Respond with Compassion. Restore Resilience. Advance Your Career.

Unlock your potential with our Graduate Certificate in Disaster Mental Health—a specialized program housed within the Department of Social Work and designed for professionals committed to supporting individuals and communities in times of crisis. Whether you're a licensed social worker, mental health professional, or graduate student, this certificate equips you with the tools to provide trauma-informed care in the aftermath of natural disasters, public health emergencies, and humanitarian crises.  This program offers advanced training in evidence-based practices for disaster response, with a focus on culturally responsive care, psychological first aid, and community resilience. You’ll gain the skills to assess, intervene, and support recovery in diverse populations affected by trauma and displacement.

Why Choose Our Program?

Career Prospects

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations [1]. The demand for social workers with expertise in mental health and crisis response is rising due to increasing natural disasters, public health emergencies, and the growing recognition of trauma-informed care in community recovery efforts.

Competitive Salaries

Social workers earned a median annual wage of $61,330 in May 2024 [1], with higher earnings for those in clinical and specialized roles. Professionals trained in disaster mental health are uniquely positioned for roles in emergency management, public health, humanitarian aid, and behavioral health services.

Program Highlights

• Designed for social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals 
• Emphasis on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and cultural competence 
• Focused training in disaster response, recovery, and resilience-building 
• Delivered in a flexible format to accommodate working professionals 
• Can be applied toward continuing education or advanced graduate study 

How This Certificate Enhances Your Career

This graduate certificate is more than a credential—it’s a strategic investment in your ability to lead in times of crisis. Whether you’re expanding your clinical practice or preparing for roles in emergency response, this program will help you:

• Strengthen Clinical Competence: Learn to assess and support individuals affected by trauma, displacement, and disaster. 
• Advance Toward Specialization: Prepare for roles in disaster response teams, emergency management, or humanitarian aid. 
• Improve Community Outcomes: Support recovery and resilience through evidence-based mental health interventions. 
• Expand Your Role: Position yourself for leadership in public health, behavioral health, or nonprofit sectors. 
• Collaborate Across Systems: Work effectively with first responders, healthcare providers, and community organizations. 

Join a community of professionals committed to healing and hope. Your journey to becoming a leader in disaster mental health starts here.
[1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Social Workers

Next Steps
     

     
Contact Us
     
SocialWorkGrad@SouthernCT.edu

Department of Social Work

College of Health and Human Services

Application Requirements

Application Submission
Application Fee ($50)
Official Transcripts

Cost of Program

Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.

Virtual Tour

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Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all.