice.

I now have a better understanding of mental health issues and various treatments. I will apply this knowledge toward my future career in the health care field. I look forward to caring for patients and understanding their needs and how I may help.

I learned that many factors contribute to one's personality and development therefore we need to be very careful when we give a diagnosis to a patient. Many children have been diagnosed with autism, nonetheless we do not take the time to learn more about it. As a result of this course, I will be more cautious.

Thank you. I was very impressed and thankful for your in-depth research on each chapter and your neutral tone throughout the course.

I especially appreciated all the safety information....it gave me ideas for future clients. I also appreciated the info Integrative Health Options for Caregivers (cognitive restructuring) & Imagery...didn't realize the Imagery (visualization) had that kind of impact on bodies/emotions.

I will now have a certain amount of knowledge in how to deal with patients affected with mental disorders. This course has helped me understand more about the mental illness and will help me in my volunteer job at the hospital where dealing with patients with mental illness is crucial.