Play Therapy Certificate
This graduate-level certificate provides focused training in the theory, techniques,
and clinical application of play therapy used to support children’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs
Coursework introduces students to the foundations of play therapy, including major
theoretical approaches, therapeutic skills and interventions, child development, trauma-informed
practice, and culturally responsive treatment strategies. These areas align with the
content domains required for professionals pursuing the Registered Play Therapist (RPT™) credential through the Association for Play Therapy.
The RPT credential requires advanced training beyond a graduate mental health degree,
including 150 hours of specialized play therapy instruction, supervised clinical play therapy experience, and supervision by a Registered
Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S™) before applying for the credential. LSUHSC also provides the necessary clinical hours.
Designed for counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals
working with children and families, this certificate helps build the specialized knowledge and coursework foundation needed to pursue play
therapy credentialing and strengthen clinical practice with children.
|
Coursework is offered in the following areas: |
|
Child Development |
|
Theories of Personality |
|
Principles of Psychotherapy |
|
Child & Adolescent Psychopathology |
|
Cultural & Social Diversity |
|
Ethics |
Counseling Certificate Program Admission Requirements
Counseling Certificate Program Admission Requirements
Required Documents - All Applicants
- Current resume/CV (with education, experience, and licenses/certifications).
- Statement of intent (250-500 words) aligned to your chosen certificate(s).
- *Please indicate how his certificate aligns with your career goals.
- One (1) recommendation: advisor or supervisor attesting to academic/professional readiness.
- Official or unofficial transcripts (highest degree earned; current students include in-progress transcript).
- Proof of licensure/credential (if applicable).
- English proficiency evidence if required (international applicants).
Additional Items - Program-Specific (if requested)
- Play Therapy: prior coursework in child/adolescent counseling or equivalent experience.
- School Counseling: evidence of K-12 field experience (or plan to obtain).
- Marriage & Family: systems/family therapy fundamentals completed or planned.
- Rehabilitation: disability studies/rehab counseling foundations preferred.
*All programs require a $50 application fee
Tuition & Fees Table (Graduate Part-Time: Less than 9 hours in the Fall and Spring and Less than 6 hours in the Summer)
|
Credit |
Fall/Spring |
Fees |
Fall/Spring |
Summer |
Fees |
Summer |
|
1 |
$518 |
$573 |
$1091 |
$390 |
$433 |
$823 |
|
2 |
$1036 |
$573 |
$1609 |
$780 |
$433 |
$1213 |
|
3 |
$1554 |
$573 |
$2127 |
$1170 |
$433 |
$1603 |
|
4 |
$2072 |
$573 |
$2645 |
$1560 |
$433 |
$1993 |
|
5 |
$2590 |
$573 |
$3163 |
$1950 |
$433 |
$2383 |
|
6 |
$3108 |
$573 |
$3681 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
$3626 |
$573 |
$4199 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
$4144 |
$573 |
$4717 |
|
|
Certificate Program Timeline
- Applications open April 15th.
- Applications Close June 15th.
- Interviews July 1st.
- Acceptance Letters July 15th.
- Fall '26 start August