What kind of Masters degree do I need to practice Play Therapy with troubled children?

Question

I have a BA in Psychology and Elementary Ed and want to do play therapy. I don't know of any specific degree or accredation but am interested in online classes especially.

Answer 1

A Master's of Social Work (MSW)

Online classes won't cut it for you because the only way to get a decent education when it comes to Interpersonal Practice is to have just that--practice. That means you'll need real classes, role-plays, internships, the whole nine yards.

Also, you can't practice clinical therapy with a Master's in any type of psychology. You would need a Ph.D. if you took that route. Social workers are doing most of the psychotherapy (and play therapy) these days.

The best MSW schools:
1. University of Michigan
2. Washington University-St. Louis
3. Columbia
4. UC-Berkeley
4. University of Chicago
4. University of Washington-Seattle

Answer 2

I am not an expert on this topic but I would suggest that you look at behavior psychology programs. Try to look for psychology programs that will let you look at alternative therapy methods.

If you have any books or articles that talk about play therapy i would suggest looking up who wrote it and seeing what school they went to.

I would suggest emailing some professors at universities to get a definite answer.

Answer 3

you would need to get your MSW or MA in counseling degree to become a mental health therapist. then you would need to take a certificate program to be specialized in play therapy.