International Mental Health Management Association (China Representative Office)

Management Measures for the Accreditation and Training of Professional Psychological Counselors

• Ref Number: IMHMA-RO-Training-2025

• Version: V 2.0

• Effective Date: [March] [22], 2025

Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1 [Policy Basis and Purpose]

In order to implement the relevant requirements of the "Healthy China Action" on mental health promotion and introduce international advanced training models for psychological professionals, the International Mental Health Management Association (China Representative Office) (hereinafter referred to as "the Office") hereby formulates these Measures.

This system aims to build an applied psychological counselor talent echelon with "solid theory, practical skills, and ethical standards."

Article 2 [Nature of Accreditation]

The term "Professional Skill Level Accreditation for Psychological Counselors" in these Measures refers to the third-party industry capability evaluation conducted by the Office based on International Standards regarding the applicant's psychological professional knowledge, clinical operation skills, and professional ethics.

Special Note:

This certification belongs to socialized vocational skill level accreditation. It is NOT a national access-type vocational qualification in China, nor is it a medical practice license. The validity of the certificate is based on the Association's international reputation and industry recognition.

Chapter II Level Setting and Competency Model

The Office implements a Three-Level Professional Ability Certification System:

Article 3 [Assistant Psychological Counselor]

• Competency Definition: Possess basic theoretical knowledge of psychology, master basic psychological helping attitudes and initial reception techniques, and be able to assist senior counselors or provide basic psychological support services in specific settings (such as schools, communities).

Article 4 [Registered Psychological Counselor]

• Competency Definition: Possess the ability to independently conduct counseling for general psychological problems. Master the theory and techniques of at least one mainstream counseling school, and be able to conduct case conceptualization assessment, formulate counseling plans, and implement interventions.

Article 5 [Senior Psychological Counselor / Supervisor]

• Competency Definition: Possess the clinical ability to deal with complex cases (such as personality disorder tendencies, PTSD) and qualify to provide professional supervision to junior and intermediate counselors.

Chapter III Application Conditions and Qualification Review

Article 6 [Assistant Level Conditions] (Meet one of the following)

1. College degree or above (including current students), and completion of the standard training hours prescribed by the Office;

2. Technical secondary school/high school degree in education, medicine, psychology, or related majors, with more than 3 years of relevant work experience.

Article 7 [Registered Level Conditions] (Meet one of the following)

1. Obtained the "Assistant Psychological Counselor" certificate of this system;

2. Bachelor's degree or above, completed systematic psychological counseling skills training recognized by the Office, and submitted a certificate of completion;

3. [Equivalent Qualification Recognition]: Holders of the original National MOHRSS Psychological Counselor Qualification Certificate (Level 2/3), Health Professional Qualification (Psychotherapist), or other internationally recognized certificates may apply for exemption from some courses after review by the Office.

Chapter IV Training System and Curriculum

Article 8 [Training Model]

Adopt a Blended Learning model of "Online Theory Study + Offline/Live Practical Workshop + Process Assessment".

Article 9 [Core Curriculum Modules]

1. Basic Discipline Module: Covers General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, etc., to consolidate the disciplinary foundation.

2. Professional Skills Module:

   • Clinical Diagnostic Skills: Based on DSM-5 and ICD-11 standards, focusing on the differential diagnosis of normal and abnormal psychology.

   • Counseling Practice Technology: Includes core techniques such as empathy, listening, concretization, confrontation, and evidence-based school techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

3. Ethics and Regulations Module (Compulsory): Focuses on the analysis of the Mental Health Law of the PRC and the Association Code of Ethics to strengthen the awareness of practice risk prevention.

Chapter V Assessment and Evaluation Mechanism

Article 10 [Evaluation Principle]

Adhere to the comprehensive evaluation principle of "equal emphasis on theory and practice, combination of process and result."

Article 11 [Assessment Method]

Article 12 [Make-up Exam and Retake]

Those who fail the assessment may apply for a make-up exam within 24 months. The make-up exam only needs to be conducted for the failed subjects.

Chapter VI Certificate Management and CPD

Article 13 [Certificate Issuance]

Those who pass the assessment will be awarded the "Professional Skills Training Certificate" with a unified number by the International Mental Health Management Association (China Representative Office).

• Certificate information is entered into the Association's official talent database for verification by employers and the public.

Article 14 [Continuing Professional Development (CPD)]

The Office implements a Lifelong Learning System. Certificate holders should fulfill continuing education obligations to maintain professional competence:

1. During the validity period, it is recommended to attend no less than 20 hours of professional training or academic conferences annually;

2. The Office will legally provide free or discounted continuing education course resources for certificate holders.

Chapter VII Supplementary Provisions

Article 15

The responsibility for the interpretation of these Measures belongs to the International Mental Health Management Association (China Representative Office) and the Academic Committee.

Article 16

These Measures shall be effective from the date of publication.