Certificate of Advanced Study in Play Therapy

Earn your certificate of advanced study (CAS) in play therapy at Sacred Heart and prepare to work with children and adolescents in a culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, neuro and attachment-informed manner.

Gain clinical experience in the Sacred Heart Institute for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Education and Research, New England’s first credentialed play therapy education center—approved by the Association for Play Therapy.

Prepare to advance your credentials as a qualified play therapy practitioner in an innovative field, with opportunities across schools, hospitals, private practices, and more.

Learn more about tuition rates and payment options for CAS in play therapy.

Why Choose Sacred Heart to Earn Your Certificate of Advanced Study in Play Therapy?

Train in a program at the forefront of equipping students and clinicians with advanced skills to become registered play therapists and work with children and adolescents in culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate manner. Hone your skills with SHU’s forward-thinking instruction:

• Study seminal theories of play therapy
• Explore child-centered approaches, sand tray techniques, and expressive arts techniques
• Apply your skills through supervised clinical experiences
• Sacred Heart’s Institute for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Education and Research is a designated Approved Center of Play Therapy

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Sacred Heart University is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable. Certificate of advanced study (CAS) in play therapy students may qualify for a range of financial support options, including:

• Graduate grant in aid
• Veteran benefits
• Graduate assistantships
• Residential hall director positions

More Details

Learn in an Online Program Ideal for Working Clinicians

• Benefit from the flexibility of an 18-credit, two-year online program
• Complete most coursework independently through asynchronous courses
• Gain clinical experience in the synchronous Practicum I and II, and a three-day, on-ground Play Therapy Residency

Who Can Earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Play Therapy?

The program is available for:

• Current students enrolled in counseling, social work, couples and family therapy, psychology, or another approved licensure prep program at a regionally accredited university
• Applicants who have completed a master’s degree in counseling, social work, couples and family therapy, psychology, or another approved licensure prep program from an accredited university

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will meet the post-master’s educational requirements for the Registered Play Therapy (RPT) credential as detailed by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and be prepared to lead as qualified play therapy practitioners in this innovative field.

Career Outlook

The CAS in play therapy prepares program participants and mental health clinicians to become Registered Play Therapists™ (RPT™) or School-Based RPTs™ in accordance with training standards and protocols set forth by the Association for Play Therapy. Graduates will be qualified to work in:

Lifetime Career Support

Certificate of advanced study in play therapy students benefit from a dedicated career team with industry experience and employer partnerships that connect top talent in the education and health care fields. Students and alumni enjoy lifetime access to the Center for Career & Professional Development, where expert coaches provide personalized support with résumés, interviews, and job placement.

More Information