Professional Diploma in Child & Adolescent Mental Health: CPD Training for Counsellors

Working therapeutically with children and adolescents requires a distinct skill set. The developmental, relational, and systemic factors shaping young people's mental health call for approaches grounded in attachment theory, child development, and age-appropriate practice. ICPS College's Professional Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health equips counsellors and psychotherapists with the specialist knowledge needed to work effectively with this population.

Delivered live online over ten weeks, this course offers practising professionals a structured pathway into specialist work with young clients — from foundational theory through to case formulation and ethical practice.

What the Course Covers

The course spans ten modules, covering:

• Child development theories and their clinical applications

• Attachment theory and relational approaches with children

• Adolescent identity development and therapeutic engagement

• Common presentations: anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and school refusal

• Safeguarding responsibilities and mandatory reporting in work with minors

• Working with families and systemic contexts

• Play therapy and creative approaches with children

• Trauma-informed practice with young people

• Self-harm, suicidal ideation, and risk assessment in adolescents

• Case formulation for child and adolescent presentations

Who Is This Course For?

• Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists seeking CPD in child and adolescent work

• School counsellors and guidance counsellors

• Social workers and family support workers

• Youth workers and community professionals

• Trainee counsellors building a specialist interest in working with young people

Delivery Format and Duration

Delivered live online via Zoom over ten weeks. One session per week is delivered in real time, with supplementary reading and reflective tasks between sessions. Participants receive 60 CPD credits on successful completion.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Professional Development Consortium and the CPD Standards Office, providing 60 CPD credits on completion. Credits are suitable for submission to IACP, IAHIP, BACP, and other recognised professional bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to already be working with children to enrol?

No. Many participants are counsellors who wish to extend their competence into work with younger clients. The course provides the theoretical and practical grounding to support that transition.

Is safeguarding covered?

Yes. Safeguarding responsibilities, mandatory reporting requirements, and ethical considerations in work with minors are addressed throughout the programme.

Is this relevant if I work mainly with adults?

Yes. Many counsellors who work primarily with adults encounter younger clients or are asked to extend their practice. This course provides the foundation to do so with appropriate competence and confidence.

Enrol in the Professional Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

View full details and enrolment information on the Professional Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health course page. You may also be interested in the Professional Diploma in Trauma & PTSD, Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology, and Professional Diploma in Group Therapy & Facilitation. For enquiries, visit the ICPS College contact page.