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Counseling Certificates

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Degree Type:
Graduate
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Specialize Your Counseling Career in One of TROY's Counseling Certificate Programs

Are you ready to take the next step in your counseling career and serve specific populations in your community? If so, TROY's post-master's counseling certificate programs can help you reach your goals. Designed for working professionals who've already obtained a master's degree in counseling or psychology, our counseling certificates are offered in a flexible format to fit into your schedule. Choose from counseling certification in clinical mental health, military populations, addictions counseling, deaf and hard-of-hearing, or infant and early childhood counseling.

Hawkins Hall at Troy Campus
“I chose Troy because of the flexibility of course offerings and because I would be getting a good quality education at my convenience. I also like that there are several campuses to choose from. I attended the Phenix City Campus, and I got to experience the big college campus experience in a smaller setting. I recommend Troy University because they meet you where you are, and build you into a better professional.”
Carla S. Wiley | Masters in School Counseling (M.S.) '18

Build Expertise in High-Demand Counseling Fields

Develop the knowledge, skills and specialized training you need to counsel veterans, individuals struggling with substance abuse, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals or young children. You can also choose the clinical mental health counseling certificate to support individuals facing mental health challenges across diverse backgrounds. Regardless of your path, a counseling certificate from TROY will open the doors to a variety of counseling careers.

Flexible Counseling Certificate Programs

Choose a certificate in counseling that allows you to balance academic, work and life commitments. At TROY, you can choose to study full time or part time and earn your counseling certification online. With TROY's over 20 years of providing online learning, you can trust you'll get the same exceptional education as our in-person programs.
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Counseling Certificate Curriculum

Coursework varies based on the certificate you choose, but sample courses include:
Academic Catalog

Counseling Certificate Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need to balance academic and professional commitments by earning your counseling certification online. For more information about program availability and delivery, call 1-800-414-5756.

Counseling Certification with Hands-On Practice

 Benefit from counseling certificate programs that emphasize practical learning experiences. Whether it's practicing assessment techniques in class, developing treatment plans, leading group therapy sessions or completing practicum courses, TROY's counseling certificates provide the real-world experience you need to effectively prepare for your counseling career. Each certification includes practicum or internship courses to ensure you meet clinical practice hours and skills requirements. You'll also work under the supervision of practicing professionals in your desired specialization. 

Careers in Counseling

Graduates with a post-master's counseling certificate from TROY can find careers in private practice, mental health clinics, vocational rehabilitation centers and many other settings.

Faculty Profiles

Shelley Reed, Ph.D., LPC, CACII, MAC, CPCS

Shelley Reed, Ph.D., LPC, CACII, MAC, CPCS

Dr. Reed is the Associate Chair for the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training Program (CRIT) at Troy University. She serves as the Co-Faculty advisor for Chi Sigma Iota at the Phenix City Campus. She serves on numerous University, College, and Department committees. She and her colleagues received a state-funded grant in Suicide Prevention in Higher Education for four years and, most recently, the SAMHSA Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant.
Tregon Fitch, Ph.D.

Tregon Fitch, Ph.D.

Dr. Trey Fitch has taught counseling and psychology for over 20 years. He is a licensed mental health counselor, a board-certified counselor, and an approved supervisor for the state of Florida. Dr. Fitch has experience from the Texas A&M Commerce Counseling Center, East Alabama Mental Health, and the crisis hotline. His research interests are in counselor training and supervision.
Samantha Booker, Ph.D.

Samantha Booker, Ph.D.

Dr. Samantha “Sam” Booker, Ph.D., LPC-S, IMH-E®, is the Assistant Chair of the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training Program at Troy University. Dr. Booker is the Coordinator of the School Counseling Program and the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program. She is a certified PK-12 school counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alabama, an infant family specialist, and a private practitioner. She is also a certified DC: 0-5 Trainer and infant mental health reflective supervisor. Her research interests include birth to five training for practitioners, prevention and intervention techniques with PK-12 students, and school counselors' role in early intervention.

Counseling Certification Programs at TROY

Broaden your career opportunities with one of the following TROY counseling certificates.
Graduate Addictions Counseling Certificate

The addictions counseling certification will deepen your understanding of substance abuse, its impact and how to treat it. With a focus on real-world challenges, you'll learn how to effectively diagnose and create treatment plans tailored to individuals struggling with addiction. Whether you want to enhance your current practice or start a new career path, TROY's addictions counseling certification provides the expertise you need to make a meaningful difference in your clients' lives. 


Degree Map- Addictions Counseling Certificate

Academic Catalog- Addictions Counseling Certificate

Post-Master's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

The clinical mental health counseling certificate deepens your expertise in assessing, diagnosing and treating clients struggling with mental health disorders. Through a blend of theory and practical application, you'll gain the knowledge and expertise to address complex mental health issues, enabling you to better serve your clients and expand your professional capabilities. This certificate is ideal for counselors looking to take their practice to the next level.


NOTE: This is not a CACREP-accredited certificate program.


Degree Map- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

Academic Catalog- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

Post-Master's Counseling Military Populations Certificate
The military counseling certificate equips you with the specialized skills needed to serve military members and their families. One of the few programs of its kind in the U.S., this certificate goes beyond basic awareness to offer in-depth training on competencies, developmental models and treatment approaches specifically tailored to the unique needs of military personnel and their families. Whether you're looking to broaden your skill set or expand your practice, this advanced program empowers you to make a lasting impact in the military community.

Degree Map- Counseling Military Populations Certificate

Academic Catalog- Counseling Military Populations Certificate

Rehabilitation and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Studies Certificate

As part of one of the largest Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited programs in the U.S., TROY offers you access to one of the nation's few interpreter training programs. The certificate in rehabilitation and deaf/hard-of-hearing studies integrates coursework from the interpreter training program to prepare you to work effectively with the Deaf community in mental health care settings.

 

With a focus on diversity and multiculturalism, you'll gain proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), allowing you to support individuals' employment and mental health needs. You'll also build your skills through hands-on experience in internships in clinical mental health, rehabilitation or school counseling, while courses address important issues like discrimination, isolation, and the unique mental health challenges faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.


Degree Map- Rehabilitation and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Studies Certificate

Academic Catalog- Rehabilitation and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Studies Certificate

Post-Master's Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling Certificate

The infant and early childhood mental health counseling certification prepares you to make a lasting impact on children up to age five and their families. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of early human development, focusing on mental health factors and developmental challenges. 

 

Guided by expert faculty who collaborate with First 5 Alabama and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, you'll learn to assess, diagnose and create treatment plans. With hands-on learning opportunities like year-long, in-home observations and a 400-hour internship, you'll build real-world skills for this critical field. This one-year online program addresses the growing demand in Alabama and beyond for mental health counselors serving the 0 to 5 population, making you a vital asset for this underserved community.

 

This program is accepted by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) for a 1000-hour reduction toward Alabama professional counseling licensure.

 

NOTE: This is not a CACREP-accredited certificate program.


Degree Map- Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling Certificate

Academic Catalog- Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling Certificate

FAQ About the Counseling Certificate Programs

Learn more about counseling certifications and our post-master's programs.
Why should I get additional counseling certification after completing my master's degree?
Gaining additional counseling certification after your master's degree allows you to specialize in high-demand areas like addictions, mental health or military counseling. These certifications not only enhance your expertise but also open doors to new career opportunities and increase your marketability. Specialized counseling certification demonstrates your commitment to professional growth, helping you stay current with industry trends and meet licensure requirements. Whether you're looking to advance in your current role or explore new careers in counseling, additional certifications add to your expertise in the field.
How long does it take to get a counseling certificate?
The time it takes to get your counseling certificate varies by program, but most certificates can be completed in six to 12 months. At Troy University, for example, counseling certificate programs are all online, designed to be flexible and fit into your schedule. Completion time depends on your chosen specialization, course load, and whether you're studying full or part time. This allows you to gain the credentials and skills you need while balancing work and other commitments.
Can you share more about how to get a counseling certification?
To receive a counseling certification, you'll first need a master's degree in counseling or a related field. From there, you can choose a certification program based on your area of interest, such as addictions, early childhood or military counseling. TROY's counseling certificates include a mix of coursework, hands-on practicums and internships to help you apply what you've learned. After completing the required courses and supervised practice, you may also need to pass a certification exam to meet state or national licensure requirements.

News

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling certificate from TROY consists of five classes that are 100% online.

Childhood Mental Health: Working With the Youngest Patients

“The more I can learn about a family's story and what got them to this point, the better support I can provide,” says Tyesha Durr, MS, LPC, a 2021 graduate of the Troy University Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling Certificate program.

Read More

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