Play Therapy Certificate

The Permian Basin has a growing need for mental health professionals with specialized training in working with children and adolescents. This certificate provides focused preparation in child and adolescent mental health and equips graduates with knowledge and skills to serve these populations effectively. In addition, the certificate includes coursework that supports progress toward meeting the educational requirements for credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

To become a Registered Play Therapist, one must hold a master's degree or higher in the field of mental health, like counseling, social work, or psychology, as well as a license to practice therapy.

The Association for Play Therapy is a national professional society formed in 1982 to advance the play therapy modality and the knowledge and expertise of those mental health professionals engaged in play therapy practice, instruction, and supervision.

Admissions:

Students must be accepted to the graduate counseling program or closely related field or hold a master's degree or higher in the field or mental health including counseling, social work, or psychology, as well as a license to practice therapy.

Coursework:

12 hours (3 hours current classes, 9 hours new classes) include the following:

Class Status Credits Prerequisites
1. COUN 6383 Child & Adolescent Counseling Current 3 COUN 6371, COUN 6372
2. COUN 6365 Play Therapy Basics New* 3 COUN 6370, COUN 6383
3. COUN 6366 Advanced Play Therapy New* 3 COUN 6365
4. COUN 6367 Sand Tray New* 3 COUN 6365, COUN 6366
Total Credit Hours: 12

*Students may use COUN 6365, COUN 6366, and COUN 6367 as electives in their program of study.

Additional Notes:

Student seeking the play therapy certificate will complete clinical hours with children and adolescents through their practicum and internship classes, under the supervision of a registered Play Therapist.

These courses include: