Skip Navigation

Academics

Certificate Programs

Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services

Overview

Sponsoring department
Educational Objectives
The certificate introduces current issues in mental health policy including economic evaluation of mental and substance disorders and their treatments; access to mental health care treatments and utilization patterns; and mental health care financing, insurance, and delivery system issues in the US. The certificate program also strives to orient mental health policy, economics, and services training within the broader context of ongoing national health care debates. It is open to Johns Hopkins University graduate students interested in policy, advocacy, and research careers within the field of mental health and junior and mid-level public health professionals interested in expanding their knowledge base and expertise in mental health services and economics and related policy issues. Students completing the certificate will gain specialized knowledge of policy issues and economics relevant to mental disorders and mental health services. They will be able to:
  • 1. Describe the types, organization, and financing of service systems for the mentally ill in the US; strengths and weaknesses of these service systems; and historical and recent trends in the mental health care delivery system
  • 2. Discuss the major legal and political developments in mental health care in the US over the last century and their impact on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health illnesses and associated disabilities and co-morbidities
  • 3. Interpret and provide input into the conduct of program evaluations, including economic evaluation of mental health interventions, and the design and implementation of mental health services and policy initiatives
  • 4. Use economic theory to predict changes in delivery of, access to, and quality of mental health services in response to changes in national and local policies and incentives
  • 5. Interpret and provide input into the conduct of health systems research related to mental health interventions, services, and policy

    • Gainful Employment Program Information

    Intended Audience

    The certificate is open to masters and doctoral students currently enrolled in any division of The Johns Hopkins University. It is also offered to non-degree students with at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a strong record of successful academic performance.

    Admissions Criteria

    Bloomberg School of Public Health masters and doctoral students

    are not required to submit a formal application through the Admissions Office. They, however, are encouraged to contact a certificate faculty sponsor to discuss electives.

    All others (non-Bloomberg masters and doctoral students and non-degree students)

    apply to the program using the school’s online application. Applications must be submitted in September of the year during which they will begin certificate courses. The certificate application includes official transcripts from all post-secondary schools, a CV or resume, a statement of purpose vis-à-vis the certificate, and one letter of recommendation. Transcripts from non-US institutions must be approved by an external credentialing agency. Degree students must include a brief written statement from their academic advisor giving approval to take the certificate courses. The certificate program will review the applications and notify each applicant of its admissions decision. Only those approved by the certificate admissions committee may earn the certificate.

    Course of Study

      The certificate requires a minimum of 21 credits, including five required courses and at least two elective courses. The certificate courses are listed in the table below.

    Required Courses: Students must complete the following required courses

  • 308.602 Role of Government in Health Policy (3 credits, 4th term on campus)
  • 313.790 Economic Evaluation I (3 credits, 2nd term online, Summer on campus)
  • 330.606 Economics of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (3 credits, 4th term on campus)
  • 330.664 Introduction to Mental Health Services (3 credits, 4th term on campus and Fall Institute)
  • 330.667 Mental Health and the Law (3 credits, 2nd term on campus)

    • Elective Courses: Students must complete at least two of the following elective courses

  • 300.651 Introduction to the US Healthcare System (4 credits, 2nd term on campus, 4th term online)
  • 300.711 Health Policy I: Social and Economic Determinants of Health (3 credits, 1st term on campus)
  • 300.712 Health Policy II: Public Health Policy Formulation (3 credits, 2nd term on campus)
  • 309.716 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research: Analysis (3 credits, 1st term on campus)
  • 313.641 Health Economics I (3 credits, 2nd term on campus, 3rd term online)
  • 313.644 Health Economics II (3 credits, 3rd term on campus)
  • 330.600 Advanced Topics in Mental Health Service Delivery Systems (3 credits, 2nd term on campus)
  • 330.603 Psychiatric Epidemiology (3 credits, 2nd term on campus, 3rd term online)
  • 330.607 Prevention of Mental Disorders: Public Health Interventions (3 credits, 3rd term online, 4th term on campus)
  • 330.628 Principles of Public Mental Health Delivery in the Community Context (3 credits, 3rd term on campus)

    • Requirements for Successful Completion

    Requirements for Successful Completion All certificate courses must be taken for a letter grade and the student must earn a B or better in each course. Requirements must be completed within a three-year period.

    The student must submit a Notification of Completion to the certificate’s administrative contact after completing all of the certificate requirements. The student’s transcript will not indicate that the certificate was earned until the Notification of Completion has been submitted, verified by the certificate program, and processed by the Registrar.

    Contact Information