Specialty Certification Program
Coming Soon
Adult Mental and Behavioral Health
Medbridge and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) have teamed up to bring you something new: the first AOTA-recognized Specialty Certification delivered through Medbridge.
Launching in late 2026, this 60+ hour curriculum is designed to help occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) build advanced competency in adult mental and behavioral health and earn an AOTA Specialty Certification.
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Three steps to your AOTA Specialty Certification
Complete the certificate program
Work through 60+ hours of online coursework at your own pace and receive a Medbridge Certificate of Completion.
Meet eligibility criteria and submit your certificate to AOTA
Visit the AOTA platform to register for the exam and upload your Medbridge Certificate.
Pass the exam and earn your credential
Pass the online AOTA specialty exam and receive your AOTA Specialty Certification in Adult Mental and Behavioral Health.
About this Certificate Program
Mental and behavioral health is one of fastest growing and most essential areas of healthcare, and occupational therapy plays an important role in meeting that demand. Developed in partnership with AOTA, this 60+ hour specialty certification program is designed to help occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants build advanced skill in adult mental and behavioral health. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner looking to formalize your expertise with a national credential, or a generalist OT or OTA seeking to transition into the field, this program was built for you.
The curriculum blends evidence-based coursework with practical clinical application, covering foundational knowledge and advanced skills across assessment, intervention, sensory-based strategies, documentation, and discharge planning.
After completing the curriculum, you'll receive a Medbridge Certificate of Completion. You will earn your official AOTA Specialty Certification in Adult Mental and Behavioral Health once you meet the eligibility criteria, and successfully pass the required comprehensive exam.
Target audience
This series is designed for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants seeking to transition into mental health settings or enhance their mental and behavioral health skills, as well as current mental health practitioners looking to formalize their years of experience with a national credential.
Goals & objectives
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Earn an official AOTA Specialty Certification that validates your advanced expertise to patients, employers, and the broader healthcare community
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Position yourself for specialized roles by demonstrating proficiency in a high-demand practice area
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Master evidence-based interventions for addressing complex trauma, sensory processing, and executive function deficits to improve client occupational performance
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Transition from generalist practice to advanced skill level by learning to apply theory and research to guide complex discharge planning and intervention design
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Integrate holistic practice principles for modifying environments and adapting responsibilities to support each client's daily living needs
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Develop advanced skills in advocating for clients and leading interprofessional teams to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health care
Certification program overview
OT Competencies from Curriculum Blueprint 9 Items
1. Maintaining Professional Knowledge
2. Conducting Assessments
3. Setting Goals
4. Planning Treatment & Intervention
5. Implementing Sensory-Based Strategies
6. Supporting Social & Emotional Development
7. Documenting Treatment & Progress
8. Communication & Collaboration
9. Discharge Planning
OTA Competencies from Curriculum Blueprint 10 Items
1. Maintaining Professional Knowledge
2. Providing Assessments
3. Setting Goals
4. Planning Treatment & Intervention
5. Telehealth & Virtual Environments
6. Implementing Sensory-Based Strategies
7. Supporting Social & Emotional Development
8. Documenting Treatment & Progress
9. Communication & Collaboration with Professionals & Care Partners
10. Discharge Planning
A Message from AOTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Katie Jordan
We are excited to deliver the first Specialty Certification of its kind through AOTA’s partnership with Medbridge, an industry leader in the professional education space. Both organizations have a longstanding, shared commitment to providing access to evidence-based courses and expert resources that empower practitioners with the necessary knowledge to improve treatment outcomes. I am confident this new partnership will be instrumental in helping AOTA continue to deliver on its mission to advance the profession through the provision of world class professional education to the occupational therapist (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) community.
The Specialty Certification in Adult Mental and Behavioral Health is the newest addition to AOTA’s growing Advanced Credentialing portfolio, which also includes Board Certifications in Gerontology, Pediatrics, and Physical Rehabilitation.
There are numerous benefits and advantages to obtaining an AOTA Specialty Certification, including:
- Professional Recognition that helps OTs and OTAs establish technical credibility and distinguish themselves as subject matter experts in specific fields;
- Career Advancement that opens doors to new job opportunities, promotions, and increased earning potential; and
- Commitment to Excellence that demonstrates a personal commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice, which can improve treatment outcomes.
I encourage you to learn more about the Specialty Certification in Adult Mental and Behavioral Health by signing up for program updates today. For more information about AOTA’s Advanced Credentialing Program, please visit us at aota.org.
In community,
Katie Jordan, OTD, MBA, OTR/L, FAOTA
About the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of nearly 250,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students nationwide. AOTA educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting professional and educational standards, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, visit www.aota.org.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the Certification Program
I already work in mental health; is this program still right for me?
Absolutely. Whether you are a seasoned mental health practitioner looking to formalize your years of experience with a national credential or a generalist seeking to transition into the field, this program is designed for you. All participants will gain advanced clinical reasoning skills and a robust toolkit of evidence-based interventions—such as trauma-informed care and sensory-based strategies—to better support patients across all practice settings.
Why is AOTA starting with mental and behavioral health?
This is a high-priority area of healthcare. AOTA is prioritizing these programs to address the significant and growing national demand for qualified mental health professionals.
How many hours is the curriculum?
The curriculum consists of a minimum of 60 hours of specialized, evidence-based coursework. Each course includes engaging videos, lectures, case studies, and demonstrations. This number of hours may increase as new courses are developed to ensure all blueprint requirements are fully met.
Will I earn CEUs for completing this curriculum?
Yes! Because these courses are hosted on Medbridge, you will earn CEUs for every course you complete. These can be applied toward your state license renewal and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) requirements in addition to the specialty certification.
How long will the curriculum take to complete?
While the program is entirely self-paced, we anticipate most practitioners will complete the curriculum in approximately 20–25 weeks. This estimate assumes a study schedule of roughly 3–6 hours per week. You have the flexibility to move faster or take your time depending on your personal schedule.
Where do I take the official exam?
Medbridge provides the specialized education and the required Certificate of Completion. Once you have your certificate, the official registration and examination occur on the AOTA website. The official exam is an online assessment hosted on the AOTA website; there is no requirement for an in-person testing center.
Do I need to be a member of AOTA and Medbridge?
An active Medbridge subscription is required to access the curriculum and track your progress. An AOTA membership is not required to take the comprehensive exam and to receive the credentials, however, fees are higher for non-members.
How will I be notified when the certification becomes available?
Simply sign up on this page by clicking the "Get Program Updates" button at the top of the page. Once you are on the list, you will receive email updates regarding course releases, program milestones, and the official launch date.
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