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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.
Apply today with no application fee.
Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
---|---|---|
COUN5002 Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions | 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 | 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. | 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 the Counseling Profession | 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 | 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. | 4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
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.
$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.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Counseling, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services program must provide the following information for admission:
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:
Learn more about international student admissions.
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