Play Therapy, Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

• A two year post graduate certificate program designed to provide behavioral health professionals specialized training in play therapy practice.
• Offered by Temple University School of Social Work at Temple University Harrisburg
• Completion of this certificate program provides documentation of specific formal study, career oriented post graduate training to complement a college or university degree.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must hold a minimum of a master´s degree from an accredited college or university in: social work, counseling, counselor education, psychology, school psychology, rehabilitative counseling, marriage and family therapy or a closely related mental health graduate program.

How do I apply?

Application process is submit a completed graduate application and $50 application fee, along with submission of graduate transcripts, 3 letters of reference (one from an academic source), a goal statement to include prior related experience and future plans upon completion of certificate program. Formal interviews may be held to determine candidates´ ability to understand and integrate diverse viewpoints as well as their capacity and motivation to counsel children and families. Please see Play Therapy Certificate Program Application Instructions for more specific information.

Can I take it if I’m an MSW student?

The program is designed to accommodate MSW students. It is possible for students in the MSW program to take up to four courses in the certificate program-completing the remaining program requirements post MSW to be eligible for certification.

• Open to MSW students to design as area of study-could take 4 of the 5 courses as an area of study would still need to complete 5th course to complete certificate.
• MSW students with CWEL funding are not permitted to take this certificate program while enrolled in MSW program.

Can students from other masters programs take any/all of the courses?

Only if there is space availability, are in a graduate program as defined above, and take the courses in the sequence outlined below.

May I take courses without being enrolled in the certificate program?

Yes, however if you intend to work toward a post graduate certificate in play therapy you are advised to enroll in the certificate program as soon as possible.

May I take a course without having completed the pre-requisites?

Your chances of succeeding in the certificate program and your level of confidence greatly improve if you follow the recommended sequenced of course and pre-requisites listed for each class. On rare occasions the program coordinator in consultation with faculty may waive a pre-requisite based on your documented prior experience.

Can I transfer courses from another academic institution?

If you have completed comparable courses at another accredited college or university within 5 years preceding your application to this program and you earned at least a B, you may receive credit for up to two of those courses depending on review and approval by the program coordinator.

To obtain transfer credit requires the schools send an official transcript and description of the course to attention of:

Lynn Notestine,
Temple University Harrisburg
234 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Can the courses in the certificate program apply toward another degree?

Other universities may allow students to transfer the courses to their degree program and courses may be used as electives for certain degree programs.

How many classes do I have to take?

There are five 3 credit courses required to complete this certificate program.

Sequence of Coursework (offered in cohort fashion and must be taken in the sequence outlined-participants must agree to attend all sessions of the program and maintain a GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program)

Fall
Introduction to Play Therapy

Spring
Play Therapy Techniques

Summer
Play Therapy Applications for Special Populations

Fall
Special Topics in Play Therapy Practice

Spring
Advanced Play Therapy Practice and Seminar

When are the courses offered?

The courses are offered in cohort fashion during the regular academic semesters. Currently classes are being held every other Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Is an internship or practicum required?

An internship/practicum is not required. All students have the option to arrange an internship/practicum depending upon their individual needs. TUH/SSA staff is available to assist with this process.

What are the benefits of taking these courses?

• Graduate certificate in specialized practice of play therapy
• Courses provide instruction in history, theories and applications of play therapy consistent with APT requirements for instruction in these areas and as such satisfies the 150 hour RPT credentialing education requirement.
• Completion of the certificate will provide 150 hours of specific play therapy instruction to secure the RPT (Registered Play Therapist) credential. The RPT is a credential issued by the Association of Play Therapy (APT). APT is the primary professional organization dedicated to the field of Play Therapy whose mission is to promote the value of play, play therapy and credentialed play therapists. To apply for RPT certification an application process is required which includes additional credentialing requirements of license for independent clinical practice, general clinical experience, and supervised play therapy experience. For more information regarding complete APT credentialing process visit the APT website at www.4APT.org and click on credentials link.
• Temple University Harrisburg is an APT approved continuing education provider.
• Please note that the Graduate Certificate in Play therapy does not certify individuals in Play Therapy. It provides educational play therapy coursework and satisfies the APT´s 150 instructional hour requirement to apply to become an RPT/RPT-S. Upon completion of the certificate program one can list its credential as Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy.

Will it ever be offered again or at another location?

Offering the program for future cohorts of students will be determined by the number of qualified applicants.

Once the program is established at Harrisburg the program may be offered at other sites if sufficient numbers of students are recruited.

What does it cost?

The cost is the regular graduate tuition. Current is $573/credit (subject to change). Participants are responsible for any text books required in the courses.

Is Financial Aid Available?

TUH student financial services representative Shellie Smith is available to direct participants in the certificate program to potential financial resources at Shellie.smith@temple.edu

For information regarding Financial Assistance at Temple Ambler, please contact Barbara Leopold at Temple Ambler Financial Aid: 267.468.8443 OR barbara.leopold@temple.edu

Who do I contact for more information/application?

Lynn Notestine, MSW
TUH Assistant Director
TUH@temple.edu

717-232-6400
1-866-769-1860 (toll free)