Certificate of Intensive Training in Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered approach that supports patients struggling with health behavior change through a proven conversation.  The spirit of MI is collaborative, non-judgmental, and honors the autonomy of the patient.

MI can be a powerful and effective tool in helping individuals discover their reasons for making a change.  Although there are simple techniques that can be learned quickly, it takes time and practice to master motivational interviewing so that it can be used most effectively.

The Center for Integrated Primary Care's Certificate of Intensive Training in Motivational Interviewing is a semester-long course founded on the principles described by Miller & Rollnick. The evidence tells us that clinicians only begin to successfully use MI when they have had opportunities to engage in the deliberate practice of Motivational Interviewing.

The course will engage students beyond the academic understanding of active skills practice through live, online Learning Labs, during which they will have the opportunity to practice with other students from around the country who are taking the course.  Students will also have two one-on-one practice sessions with an experienced MI coach, during which they will demonstrate their skills and receive objective feedback on their strengths and areas for growth. These coachings are professionally coded using the universally accepted MICA tool. 

This course is designed for individuals in healthcare fields who wish to become active practitioners of MI. There are no prerequisites.

The course includes video, readings, active practice and analysis, and reflection on your growing skills--this is the way to become a capable MI practitioner.

• 10 pre-recorded, online Lessons.
• Five live online, interactive group Learning Labs.
• Two 1-1 practice sessions with an experienced MI coach, where participants will demonstrate their skills and receive objective feedback on their strengths and areas for growth using the MICA coding system.

Registration closes January 12, 2026.