MCPY 678: Intro to Play Therapy
Gain a foundation in child-centered play therapy for children ages 3–12, exploring key theories, ethics and practical skills to support self-expression, emotional growth and caregiver collaboration.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Graduate Certificate
Guided by empathy. Grounded in play.
The Graduate Certificate in Child-Centered Play Therapy at Regis University prepares clinicians to meet the urgent mental health needs of children through evidence-based, relationship-driven care. Rooted in the philosophy of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) and aligned with the Jesuit value of cura personalis, our program offers intensive, hands-on training that integrates clinical practice, live supervision and research-backed approaches to trauma-informed care. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and experience necessary to pursue the Registered Play Therapist™ credential, the international standard in the field.
Offered through the Regis Center for Play Therapy — one of only 31 Approved Centers of Play Therapy Education in the nation — this one-year certificate provides 135 education hours, including direct client interaction in our state-of-the-art clinic. Students will work with children and families in need while being supported by expert faculty and receiving live supervision from a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™. If you're called to support the next generation in healing through play, this program will help you turn that calling into a compassionate and impactful career.
Ayana Williams, Assistant Director of Enrollment
Hear from Ayana as you explore college options. We'll send details on scholarships, deadlines and financial aid.
Program Snapshot
Program Format
On-campus courses
Academic Term
8-week terms
One 16-week course
Tuition for the 25-26 Academic Year
$896 per credit hour
(plus $50 wellness fee per course)
Sample Courses
MCPY 681: Advanced Play Therapy
Deepen your skills in child-centered play therapy with a focus on trauma, grief, aggression, limit-setting and culturally-responsive practices.
MCPY 668/689: Play Clinic A/B
Apply child-centered play therapy skills in a supervised clinical setting, providing treatment to children while receiving live feedback from a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™.
How to Apply
To apply to the Child-Centered Play Therapy certificate program, you will need:
- Completed online application
- Official degree-bearing transcript(s)
- Two letters of reference
- Background check
- Admissions interview
- Admissions essay
- Resume
The first step in the application process is to contact an admissions counselor, who can evaluate your prior learning credit, provide information regarding financial aid and tuition assistance and help you through the entire application process.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year: $896 per credit hour (plus $50 wellness fee per course)
Total program credits: 12
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Regis also offers a variety of scholarships, grants and other programs to help you pay for school. Visit Financial Aid for more information.
A Culture of Excellence
The Graduate Certificate in Child-Centered Play Therapy is offered by the School of Mental and Behavioral Health within the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions.