10 Best Post Graduate Counseling Certificate Programs Online

Just so you know, here is a list of best post graduate counseling certificate programs online. In today’s complex world, more and more people are seeking the compassionate guidance of professional counselors. A post graduate certificate program provides advanced clinical training to help meet this growing demand.
Counseling certificate programs build top skills in areas like mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage counseling, grief counseling, addiction counseling, career counseling and more. They allow bachelor degree holders to access further study in a flexible format.
I’ve compiled this definitive guide ranking the 10 best post graduate counseling certificate programs you can complete entirely online from accredited universities and colleges across the United States.
How We Ranked the Top Programs
In developing this ranking of the country’s premier post graduate counseling certificate programs online, extensive research was conducted on over 50 programs nationwide. We thoroughly analyzed numerous factors to select the 10 best options overall for remote students.
Ranking criteria
- Type of counseling covered – Specialized focus areas offered beyond general counseling
- Customizability and electives – Flexibility to customize your certificate path
- Faculty experience – Expert practitioner lecturers with years of firsthand counseling experience
- Clinical training options – Availability of supervised field experience, externships or intensives to apply skills
- Length – The duration and credit hours required for certificate completion
- 100% online availability – No campus visits required at any stage
- University reputation – Institution’s history, achievements and academic prestige
Only fully ACA accredited post graduate counseling certificates offering advanced specializations delivered fully online by respected universities nationwide made the final selection.
Now let’s explore the top 10 post graduate counseling certificate programs online for bachelor degree holders to advance your counseling education and career.
The 10 Best Post Graduate Counseling Certificate Programs Online
The list below are the top universities for Post Graduate studies in Conseling online.
University of Massachusetts Global – Certificate in Mental Health Counseling
The University of Massachusetts Global offers one of the most reputable and flexible post graduate counseling certificates online. Their Certificate in Mental Health Counseling program prepares you to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals facing mental health and emotional issues in clinical settings.
Standout features include:
- 8 courses, 24 credit 100% online certificate
- Customizable electives like Child and Adolescent Counseling
- 700-hour supervised fieldwork in your local area
- Globally ranked university with 80 years’ experience
This certificate seamlessly transfers into their Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology program if you wish to continue studying.
The accredited curriculum delivers advanced skills in areas like counseling theories and methods, psychopathology, legal and ethical counseling practice, psychological assessment, multicultural counseling diversity, trauma and crisis intervention plus more. Expert faculty provides robust support.
Boost your understanding of evidence-based mental health counseling and qualify to make a difference in communities nationwide with this gold standard certificate.
Adams State University – Post-Graduate Certificate in Counseling
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Counseling from Adams State University offers flexible and affordable counseling skills advancement. Possessing CACREP accreditation, their 100% online program builds real client readiness through practical training.
Unique advantages include:
- Just 5 courses for 18 credits
- Full or part-time flexible study options
- 600 supervised internship hours required
- Highly experienced counseling faculty
Core subjects span counseling orientation, ethics, multiculturalism, group dynamics, assessment, research methodology and more. Electives allow focus customization. The supervised field experience component ensures you apply learnings under the oversight of established counselors.
The program nurtures cultural competency, critical thinking and therapeutic skills to elevate counseling capabilities whether seeking licensure or direct entry into practice. Previous bachelor trained counselors qualify to enroll and special tuition rates apply.
Attain this prestigious and affordable post graduate counseling certificate online in less than 18 months from Adams State University to expand your marketable skillset.
Oregon State University – Graduate Certificate in Couples and Family Counseling
Recognizing the stresses facing modern relationships, Oregon State University offers a 100% online Graduate Certificate in Couples and Family Counseling. This unique specialization prepares you to support both partners and wider family systems through evidence-based therapies.
What makes this stand out:
- 5 course, 20 credit certificate
- Systemic case conceptualization abilities
- 500 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Globally top ranked public university
Subjects covered encompass family systems theories, couple/family counseling methods, developmental frameworks, ethical/legal considerations and responding to crises. Electives in areas like sex therapy couples counseling build advanced expertise.
Benefit from both synchronous virtual learning and in-person field experience with flexibility. OSU’s 80 years of counseling psychology education assures premier instruction from sector leaders.
Attain leading-edge expertise counseling couples and families with systemic issues through Oregon State University’s highly specialized certificate completed online.
Liberty University – Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling
Liberty University offers an affordable online Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling balancing theoretical coursework with faith-infused application. This gives well-rounded competencies to counsel individuals or groups by integrating psychology, spirituality and worldview perspectives.
Highlights include:
- Just 4 classes requiring 16 credits
- Alignment with professional counselor licensure standards
- Electives in addiction counseling available
- Regionally accredited private Christian university
Core topics involve ethical and legal issues, multicultural counseling, lifespan development issues plus extensive counseling theories education. You’ll also complete on-site residency gaining firsthand counseling experience.
Liberty University has spent 50+ years training counseling professionals with a compassionate Christian lens. This post graduate certificate continues that tradition by nurturing abilities to address client issues with grace and understanding.
Acquire CACREP-aligned knowledge and 300 supervised residency hours through Liberty University’s flexible online Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling.
Regis University – Post-Graduate Certificate in Counseling Children and Adolescents
Regis University offers a specialized Post-Graduate Certificate in Counseling Children and Adolescents to address developmental issues facing youth. Their CACREP accredited program delivers expertise in evidence-based therapies benefiting young people through convenient online study.
Why choose Regis University?
- 5 course post-graduate certificate structure
- Chance to pick campus or community-based practicum
- Learn Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and Attachment Theory interventions
- 140 years educating ethical, social justice oriented counselors
Coursework covers topics like legal/ethical counseling considerations, clinical assessment of child disorders, cultural issues and utilizing best practice modalities tailored to young minds. There is flexibility to follow interests with tailored electives from Regis’ wider counseling curriculum.
Field experience hours may be completed near your location allowing you to directly apply learnings under seasoned counseling supervisors.
Invest in the next generation by attaining specialist skills supporting children and adolescents through Regis University’s reputable certificate.
Cambridge College – Certificate in School Counseling
- Cambridge College empowers you to guide K-12 students by delivering an online Certificate in School Counseling. This gives broad-based competencies aligned to the precise role of school counselors supporting children navigating education’s challenges.
Benefits of Cambridge College include:
- Just 5 courses required
- Fall and spring semester intakes
- Learn advocacy and data analysis for school environments
- Over 1000 clinical placement sites nationwide
Course subjects include school counseling principles, child/adolescent development, ethics, academic/career advising approaches, diversity, equity and inclusion practices. You’ll also complete a 150-hour school-based practicum cementing real-world abilities.
This program holds accreditation from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Cambridge College has over 25 years experience providing affordable, flexible counseling qualifications of the highest caliber.
Attain specialist credentials tailored to K-12 school counseling roles through Cambridge College’s respected online post-graduate Certificate in School Counseling.
Wake Forest University – Certificate in Counseling
Delivered by a top nationally ranked private research university, Wake Forest University’s online Certificate in Counseling advances therapeutic skills grounded in scientific methodology. This builds advanced competencies applicable to diverse counseling contexts.
What makes their certificate unique?
- Just 12 credits across 4 classes
- Globally renowned psychiatry and behavioral medicine faculty
- Chance to present research at an annual symposium
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
The curriculum nurtures assessment, diagnosis and treatment proficiencies regarding mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, developmental conditions plus career counseling technique. Electives facilitate wider specializations.
Wake Forest University has exceptional graduate employability rankings thanks to robust industry ties and expertise translating learnings into practice. Opportunity exists to leverage these connections during your certificate.
Gain specialist counseling skills fused with gold standard research capabilities through Wake Forest University’s esteemed flexible online qualification.
Lamar University – Graduate Certificate Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lamar University offers an online Graduate Certificate Clinical Mental Health Counseling grooming skills to assess and support individuals facing emotional or psychological concerns. This pathway is an affordable route to licensure education with focused application from day one.
Benefits include:
- 15 credit 5 course structure
- Aligns perfectly with licensure requirements
- 600 hour supervised clinical placement
- Public university with strong regional reputation
Core subjects like appraisal, ethics, diagnostics and psychotherapy are taught by practicing counseling professionals. There is scope to pursue niche interests with tailored electives in areas ranging from crisis intervention to trauma counseling.
The 600-hour supervised internship expect you to directly utilize learnings in your local healthcare settings counseling genuine clients under guidance. Successfully complete placements to cement hands-on counseling abilities.
Launch your professional clinical mental health counseling journey through Lamar University’s targeted online Graduate Certificate balancing rigor with accessibility.
Aspen University – Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling
Aspen University makes professional counseling qualifications achievable by delivering an online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling with budget-friendly tuition. This pathway builds advanced competencies assessing and treating behavioral health issues in community settings.
Advantages include:
- Only 30 credits across 6 courses
- Rolling admission model starts you fast
- 500 hour supervised counseling internship
- Special member pricing for qualified applicants
Subjects covered involve psychopathological diagnosis, therapeutic methodologies, addiction concepts, assessment tools, treatment planning, multicultural approaches plus practicing ethically and legally. Core skills are nurtured through both virtual and in-person training.
With peak flexibility around scheduling, duration and credit transfer, Aspen University makes recognized counseling credentials attainable. Their student-focused approach and practitioners faculty assure you graduate practice ready.
Launch your mental health counseling journey through Aspen University’s affordable competency-building program completed fully remotely.
Grand Canyon University – Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling
Offering incredible value, Grand Canyon University delivers a comprehensive online Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling prepares for licensure or direct practice. This skill-focused pathway develops competent and ethical therapeutic abilities grounded in theory and science.
Standout features include:
- Just 18 credits over 6 classes
- Chance to learn CBT, Solution-Focused and Play Therapies
- 600 hour applied internship experience
- 85% of students receive financial assistance
Core topics span human development, clinical diagnostics, research methodologies, ethical frameworks and evidence-based interventions. Electives allow deeper specializations. The supervised field experience expects application of taught concepts and tools assisting genuine counseling clients.
Bringing affordability, flexibility and strong graduate outcomes, GCU makes recognized counseling credentials achievable. Join 30,000+ online students acquiring career-focused skills today.
Attain licensure-aligned counseling skills through Grand Canyon University’s value-packed online Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Graduate Counseling Certificates Online
Compare your chosen program inclusions as some embed clinical field hours and placements others charge separately for.
Conclusion – Advance Your Counseling Education Online
Consider one of these 10 best online post graduate counseling certificate programs from esteemed universities nationwide if you feel ready to advance capabilities to help people during their times of greatest need. You may also visit us here to see more opportunities.