A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services
Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Explore the mental health profession with the online graduate certificate in contemporary theory in mental health services from Capella University. Learn theories of psychotherapy, explore issues affecting all populations and examine ethical and legal issues in the counseling profession.
This certificate is not designed to meet state licensure requirements for the counseling professions.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 5 Core courses
Explore counseling courses
- This certificate requires a total of 20 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five courses
Show all descriptions
COUN5002
Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions
4 quarter credits
Learners examine theories and principles of lifespan development to include biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral frameworks. Learners analyze a variety of contexts that support typical and adaptive development in all stages of life and are exposed to current research and knowledge in the field. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
COUN5217
Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Learners apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Learners also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors¿ responses to those issues. 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
COUN5223
Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
4 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to current practices and trends in the clinical mental health counseling profession. Learners analyze the effects of current issues and public policy on the practice of clinical mental health counseling. Learners examine professional counselors' roles in a variety of health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care. In addition, learners review models and strategies of professional consultation and supervision. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only.
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
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
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
How much does a graduate certificate in counseling cost?
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $512 per credit
- $175 resource kit
- 20 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
$10,240
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 12 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for certificates?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the graduate certificate in counseling admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Counseling, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Collaborative Efforts in Counseling, Clinical Psychology and Social Work
Take a closer look at the career paths and licensure requirements associated with these related fields
8 Reasons to Choose Online Education
Changes to the way people live and work have made online education more practical than ever.
7 skills to demonstrate career readiness
You may be surprised to learn that college graduates with the same degree may not exhibit the same level of career readiness.