Health Navigation

The health care system can be complicated and difficult to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Health Navigation program will teach you how to work with the system so you can teach and guide those who need this skill the most.

What is the Health Navigator Certification Training ?

Pacific Clinics Training Institute’s (PCTI) Health Navigator Certification Training Program, also known as Peer Health Navigation, is a promising practice conducted in collaboration with the USC School of Social Work. PCTI is the only approved training provider of this certification. The program is designed to train the behavioral health workforce and other social service providers to teach clients to effectively navigate the medical health care system through the development of self-management skills. Health Navigation provides a viable solution to the problem of early mortality faced by those with serious mental illness.The Health Navigator Certification Training Program prepares agencies to implement health care reform through the provision of integrated services.

The training program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction (virtual or live), four coaching sessions and includes a Health Navigator Intervention Manual, which describes in detail the skills and competencies needed to serve as a Health Navigator.

The ideal audience for this training includes:

• Peer Support Specialists
• Community Health Workers
• Case Managers
• Peer Advocates
• Family members and others

Private Cohort: Up to 40 participants from one organization. Offered onsite at the agency upon request. Multiple agencies (2-4) can host a collaborative agency cohort, sponsoring designated agency staff for certification.

Community Cohort: Up to 40 participants from several organizations. Each agency is encouraged to sponsor 2 -10 staff members to receive training.

To request information for a private cohort training for your agency, please contact: PCTI@pacificclinics.org

How the Health Navigation Program Assists Clients

Health Navigators closely follow the Intervention Model:

• For Them: Health Navigators perform tasks with clients and encourage them to observe.
• With Them: Clients perform tasks and receive coaching from their assigned Health Navigator.
• By Them: Clients self-manage their care with a Health Navigator’s support.

Health Navigators perform invaluable services for their clients as they:

• Help clients make and keep appointments with doctors, dentists, and eye care providers;
• Teach clients coping skills that can help them manage their depression and anxiety;
• Guide clients through the complex medical system;
• Help clients learn how to make and keep a schedule;
• Go with clients to the doctor and teach them how to advocate for themselves;
• Help clients see specialists; and
• Teach clients how to set health and wellness goals.

Health Navigators can help clients answer questions like these:

• Has it been a long time since you’ve seen a doctor?
• Do you ever forget to take your medications?
• Do you have trouble remembering to keep your doctor’s appointments?
• Have you ever gone to the emergency room only to end up frustrated by long wait times?
• Have you ever felt judged by a doctor because of your mental health diagnosis?
• Are you unhappy with the care you get from your primary care physician?
• Are you confused by the instructions your doctors give you?
• Have you had a bad experience with a doctor that makes you want to avoid seeking care?

“When you take care of something that you’ve been afraid to do, such as seeing a primary care doctor, it really boosts your self-esteem. You feel empowered. ” – Catherine Clay, Peer Advocate Volunteer with the Women’s Community Reintegration Services and Education Center

Become Certified as a Health Navigator Today

If you would like to become a Health Navigator and help clients learn how to self-manage their health care, we welcome you to apply for our Health Navigator Certification. This program is open to professionals, such as public health case managers and mental health workers, as well as families of clients.

To request a Health Navigation training cohort, contact us at PCTI@pacificclinics.org.