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 July 10

Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 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

Show course with description

COUN5004	Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors Learners in this course examine theories of lifespan development and behavior from a counseling perspective. Learners describe effective approaches in counseling, evaluate its historical and philosophical relevance to current practice, and apply theories and practices to advocate for diverse clientele. 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. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling degree programs and the Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, and Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate programs. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.	4 quarter credits
COUN5217 *	Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling In this course, 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. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.	4 quarter credits
COUN5223	Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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.	4 quarter credits
COUN5239	Theories of Psychotherapy This course presents 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. 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
COUN5336 *	Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations In this course, 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. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 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 term

$9,940 estimated tuition^*

$497 per credit, 20 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits

*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.

Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of 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.

Military discount

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.

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
A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
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.