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Online individual counseling, family therapy and psychology courses
Take courses now that can apply toward a degree later
Explore online learning at an accredited university as a non-degree student and sharpen skills for your current job. Individual courses can apply toward a future degree or fulfill specific coursework requirements.
At a glance
- Online
- 3 Courses max. transfer
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COUN5106
Assessment, Tests, and Measures
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the assessment process and how tests and measures are used in counseling. Learners also explore the evolution of assessment methods, testing strategies and interpretation, and fundamental measurement constructs.
4 quarter credits
COUN5107
Principles of Psychopathology and Diagnosis
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine psychopathology principles, professional literature, and current issues associated with assessing mental disorders. Learners critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches used in diagnosing and treating individuals, couples, and families. Learners also explore the current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues associated with societal populations. Prerequisite(s): COUN5239 or SWK5013.
4 quarter credits
COUN5108
Foundations of Addiction and Addictive Behavior
4 quarter credits
Learners gain fundamental knowledge of addiction from its historical roots through contemporary issues. Learners examine theory and research that guides treatment for substance use disorders and related addictive behaviors, including the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. In addition, learners review empirically supported interventions for individuals, families, groups, and communities, as well as emerging issues in the field based upon current research. Learners may earn credit for either COUN5108 or CST5108, but not both. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831 or COUN5260 or SWK5013.
4 quarter credits
COUN5225
Human Sexuality and Identity in Counseling
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study sexuality within the broad context of human experience. Learners examine a systemic psychosexual approach to development across the lifespan and evaluate the functionality of sexual behavior in individuals, couples, and families. In addition, learners explore theory, assessment, treatments, and interventions for various issues associated with sexuality, as well as sexuality-related concerns. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831
4 quarter credits
COUN5238
Crisis Assessment and Intervention
4 quarter credits
Learners assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Learners also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. Prerequisite(s): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling learners must have completed COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831. Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate learners must have completed COUN5002.
4 quarter credits
COUN5239
Theories of the Counseling Profession
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate various theories of psychotherapy and their respective philosophical principles and assumptions. Learners evaluate the theoretical concepts and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy and examine appropriate application of theories and interventions to different client populations.
4 quarter credits
COUN5271
Marriage and Family Systems
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate families as systems from theoretical, clinical, and research perspectives. Learners gain an understanding of family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention. Learners also apply systems-oriented assessment models and strategies for initial interviews, hypothesis formulation, and designing a strategy for intervention.
4 quarter credits
COUN5279
Life Planning and Career Development
4 quarter credits
Learners develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Learners analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, learners explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Learners also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5336
Counseling and Advocacy Across Populations
4 quarter credits
Learners engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling in a variety of settings. Learners analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of advocacy competencies within the profession. Throughout the course, learners investigate the role of culture, values, counselor credibility, and preconception within the counseling context. Learners are encouraged to explore their own societal experiences for greater insight into the counseling process and its relevance to real-world experiences. In addition, learners gain an understanding of the role of the counselor advocate in promoting client wellbeing. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
MFT5270
Systemic Family Therapy Theory and Practice 1
4 quarter credits
Learners engage in a comparative study of the prominent schools of thought within the field of marriage and family therapy. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the tenets, therapeutic strategies, and techniques used within the field. Learners also evaluate therapy and counseling approaches to structural, strategic, transgenerational, behavioral, communication, and analytical models in working with couples and families. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration (Student Group UMFT) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
MFT5271
Working with Families Across the Lifespan
4 quarter credits
Learners build an understanding of families as systems, in particular family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention across the lifespan. Learners also incorporate contextual factors in the application of systemic assessment and intervention strategies. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
MFT5336
Social Justice and Advocacy in Systemic Family Therapy
4 quarter credits
This course introduces theory, research, and models that inform ethical, culturally competent clinical work and social justice in a variety of settings. In addition, learners gain knowledge of effective systemic therapy and advocacy strategies with individuals, couples, families and groups from various backgrounds. Prerequisite(s): MFT5008, MFT5222.
4 quarter credits
PSY7310
Biological Basis of Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research and ethics.
5 quarter credits
PSY7330
Psychopharmacology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore the behavioral and therapeutic effects of psychoactive drugs. Course topics include synaptic transmission, behavioral role of specific neuromodulatory systems, pharmacological treatment of mental and neurological disorders, addiction, and the various side effects of psychoactive drugs, and how these may interact with key characteristics such as age or general health. Drug effects on learning, creativity, memory, sleep, perception, and sexual functioning receive special attention. Learners also examine the efficacy of treating patients with a combination of psychotherapy and psychotropic medications for a number of diagnosed mental disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive behavior, schizophrenia, and childhood disorders.
5 quarter credits
Individual counseling, family therapy and psychology courses FAQs
Sometimes students need additional courses to complete requirements, or their current institution doesn’t offer a course at a convenient time. Enrolling in an individual online course from Capella can provide you with a direct path to meeting your goals, helping you to:
- Grow your knowledge on a specific topic
- Apply your learning immediately on the job
- Try a Capella University online course before committing to a degree program
- Earn credits to apply toward a future Capella degree or certificate program*
- Complete coursework to transfer credits to another institution
*A maximum of three courses taken as a Capella non-degree student can be applied to a Capella degree program.
Capella University operates on the quarter credit system. Generally, 1 quarter credit is equal to .67 of a semester credit. For example, if you need 12 semester credits to complete a requirement, you would need to complete approximately 18 quarter credits. Check with your state board or learning institution to understand their transfer policies and how they convert credits.
Individual courses are not eligible for financial aid, according to Department of Education guidelines. Students who enroll in an individual course can set up a payment plan, bill their employer directly (as available) or seek outside loans as a financing option. Payment plans can be arranged by contacting our financial aid support team at 1.888.227.3552.
Applying to become a non-degree, course-only student is quick and easy. Our application can be completed online. We may require you to submit additional documents later, such as your official transcripts, proof of an undergraduate degree if you want to take a graduate course, or a Statement of Rationale for counseling courses. An enrollment specialist will contact you with next steps.
Each state has unique coursework, internship and degree requirements for licensing. The courses you need will depend on your prior education and experience. Generally, any additional course content areas are identified by the state licensing board or agency at the time of your license application. Capella’s licensure team has aligned our courses to many state-required course content areas.* Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Capella University offers licensure support to students in a degree program. If you plan on taking individual courses toward licensure, be aware that you are responsible for understanding and complying with all state board requirements. While a Capella enrollment specialist can recommend the courses you may need to meet your licensure needs, you must receive approval from your state board or transferring institution prior to enrollment.
*Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, endorsement, other professional credential or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work.