Effectively counseling and supporting young people requires specialized skills and knowledge that many lack without formal training. Without expertise in youth therapy approaches, ethics, cultural competency, and more, counselors may struggle connecting with and helping teens and adolescents thrive.
This intensive course provides the foundational education needed to succeed as an ethical, compassionate youth counselor and guide youth through challenges.
Mastering youth counseling best practices delivers compelling benefits:
- Gain insight into teen development, psychology, and behaviors
- Build rapport and trust with young clients
- Ask thoughtful questions and actively listen
- Guide clients through struggles compassionately
- Equip clients with healthy coping strategies
- Refer clients to additional support systems
- Continuously expand cultural competency
- Uphold the highest ethical standards
- Accelerate your counseling career growth
With a focus on practical application, this course prepares learners for rewarding careers improving young lives through patient, supportive counseling. The skills are invaluable for establishing a professional, resilient youth counseling practice.
Course Overview
This comprehensive course delivers hands-on education in counseling and communicating with adolescents, applying therapy models, addressing mental health needs, and upholding ethics.
Through interactive lessons, role playing, and group discussions, learners gain expertise in youth counseling approaches across cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral domains. Core modules align with standards from the American Counseling Association.
The curriculum provides toolkits to build counselor skills in assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, trauma support, cultural competency, and family systems engagement. Learners practice skills through real-world counseling scenarios. By conclusion, learners can apply youth counseling best practices confidently.
Who Should Take This Course
Individuals pursuing roles as youth counselors, therapists, social workers, and psychologists. Useful for both students and career changers.
What You’ll Learn
- Adolescent development and psychology
- Building counselor-client relationships
- Individual counseling approaches and techniques
- Group counseling facilitation strategies
- Assessing and responding to crises
- Treatment planning and interventions
- Legal compliance and ethics
- Cultural competency and inclusivity
- Leveraging support systems and resources
Course Content
Foundations of Youth Counseling
- Counseling principles, ethical standards
- Understanding teen development stages
- Establishing trust and rapport
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Creating welcoming, inclusive environments
Individual Counseling Methods
- Cognitive behavioral therapy approaches
- Humanistic counseling techniques
- Motivational interviewing strategies
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Tailoring approaches to youth needs
Group Counseling Facilitation
- Establishing ground rules and trust
- Facilitating engaging discussions
- Managing challenges and conflict
- Fostering mutual support and growth
Assessment and Treatment Planning
- Suicide risk and mental health assessments
- Gathering client histories and context
- Collaboratively setting treatment goals
- Documenting plans and progress notes
Crisis Intervention and Trauma Support
- Recognizing verbal, behavioral crisis cues
- Employing de-escalation strategies
- Ensuring safety and stabilization
- Trauma-informed counseling approaches
Legal, Ethical, and Cultural Considerations
- Maintaining confidentiality and duty to warn
- Eliminating assumptions and judgement
- Providing identity-affirming counseling
- Seeking consultation to avoid harm
Leveraging Support Systems
- Identifying community resources
- Engaging family members appropriately
- Warm handoffs and care coordination
- Follow-up and ongoing support
Frequently Asked Questions
What experience level is this course designed for?
It’s ideal for both students and career changers pursuing roles as youth counselors or therapists.
What is the learning format and duration?
This intensive course is available in 3, 5, or 10-day live online or in-person formats.
What materials or supplies do I need?
You’ll need a computer and notebook. We provide all printed tools and handouts.
Is certification included?
Yes, you’ll earn a credential upon successfully completing all course milestones.
Can I enroll with my cohort or team?
Absolutely, group enrollments are available at discounted rates.
Is pre-work required prior to class?
No pre-work is required, but reviewing the intro pre-reading is recommended.
How is the course regularly updated?
We update the curriculum annually to reflect latest practices, research, and ethical standards.