Nature-based Counseling
Why this program?
The Graduate Certificate in Nature-based Counseling is a five course, 15 credit-hour program with a program objective to integrate ecological perspectives within the concepts and practices of mental health counseling.
What can you do with this certificate program?
Students interested in ecotherapy, deep ecology, earth-based traditional healing practices, non US-centric nature healing practices, ritual and rites of passage, mindfulness, horticultural, or nature-based settings. Graduates possess competencies in both conventional counseling and nature-based counseling.
What will this program look like?
- To develop basic skills and knowledge necessary to incorporate culturally relevant nature-based modalities into mental health settings, from healing to well-being. This includes a general understanding of the history of the field, foundational theory, broad treatment applications, and ethical practices.
- To develop critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate as a practitioner in counseling that integrates nature-based interventions, including ethical considerations, cultural relevance, risk mitigation, evaluation, and integration of current research.
- To possess competencies in nature-based counseling to be employable in a range of mental health settings.
Key Program Information
Number of Credits
15
Cost Per Credit
$830
Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
June 1, 2025
Fall 2025 Final Application Deadline
July 15, 2025
Fall 2025 Orientation Starts
August 11, 2025
Spring 2026 Completed Application Deadlines
Priority Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
Final Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
All new Spring 2026 students will be required to attend an all-day New Student Orientation event on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, held virtually, as well as a virtual 3-day Colloquium event, January 8th-10th, 2026.
Spring 2026 Term Classes Start
January 13, 2026
Admissions & Apply
- To develop basic skills and knowledge necessary to incorporate culturally relevant nature-based modalities into mental health settings, from healing to well-being. This includes a general understanding of the history of the field, foundational theory, broad treatment applications, and ethical practices.
- To develop critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate as a practitioner in counseling that integrates nature-based interventions, including ethical considerations, cultural relevance, risk mitigation, evaluation, and integration of current research.
- To possess competencies in nature-based counseling to be employable in a range of mental health settings.
For further details about the Master of Science in Counseling Program, please read through the current Student Handbook
- The Master of Science in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counselor and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission has approved Prescott College to offer all of its degree titles via distance education.
Click to view program requirements and academic program information in the Course Catalog.
Are you interested in being part of our community?
One thing we all have in common is our passion – passion for helping others, passion for the environment, passion for social justice and a passion for a different kind of learning experience.