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Play Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Enhance your ability to help children express themselves with a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from Capella. Developed and led by registered play therapists and registered play therapist supervisors, the curriculum is designed for licensed mental health professionals or students on track for licensure. In this four-course master’s-level program, you’ll explore ways to engage in play therapy to help children work through a wide range of emotional, social and behavioral issues.
This certificate addresses the core academic content required by the Association of Play Therapy (APT) to earn its Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and/or Supervisor (RPT-S) status; licensure and additional professional and supervised clinical hours are also required. This certificate program is not designed or intended to prepare students for professional licensure in the fields of counseling or psychology in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 4 Core courses
Explore play therapy courses
- This certificate requires a total of 16 program credits
- You’ll need to complete four courses
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PLAY6203
The History and Systems of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the historical origins of and rationale for integrating play into the practice of therapy and discuss the core systems of and approaches to play therapy. Learners also review the contributions of play to child development and well-being throughout the lifespan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6206
Theories and Skills of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Learners expand on their knowledge of the major theories of play therapy and the skills and interventions that define those theories. Learners assess the major theories and apply these to their work with a variety of child clients and client scenarios. Learners also develop a personal theoretical orientation and apply this approach to personal practice. Learners assess ethical and legal issues unique to the field and specific to providing play therapy services across populations. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6209
Advanced Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the historical and theoretical foundations of child-centered play therapy and the ways in which this approach differs from other forms of play therapy. Learners practice and evaluate basic child-centered skills and analyze child-centered play therapy in real-world applications. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244; PLAY6206 or PSY5246. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6212
Special Topics in Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate the theoretical foundations, research and practical applications of play therapy in various environments including schools, groups and families. Learners also examine play therapy with a range of populations and explore associated adaptations of the playroom, therapeutic play therapy models and play therapy outcomes research. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244; PLAY6206 or PSY5246. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
- Explore the evolution and core systems of play therapy
- Learn to apply play therapy techniques and models
- Evaluate the influence of developmental and multicultural factors in the use of play therapy
- Examine ethical and legal issues in practicing play therapy
How much does a graduate certificate 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
- $525 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 16 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
$8,400
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 specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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What are the admission requirements for this certificate?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy program must provide the following information for admission:
- Master’s degree in counseling or psychology from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 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.
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