Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy


Graduate Certificate

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

2 Semesters (5 months)

Several students sitting and in camp chairs and eating outdoors.

The Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy at Westminster University

The Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy at Westminster University is a comprehensive program that supplements your career in mental health counseling. Through 3 intensive courses between January and June, students will develop the foundational knowledge and skills to implement clinically effective, ethical, and culturally relevant adventure therapy programming.

Who the Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy Is For

The Adventure Therapy Certificate Program is designed especially for already degreed mental health or recreational therapists, or those students enrolled in Westminster University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) program.

As a student in Westminster’s Adventure Therapy Certificate program, you'll learn to implement clinically effective, ethical, and culturally relevant adventure therapy. You'll expand your skills and knowledge, allowing you to specialize in adventure therapy and integrate adventure therapy programming into your existing practice.

Sample courses

  • CCE 651: Foundations of Adventure-Based Counseling
  • CCE 652: Professional Practice in Adventure-Based Counseling
  • CCE 653: Clinical Practice in Adventure-Based Counseling 

completion time

This 5-month program includes 3 intensive courses that require 9 credit hours. Classes typically run during the spring and May term semesters.

What Are the Benefits of the Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy?

  • Foundational knowledge of the distinct elements of adventure therapy, including history, interventions, theories, and models.
  • Examination of sociocultural and environmental implications of adventure therapy, emphasizing principles diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Understanding of various models of client assessment, incorporating relevant learning into clinical practice and risk management.
  • Knowledge of and adherence to accepted standards of professionalism and ethical practice while developing and implementing adventure therapy.
  • Understanding of how to apply professional standards for clinical documentation to an adventure therapy setting, examining confidentiality standards, liability, and note-taking.
  • Gaining a foundation of counseling skills of therapeutic alliance building to a variety of adventure therapy settings and client populations.
  • Competence in developing, facilitating, and processing adventure therapy interventions in support of client-centered, culturally relevant, and clinically-informed treatment practices.
  • An understanding of the relevance and effectiveness of adventure therapy practices through both formal and informal means to support integration and transfer of learning towards clinical goals.

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Application DeadlineS

July 1: Application Opens
Oct. 1: Priority Deadline
Dec. 1: Regular Deadline

 

Admissions Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

 

Our Faculty

Patrick McMillion
assistant Professor

Anna Lieber
clinical director, Adjunct Professor

Ellen Behrens, PhD
Chair, associate Professor

 

How to Apply to the Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy

  • Online application
  • Official transcript showing proof of master's degree or higher in one of the following areas:  
    • Counseling
    • Psychology
    • Social Work
    • Marriage and Family Therapy
    • Recreational Therapy
  • Current resume or CV
  • Statement of intent describing how training in Adventure Therapy aligns with your career goals and how you intend to use this certificate

There's No Better Investment Than You

Tuition and Fees

At Westminster, we are committed to making your education affordable.

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