The Certificate in Play Therapy is a 10-unit graduate-level certificate program for students who are interested in gaining advanced expertise in working with both children and adolescents using the therapeutic powers of play. The certificate is designed to prepare candidates to meet the eligibility requirements for credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT) or School-Based Registered Play Therapist^™ (SB-RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy. The program includes advanced coursework in play therapy, including play therapy history, play therapy seminal and historically significant theories, play therapy skills and methods, play therapy special topics, and play therapy cultural and social diversity topics. All coursework includes experiential components so that students may further practice and develop their play therapy skills. Enrolled students will also receive play therapy supervision from a credentialed Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor^™ (RPT-S).

Program Format

• The certificate program is available to any student at Sacramento State who is currently enrolled in a graduate-level clinical training program, including counseling, school psychology, and social work.
• The program is offered in a hybrid format with a blend of in-person coursework and online supervision.

Curriculum and Course Schedule

Curriculum

• EDC 242: Play and Art in Therapy with Children (3 units)
• EDC 245: Advanced Play Therapy (3 units)
• EDC 246: Filial and Group Play Therapy (3 units)
• EDC 477: Supervision in Play Therapy (1 unit)*
  • Note: EDC 477 may be taken multiple times to complete supervision hours for play therapy credentialing

Course Schedule

• Students who are interested in the certificate should enroll in EDC 242 during the spring semester, followed by EDC 245 and EDC 246 in subsequent semesters
• EDC 477 can be taken any semester and should be taken concurrently with a practicum, internship, or fieldwork experience within the student’s primary program of study

APT Credentialing Requirements

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) offers three credentials by which licensed mental health professionals, school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers may demonstrate and promote their specialized play therapy knowledge and training.

• Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT)
• Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S)
• School Based-Registered Play Therapist™ (SB-RPT)

Please visit the Play Therapy Credentials section of their website for more information. For questions concerning the Credentialing Program, contact APT at info@a4pt.org or 559-298-3400.

Special Note About Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to specialized credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a credential. The Association for Play Therapy determines the requirements for credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT) and School-Based Registered Play Therapist™ (SB-RPT), and is not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU. Credentialing requirements can change at any time. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet credentialing as an RPT™ or SB-RPT™. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet credentialing requirements.

Advising

For more information about the Certificate in Play Therapy, contact Dr. Elisabeth Liles-Lourick at eliles@csus.edu