Online Certificates in Counseling

Q: What skills are needed to be a mental health counselor?

Effective mental health counselors need strong active listening and empathy, clear communication and critical thinking for developing interventions. Emotional resilience, cultural competence and ethical judgment are also crucial for maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.4

Overview

Enhance Your Counseling Knowledge Online

Online counseling certificates can provide flexible, specialized training in mental health. These certificates offer instruction in counseling practices and hands-on application, allowing you to enhance your knowledge and explore potential opportunities in the mental health field while balancing other commitments.

It’s important to note that pursuing opportunities in counseling typically requires at least a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, a master's degree.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Be sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s licensure requirements to practice as a licensed counselor, as a certificate alone may not qualify you for licensure.

Programs

Counseling Certificate Programs at GCU

By pursuing counseling certificates through GCU, you can explore a wide range of specializations across various industries and fields, whether you’re seeking graduate or post-master’s certificates. Choose from emphases in areas such as Christian counseling, trauma and more, providing targeted coursework to help enhance your skills and prepare you for diverse career paths in helping others.

Graduate Certificates

A graduate certificate offers advanced training in a specific area for those with a counseling bachelor's and/or master's degree in counseling, and is ideal for professionals looking to enhance skills or shift focus without committing to a full degree.

Counseling certificates cover areas such as clinical practice, mental health or addiction, providing a focused path for further study. Explore various options to find one that aligns with your career goals and interests.

Mental Health and Wellness

Your counseling certificate should align with your career goals and interests, whether it’s in areas such as mental health, substance use or school counseling. While mental health and wellness are important areas of focus, it's essential to note that they do not specifically fall under "counseling certificates" in a formal sense. However, many programs may still include courses or training related to wellness strategies, which can help enhance your understanding and practice in these vital areas. Adding a focus can help tailor your education to support your professional aspirations.

Some emphasis areas include:

Other Counseling Fields

Post-Master’s Certificates

A post-master’s certificate offers targeted training for those who have a master’s degree and are looking to enhance their skills or specialize further. This may be a good option for professionals in the field who want to pivot into a new area within counseling. Explore various certificates to find the one that best fits your career aspirations.

Addiction Counseling

Post-MS in Counseling Certificate

Adolescence Disorders

Post-MS in Counseling Certificate

Marriage and Family Therapy

Post-MS in Counseling Certificate

Trauma Therapy

Post-MS in Counseling Certificate

Careers

Seek Specialized or Advanced Counseling Roles

Aspiring licensed counselors often pursue advanced degrees to tackle clients' mental health issues with research-based practices.

Ensure you review and meet your state’s licensure requirements to practice as a licensed counselor. A certificate by itself may not meet the criteria for licensure, so understanding the necessary educational credentials is crucial. Staying updated on these requirements will help you maintain your eligibility and continue to provide quality care for your clients.

Along with a bachelor’s degree, these specialized counseling certificates can contribute to developing your skills and qualifications for roles such as:

Health education specialist

Community health worker

Mental health counselor

$62,860

Median annual wage for health education specialists as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Why GCU

Benefits of Counseling Certificate Programs

These certificates offer specialized training in therapeutic techniques, psychological assessment and client management. They are typically completed faster than full counseling programs, allowing for quicker application of new skills. Completing a certificate can help deepen your expertise in addressing diverse client needs.

University HLC Accreditation

Admission Requirements

Take Your Counseling Classes Online

Explore All Certificates

To find a certificate that matches your needs, browse all our certificate offerings to discover which best aligns with your educational goals. We provide a diverse array of certificate programs designed to enhance your expertise in fields related to your career or interests.

View All Certificates

Resources

Student Resources

GCU offers resources for counseling certificate students, including support through our Student Success Center. Our goal is that you feel supported and connected with your classmates and faculty as you enjoy the convenience and flexibility of your program.

Online Learning

Online & Evening Tuition

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact through a career in counseling, explore our answers to frequently asked questions about earning a graduate certificate in counseling.

How long are counseling certificate programs at GCU?

These programs are designed to be completed more quickly than full degree programs. The length of these programs varies based on the specific certificate and the student’s pace of study, but they generally offer a faster path to gaining specialized skills and knowledge. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor about how long it will take to finish your certificate program.

What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?

The difference between a counselor and a therapist primarily lies in their focus and scope of practice and are often used interchangeably but generally refer to different roles. Counselors typically address practical and short-term issues, such as career or academic challenges and work in various settings like schools or community organizations.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Therapists tend to work with deeper psychological issues and long-term mental health concerns, often involving advanced training and treatment for emotional or mental health disorders.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Why is continuing education important for counselors?

Continuing education is vital for counselors to stay updated with the latest research, techniques and best practices in their field. Certificate programs can help you maintain professional competencies, adapt to new developments and provide the highest quality of care to your clients. Additionally, ongoing learning can potentially support career growth and compliance with licensing requirements.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Can working professionals get certificates in counseling?

Yes, working professionals can work toward achieving a certificate in counseling. Many programs offer flexible schedules, online options and part-time enrollment to accommodate busy work and personal commitments. GCU’s online learning management system further simplifies the process, making it convenient to access coursework and resources on your own schedule, enhancing your ability to balance education with professional responsibilities.

What skills are needed to be a mental health counselor?

Start Your Counseling Journey

Explore GCU's counseling certificate programs with flexible online options to help enhance your skills and expertise.

Apply Now

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Oct. 10). How To Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2024.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Health Education Specialist, as of May 2023, retrieved on Aug. 5, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as health education specialist, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Krouse, L. and Amsellem, M. PhD. (2023, Oct. 13). Counseling vs. Therapy: Different Licenses, Similar Services. Everyday Health. Retrieved Aug. 5, 2024.
Moore, M. (n.d.). Continuing Education for Mental Health Professional: How to Keep Growing in Your Practice. Mentalyc. Retrieved Aug. 5, 2024.
Ricks, D. and Brannon, G.E. (2023, July 19). “It’s real. It’s a thing:” Mental Health Counselors’ Listening Exhaustion During COVID-19. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved Aug. 5, 2024.