Post-Master’s Certificate in Trauma Counseling

Specialize in working with trauma survivors.

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Trauma Counseling is designed to provide convenient, high-quality specialized training for mental health providers who want to specialize in working with trauma survivors and those actively experiencing trauma. The certificate program is offered primarily through online courses and will enable clinicians to better understand specialized issues, current treatment trends, advocacy efforts, enhance communication with, and effectively support persons experiencing trauma. The certificate program is open to those with a graduate degree in an allied mental health profession. All courses are consistent with CACREP accreditation requirements. 

This certificate is offered by AU New England

Program Overview

Enrollment in this certificate program begins with a review of prior graduate transcripts and professional goals outlined in the essay. As required in the essay, students must demonstrate knowledge about their state’s licensing board requirements and the courses needed. Depending on professional, educational, and clinical backgrounds, credit requirements will vary for enrolled certificate students (e.g., certificate may be anywhere from 9 to 15 credits).  Students will be enrolled based on current availability for the semester and provided with a certificate program plan outlining course and credit requirement upon admission. Those needing more than 15 credits for licensure are encouraged to apply to the CMHC’s 60 credit hour CACREP accredited master’s Program. All Post-Master’s Certificate students completing more than 9 credits are required to complete the program’s orientation within or before the first semester, this is a 0 credit, 0 cost orientation that has vital information about the program. While this certificate may provide the academic requirements for licensure, completing the certificate does not guarantee licensure. Graduates of this certificate program may still need to meet additional state requirements that include passing a licensure exam, background checks, completion of post-master’s clinical supervision requirements, etc. Students will need to work with their state licensure board for specific requirements.

Certificate Requirements

Plan of Study (9 credits):

• COUN-5322 Counseling Approaches to Trauma, Grief, and Loss (3 semester credits) 
• COUN-5332 Trauma and Resiliency (3 semester credits) 
• COUN-6102 Creative Approaches to Trauma-Informed Practice (3 semester credits)