Our 21-credit certificate program—tailored for psychology majors—gives students the practical skills and experience needed to work with individuals living with serious mental health conditions. It’s the latest offering from the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, known for pioneering the nation’s only full bachelor’s degree in the field.
“We had planned to start small, hoping for maybe 10 students,” said Peter Basto, program director. “But we had 23 students enroll in the first course this spring, which was far beyond expectations.”
The program begins with an introductory course on the principles of psychiatric rehabilitation, followed by core classes in communication, group work, and clinical principles—all taught through a wellness and recovery lens. It culminates in a six-credit clinical practicum, where students are placed in local psychiatric rehabilitation agencies for 240 hours of hands-on experience.
“Our students will be shadowing staff at wellness centers, learning how to interact with people with serious mental health conditions, and getting experience running groups,” he said. “It’s a chance to apply what they’ve learned in class in a real-world setting—and to support people in the community.”
Although the initial class included juniors and seniors who won’t be able to complete the full certificate before graduating, at least five students from the first cohort are on track to continue in the program.
Rutgers is currently developing a formal admissions process for future students, with new cohorts expected to begin in spring 2026.
Unlike our joint degree program in Newark—which allows students to graduate with dual degrees in psychology and psychiatric rehabilitation—the Camden program is a stand-alone certificate designed to integrate into a psychology major. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a certificate in psychiatric rehabilitation, which can substitute for electives or concentration courses within the psychology curriculum.
The launch responds to a growing need for skilled workers in behavioral health, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the field. Many professionals left direct service roles due to health risks, creating a shortage of trained personnel just as demand for mental health support surged.
“There’s a real crisis in the field, especially in the southern part of the state. This new program is rebuilding the critical workforce pipeline.”
—Peter Basto, Program Director
The certificate also appeals to students with lived experience. Many students in the inaugural class identified as having personal or family histories with mental health conditions, making them ideal candidates for peer specialist roles, which are in high demand—particularly those requiring a bachelor’s degree.
“We’ve found that agencies are eager to take our students for internships and hire them afterward,” Basto said. “In fact, 80 percent of our recent full B.S. graduates were offered jobs at their internship sites.”
One promising placement site in Camden is the Community Wellness Center operated by Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, a peer-led agency where students can learn in a real-world environment.
Rutgers is also leveraging long-standing relationships with other providers across the region to place students in supportive, high-impact internships. Ultimately, the new program reflects SHP’s commitment to advancing care in communities across the state.
“With the Camden addition, we’re preparing students who are work-ready the day they graduate,” Basto said. “Agencies know they’re getting competent practitioners who will need minimal training in working with people with serious mental conditions. That’s the kind of impact that strengthens communities.”
