How long does it take to get a certificate in counseling for youth and adolescent disorders?

The post-master’s certificate in counseling requires a total of 15 credits for completion. The classes are eight weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor, who can help you better understand how long it takes to earn your post-graduate certificate.

Post-MS in Counseling: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders Certificate

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Counseling

Program

Post-MS in Counseling: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders Certificate

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Study How To Counsel Youth Experiencing Childhood and Adolescence Disorders

Grow your professional skill set and enhance your career qualifications by pursuing continuing education opportunities in childhood and adolescence counseling. The Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders Certificate at Grand Canyon University is designed for working professionals who hold a master’s degree in counseling or other behavioral health fields who are seeking the opportunity to improve their ability to understand, connect with and help young clients.

Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders Certificate

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 15

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Get Your Post-Masters Certificate From GCU

This certificate is offered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The curriculum examines research, theories and evidence-based practices in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders in young people with the end goal of improving quality of life and supporting individual and family relationships.

You will have opportunities to develop your communication skills and ethical decision-making, as well as to examine the Christian worldview and principles of servant leadership within counseling contexts.

The adolescent and childhood counseling certificate is available online. By choosing to earn your certificate online, you can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of learning from almost anywhere while continuing to manage your personal and professional commitments. The digital learning platform will enable you to easily access your course materials, enjoy discussions with your peers and connect with your instructors.

Coursework

Study Childhood Development, Adolescent Disorders and Disabilities

During this post-master’s certificate in counseling, you will examine theories related to child and adolescent development, best practices in identifying disorders and the use of evidence-based treatment modalities.

In courses such as Specialization in Professional Counseling and Development Through Childhood and Adolescence, you will explore the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and be taught a framework for understanding childhood and adolescence disorders. The curriculum includes the psychosocial stressors within the family system and the physical, biological and psychosocial development of young people.

Progressing forward in this certificate program, you will have the opportunity to explore the following topic areas:

Developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, specific learning disorders, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
Assessment and treatment approaches designed for trauma that occurs during childhood and adolescence, including physical, sexual, mental and emotional abuse and neglect
Common disorders that occur in young people, including disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders

You will complete case study exercises designed to provide a practical, hands-on exploration of contemporary issues that you may encounter in your work.

Careers

Career Paths With a Post-Master’s Certificate in Counseling for Childhood and Adolescent Disorders

Children and adolescents are susceptible to a wide range of daily life stressors and mental illnesses. While many of these mental illnesses may also manifest in adults, recognizing and treating them in children requires flexible thinking and different approaches.

A youth counseling certificate can equip you to address the unique needs of young people throughout their developmental stages. Upon earning this certificate, you will have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of young people and to position yourself for possible leadership roles within the behavioral health field, empowering you to work toward more favorable outcomes for your community.

Prior to enrolling in this post-master’s childhood counseling certificate program at GCU, it is required that you possess a master’s or doctoral degree in any of the following fields:

Behavioral health

Clinical or counseling psychology

Counseling

Human development

Marriage and family therapy

Nursing

Psychiatry medicine

Social work

Substance abuse counseling

Accreditation

Study Youth Counseling From an Accredited University

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. We focus on bringing together diverse students and instructors who are knowledgeable in their fields. The Post-Master of Science in Counseling program teaches advanced knowledge and skills in childhood and adolescent disorders, developmental issues, school and family life issues, child-parent relationships and the mental health disorders specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the following information, which may help guide your decision-making as you consider whether to focus your career on helping children and adolescents whose quality of life may be affected by mental health disorders.

It’s often possible to earn a baccalaureate or graduate degree in counseling via online classes. However, in order to meet licensure requirements in all 50 states for private practice, you must also complete in-person clinical experience hours under supervision.¹ Other licensure requirements may apply, depending on the state in which you plan to practice. A counseling license is required for all counselors who work in private practice.¹ However, if you are already a licensed counselor and would like to earn a post-master’s certificate in counseling that focuses on childhood and adolescence counseling, you can complete this certificate entirely online at GCU. Our online courses offer convenience to working professionals while still providing quality instruction.

Online education is becoming far more prevalent. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting in-person instruction, distance learning at both the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate levels increased substantially.² It’s possible that because of the increasing prevalence of online education that all types of online certificate programs are becoming more respected. Of course, this can depend on the specific school and the employer. It’s best to choose an online certificate from an institutionally accredited school, such as GCU.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

Major15 credits

Degree Requirements15 credits

Core Courses

PCN-640

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This survey course introduces students to the graduate certificate programs of childhood and adolescence disorders, marriage and family therapy, addiction counseling, and trauma. An introduction to the University policies and procedures, the learning management system, the library, and proper APA formatting for academic writing is provided. In addition, students familiarize themselves with the current DSM and how the information relates to the field of counseling. Students also learn about researching and utilizing community resources and becoming certified in specializations.

PCN-670

3 Total Credits

PCN-673

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the developmental disabilities occurring in children and adolescents, as defined in the DSM. Students examine the following disorders and disabilities: specific language and learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing, and physiological developmental disorders, while learning assessments and measurements used in diagnosing. Students receive an overview of the neurological and cultural perspectives of developmental disabilities, and the unique needs of the families.

PCN-672

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of trauma related issues during childhood and adolescence. Students examine the various types of trauma, including neglect; physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse; family trauma; parental substance use; and domestic violence. Students learn assessment and treatment approaches designed for trauma occurring during childhood and adolescence.

PCN-671

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of common disorders among children and adolescents, as defined in the DSM. Studies in this area include the following: disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, separation anxiety and selective mutism, trauma and stressor related disorders, PTSD, and adjustment disorders. Students also gain the knowledge and skills needed for treating these disorders.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Admission

Further Your Education at GCU

Enhance your professional and academic qualifications and work toward a specialization as a childhood and adolescence counseling professional. Apply today for enrollment in this post-master’s counseling certificate program at GCU.

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¹ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Oct. 24). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, And Mental Health Counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 2023.

² National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). Distance Learning. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved July 28, 2023.