Certification in Therapeutic Mentoring

Established in 2012, the CEBM is dedicated to putting mentoring research into practice through peer-reviewed research, webinars, the Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring, and training.  In collaboration with mentoring expert, Dr. Jean Rhodes, Dr. Werntz has established the CEBM as the trusted authority in mentor training and development. This certification represents CEBM’s commitment to expanding the mental health support workforce while upholding the highest standards of practice. In 2023, the CEBM was selected by the NCSMH as the premier training provider for therapeutic mentoring.

MentorPRO Academy is a leading provider of staff, mentor, and mentee training. In addition to CEBM, the Academy curates and delivers best-in-class training, training, and resources in partnership with MentorPRO, our evidence-based mentoring platform. MentorPRO’s live and self-guided courses cover mental health, workforce development, academic preparedness, resiliency.

The curriculum covers fundamental mental health concepts and practical intervention strategies, including motivational interviewing and exposure-based techniques. Participants will learn to support youth effectively while working as part of a broader treatment team.

Our course curriculum is built on well-established, evidence-based mental health interventions that research says are effective in supporting youth mental health. We carefully selected therapeutic techniques and approaches that research shows can make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives.

Our training draws from established mental health practices and integrates them with effective mentoring strategies. Our approach represents the cutting edge of therapeutic mentoring education, combining the latest research in youth mental health support with practical, real-world applications. We continuously update our curriculum to incorporate emerging insights and best practices in the field.

We are passionate about advancing the field of therapeutic mentoring through rigorous evaluation and research. Our team plans to measure the impact of this training on both mentor effectiveness and youth outcomes. We welcome partnerships with practitioners interested in studying therapeutic mentoring and invite inquiries about potential collaboration opportunities.

Our therapeutic mentoring approach integrates evidence-based practices with a strengths-based orientation. The course teaches mentors to apply research-backed techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing while focusing on mentees’ inherent capabilities and potential. This integrated framework allows therapeutic mentors to effectively support youth in developing practical skills and strategies for managing mental health challenges, all while building on their existing strengths and resources. 

Yes! Dr. Jean Rhodes co-authored the ethical guidelines for mentors, which were originally published in an influential APA journal article, “First do no harm: Ethical principles for youth mentoring relationships.” (Rhodes et al, 2013). A more detailed course on Mentoring Ethics is available as well.

This course emphasizes cultural humility and a strengths-based approach to support youth from diverse backgrounds effectively. Therapeutic Mentors learn to approach each mentoring relationship with openness, self-reflection, and continuous learning, acknowledging the unique cultural experiences and identities that shape their mentees’ lives. Rather than making assumptions, mentors are taught to create safe, inclusive environments where youth feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

No. Supplemental readings will be made available for motivated learners. We will encourage weekly reflections, which will be optional. 

Yes! We will require that all learners have their cameras on during the course. Engaging in course content, participating in discussions, and active participation are required to receive a certificate. If you do not have access to a camera, please contact us for approval to enroll in the course. 

The class size is intentionally limited to create an intimate learning environment where all students can actively participate and engage in meaningful discussions. This smaller setting fosters a safe, supportive space for students to reflect on sensitive topics related to youth mental health and share their experiences. The interactive nature of the course requires that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, practice skills, and receive personalized feedback, which is only possible with a limited number of participants.

There are no weekly knowledge checks for learners who participate in the live sessions. If a learner misses a live session, they must watch the recording and complete a make-up quiz. To receive the certificate, learners must pass a one-on-one oral exam with the instructor via Zoom after the 12 sessions (30 minutes).

Learners are expected to attend all sessions live to maximize engagement and learning opportunities. While recordings and make-up quizzes are available for occasional absences, prospective students should only enroll if their schedule allows consistent live participation. Regular attendance ensures the interactive learning experience essential to developing therapeutic mentoring skills.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements (attending all 12 sessions and completing the oral exam), participants earn a certificate from the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring. This certification prepares graduates to work as therapeutic mentors under the supervision of licensed professionals. The next step is securing a position with a mental health practice or agency that provides appropriate clinical oversight, allowing graduates to put their newly acquired skills into practice.

Individuals who complete this course will receive certification in therapeutic mentoring from the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, but this certification alone does not qualify graduates to provide independent therapy services or open a private practice. Therapeutic mentors must work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals as part of a treatment team. This is because therapeutic mentoring is designed to complement, not replace, traditional mental health services. The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring does not license or credential mental health service providers in any state or commonwealth. Graduates should seek employment with established mental health practices, agencies, or organizations that provide appropriate clinical oversight and supervision for therapeutic mentors. This ensures that mentors can effectively support youth while maintaining professional standards and ethical guidelines.

No, we are not currently an approved CE provider. Please let us know what type of CEs you are interested in and we will take note for future courses. 

No. This course has not been approved by any state or commonwealth. However, the University of Massachusetts Boston does offer an approved training program for community health workers with a specialization in therapeutic mentoring through their undergraduate program. CEBM is currently in the process of creating a state-approved certificate program for individuals who are not enrolled in the undergraduate program. 

Recent research highlights that consumers place “substantial preference” for providers who have speciality certification, like Therapeutic Mentoring. By completing this course, and posting your credentials to your resume, LinkedIn, and elsewhere, you are demonstrating expertise to providers and employers.