Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy

The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy is a 12-month program designed to provide mental health professionals with advanced training in play therapy philosophies, theories, and interventions. This program is offered by Jacksonville University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and focuses on how healthy play interactions shape a child's developing brain and relationships.

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy is a four-course hybrid format that emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, small class sizes, and strong ties to child-serving organizations and agencies in Northeast Florida. The program is designed to help children express their emotions and work through problems in a developmentally appropriate way.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses:

• Introduction to Play Therapy
• Special Topics and Group Play Therapy
• Filial and Family Play Therapy
• Culturally Responsive Play Therapy

Program Completion and Credentials

The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy can be completed within one year of starting the program. While the program does not certify individuals in play therapy, it can be listed as part of one's professional credentials and is designed to meet the educational requirements of the registered play therapist credential. The Association for Play Therapy requires 150 hours of training and specific graduate credentials to become a Registered Play Therapist or School-Based Registered Play Therapist.

Eligibility and Benefits

Current students in the areas of mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, and school counseling are encouraged to apply and are eligible for the Registered Play Therapy credential. The program provides a powerful tool to help children and families connect and process traumatic experiences, and it allows children to express their thoughts and feelings in a developmentally appropriate way.