The Play Therapy certificate is a 13-unit program which offers a theoretically-based approach for working with children and adolescents presenting with a number of behavioral health issues. This approach utilizes toys and other expressive activities as forms of communication and as an intervention method for problem solving and promoting well-being.
The fully online Play Therapy certificate program is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to become a registered play therapist (RPT) and is designed for behavioral health professionals with or in the process of obtaining a licensable graduate degree from an accredited college.
A play therapist works in a number of settings, including private practice, non-profit agencies, child abuse assessment and treatment centers, fostering and adoption programs, and hospitals.
Application Deadlines
Quarter
Application Open
Priority Deadline
Final Deadline
Autumn of 2023
Dec 8, 2022
—
Jul 15, 2023
Admissions Requirements
A fully completed LLU application form.
A graduate with a licensable mental health degree from an accredited university. (Official transcripts are evidence of degrees and courses completed.) Individuals already licensed as a mental health professional must be in good standing with the relevant licensing board.
Consideration for admission will be given to individuals in the process of completing a licensable mental health graduate degree from an accredited university. Applicant must be in good academic standing and have permission from their current program to enroll.
Submit three letters of recommendation from an academic source, professional peer, and/or from a work supervisor.
Prerequisites
Must have or be in the process of obtaining a licensable mental health degree from an accredited university.
Discipline Accrediting Agency
Although there is no discipline accrediting agency, the Play Therapy Certificate Program is designed to assist in meeting the educational requirements of the Association of Play Therapy (APT) to become a registered play therapist (RPT).
Completion of the Play Therapy certificate coursework at Loma Linda University does not include certification as a registered play therapist. Individuals must apply to the Association for Play Therapy and complete all additional requirements.
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.
Expected Cost of Attendance
Academic Year 2023-2024
Year of Program:
Year 1
Year 2
Tuition
$3,375
$1,125
Fees
—
—
Books & Supplies
$387
$128
Instruments
—
—
Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms)
—
—
Total
$3,762
$1,253
Notes
No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.
Estimated Living Expenses
Academic Year 2023-2024, off campus, with a roommate
Year of Program:
Year 1
Year 2
Months enrolled
9
3
Food and Housing
—
—
Transportation
$3,150
$1,050
Miscellaneous Personal Costs
$2,250
$750
Notes
Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.
