Certificate in Animal- Assisted Psychotherapy (CAAP)

Professional Training & Tuition

Designed by clinicians, for clinicians. Our curriculum is developed and taught by the authors of Animal-Assisted Counseling & Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide, ensuring you receive instruction grounded in both academic rigor and real-world clinical experience.

Tuition & Investment

We offer flexible payment options to help you reach your professional goals:

Standard Tuition: $2,400 USD
Installment Plan: 3 monthly payments of $800.
Pay-in-Full Discount: Save $100 when you pay the total tuition upfront.
Bundle & Save: Save an additional $200 when you pay in full for both the Online Certificate and a 3-Day Intensive Workshop together.

Course Format & Credits

Location: 100% Online & Self-Paced.
Continuing Education: 90 CEU/CPD credits awarded upon completion.

"I was at the beginning stages of understanding and incorporating AAP into my practice, and the certificate program was exactly what I needed. It provided both the educational and practical components I needed to obtain a well-rounded understanding of the field. The instructors were fantastic. They consistently graded quickly, providing thoughtful and helpful feedback. They challenged and encouraged me to bring my practice up to the next level."

2019 Certificate Graduate Aimee Maas, MSW, LCSW, CAAP, Carol Stream, IL

The AAP Certificate Program

The AAP Certificate Program is specifically designed for professionals holding a Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related mental health field. This program offers a comprehensive education in the development and clinical application of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP) skills, grounded in evidence-based research.

Program Structure & Flexibility

Format: The program can be completed entirely online through our electronic classroom.
Experiential Learning: For a more hands-on experience, students may pair the online curriculum with our 3-Day Intensive Workshop held in Colorado. While highly encouraged, the workshop is optional for those unable to travel.
Self-Paced: There is no strict time limit for completion. This allows you to balance your professional practice and personal life while advancing your specialty.
Curriculum: The program consists of 6 core courses, each requiring 3–5 assignments.
Support: Throughout the program, students have direct access to professional supervision and consultation to ensure the material is applicable to their specific clinical goals.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all coursework and assignments, graduates will be awarded a Certificate in Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy, signifying their status as a specialist in this growing clinical field.

AAP Certificate Courses

Our six-course sequence is designed to transition you from foundational theory to advanced clinical application.

Course 1: The Human-Animal Bond

Establish a scientific and practical foundation for your practice.

Focus: Explore the scientifically established bond between humans and animals.
Key Topics: Mutual therapeutic benefits, integrating the bond as a clinical medium, and the therapeutic influence of nature on client well-being.

Course 2: Legal & Ethical Issues in AAP

Navigate the complexities of integrating animals into a professional practice.

Focus: Address the unique legal and ethical considerations of Animal Assisted Psychotherapy.
Key Topics: Working with multiple animals, managing less common species, and maintaining professional boundaries and safety standards.

Course 3: Animal Behavior & Training

Learn to "read" your co-therapist and enhance the therapeutic experience.

Focus: Understanding animal behavior and adaptations to develop rich interventions.
Key Topics: Basic animal training skills, using animal behavior as a clinical tool, and facilitating client-led animal training for therapeutic growth.

Course 4: AAP & Theory

Root your animal-assisted work in established psychological frameworks.

Focus: Developing a clinical style that is consistent with professional theory.
Key Topics: Exploring developmental approaches and adapting AAP to fit your preferred theoretical orientation (e.g., CBT, Psychodynamic, Humanistic).

Course 5: Treatment Planning & Interventions

Translate theory into actionable, cohesive clinical plans.

Focus: Integrating AAP concepts into structured treatment for specific populations.
Key Topics: Designing group and family therapy protocols and creating practical interventions tailored to your primary client age group or demographic.

Course 6: Documentation & Outcomes

Contribute to the growth of this emerging field through evidence-based practice.

Focus: Measuring efficacy and professional clinical documentation.
Key Topics: Developing outcome measurement tools and conducting a single-subject study to document client progress. (Modifications available for students not currently in clinical practice.)