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 diverse 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.

Work toward your next degree

Coursework completed in this program may be applied toward an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in academic theory and applied practice from experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in their professions.

Engage in blended, flexible learning

Access our engaging, online learning environment anytime, anywhere, with any device, and set your own schedule while meeting deadlines.

Classes start October 7

Apply today with no application fee.

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

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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 the diverse 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 a diverse client population. 4 quarter credits

COUN5336 Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations 4 quarter credits Learners engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling and social justice advocacy in a variety of settings. Learners analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of multicultural counseling and advocacy roles of counselors. Throughout the course, learners investigate cultural assumptions, values, counselor credibility, prejudice, and racism within the counseling context. Learners identify their own overt and covert beliefs, and messages around cultural characteristics to determine how these experiences might influence the counseling process. In addition, learners gain an understanding of the role of the counselor and advocate in promoting social justice at multiple levels 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.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

Learn more about GuidedPath »

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

$9,940 estimated tuition^*

$497 per credit, $175 resource kit fee, 20 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits

*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.

Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.

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. Learn more about financing your education.

Get the details

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.

10% military discount

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses* and dependents.
*Starting in July, spouses of veterans can now benefit from a 10% discount on eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs and a 15% discount on eligible bachelor’s programs.

Employer and association discounts

If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.

Employer reimbursements

Many employers offer affordable tuition and career building opportunities to employees. Talk to your manager or HR department to find out if you’re eligible.

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.

What support does Capella offer online students?

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a certificate student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your certificate with support from faculty, staff and online resources.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have practical expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

Our enrollment counselors will help you find the right degree and program and answer all your questions about Capella. They can also help you with the admissions process.