You can complete your master’s degree in counseling or social work and your Play Therapy certification together at UNCP. Start your journey in Professional School Counseling and build toward a career that includes Play Therapy certification.
Play Therapy
At UNC Pembroke, we believe in meeting children where they are. The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate gives you the skills to use play as a pathway for healing and growth. Designed for professionals in counseling, psychology or social work, this program helps you build a specialized credential that deepens your impact.
Degrees
100% Online
the Power of Play
Learn to support children through trauma, foster emotional development and bring new depth to your clinical practice. At UNCP you will learn from expert faculty with real-world clinical experience, fulfill education requirements for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) designation and make a difference in schools, private practice or community health settings.
This program gives you tools to create lasting impact. All courses are delivered online via Zoom. The curriculum includes:
- Child development
- Play therapy techniques
- Family support strategies and
- Trauma-informed approaches
The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate meets the educational requirements as specified by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and School-Based Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT) credential.
Make A Difference
Are you ready to take the next step in your counseling journey? Turn your passion
for helping children into a powerful credential with UNC Pembroke’s Play Therapy Certification.
Apply today and start building the skills to make a meaningful impact through the
power of play.
Students who are currently completing a master’s degree at UNCP can apply for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate by completing this application.
Students who have already graduated with a master’s degree and wish to come back to school for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate can apply here.
Applicants should submit the application, $55 application fee and official transcripts showing completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Students who are currently completing a master’s degree at UNCP can apply for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate by completing this application.
Students who have already graduated with a master’s degree and wish to come back to school for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate can apply here.
Applicants should submit the application, $55 application fee and official transcripts showing completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Earn Your
Professional School Counseling Degree
After UNCP
We are hoping to grow the number of play therapists serving our community because we know this will help meet the mental health needs of children.
Dr. Jonathan Ricks
School Counseling ProfessorCommon Careers
- K–12 School Counseling Settings
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Private Practice
- Hospitals or Pediatric Clinics
- Family Support Programs
- Trauma Recovery Agencies
Invest in Your Success
Financial Aid Opportunities
The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate qualifies for financial aid, making it easier for you to pursue your education. With the right help, you can focus on building your skills without financial worries. Explore all your financial aid options at the link below.
FAQ
Professional School Counselors develop comprehensive counseling programs designed to serve the unique needs of students, families of students, teachers and administrators at the school level. They provide consultation to school staff and parents, make appropriate community-based referrals and conduct individual and small group counseling sessions as well as classroom guidance. Using needs assessments, data collection, program evaluation, advisory boards and collaboration with all stakeholders, school counselors develop and implement curriculum geared to promote academic, social/emotional and career development for ALL students. School counselors are systemic change agents and advocate for students, policy change and their role in schools. Professional School Counselors work in elementary, middle and high schools preparing students for life-long learning and success through career and college access.
Students are admitted for Summer and Fall terms only. Application review begins February 1. Application requirements for the professional school counseling program include: online application, fee, transcripts and applicant must:
- Have at least a 2.7 undergraduate GPA;
- Submit an essay detailing their reasons for apply to the program, relevant experiences and personal career goals relevant to professional school counseling
- Submit the names of three individuals with whom the applicant has professional affiliation, such as former faculty members or supervisors, who will provide a recommendation on the applicant's behalf
- Submit a resume or CV
- complete a brief electronic supplemental skills survey
- participate in an interview with program faculty. Interviews generally begin around February 15.
Have questions?
Our Admissions counselors are here to help!
or call us at 910.521.6271
Meet Our Faculty
Jonathan Ricks
Associate Professor of Counseling and Director of the Professional School Counseling
jonathan.ricks@uncp.edu910.775.4041
