Trauma-Responsive Practice Certificate
Promote Post-Traumatic Growth and Healing
Learn how to work with individuals on their healing journey and reduce the risk of re-traumatization.
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Program Highlights
online
certificate courses
total certificate credit hours
Apply Trauma-Informed Care
The Trauma-Responsive Practice Certificate was designed to meet the call for additional, specialized training in trauma-informed care from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It prepares graduates to apply a change in focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s happened to you?” The shifted model of thinking allows therapists to help clients respond to past traumas and the way they affect current mental health issues when working with consumers of care.
Experience the latest research in neuroscience, evidence-based practice, experiential models, epigenetics, and more. You’ll graduate qualified to work with a larger audience of clients to help in a more meaningful way.
Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program. Students who have a conferred MSW from a regionally accredited institution may also apply.
Please note, Federal Title IV financial aid is only available for certificate courses when they are taken as a part of a degree-seeking program.
The Need for Trauma-Informed Practice is Everywhere
According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70% of adults in the U.S. and more than 90% of behavioral health clients have experienced a traumatic event,1 the results of which can leave survivors with minor disturbances like frequent headaches to critical issues like substance misuse and suicidal thoughts. The need for social workers who can recognize these issues as possible signs of trauma and understand how to apply trauma-informed therapy is great across all fields. This especially includes social work practice in direct services like schools, community mental health, case management, and hospitals.
A professional licensure or certification may be required to practice, advance, or specialize in social work. However, educational requirements for licensure vary by state. View more information on social work licensure here.
For more information on our program’s SARA compliance please see here.
Careers and Salaries
Understand Trauma-Informed Care
Throughout the curriculum for the Trauma-Responsive Practice certificate, you’ll learn to understand the impact of trauma from micro, mezzo, and macro perspectives. You’ll gain trauma-informed engagement, assessment, treatment, and intervention skills to help clients heal.
Trauma-Informed Practice Certificate (9 credit hours)
- SW 510 Understanding Trauma (3)
- SW 711 Trauma-Informed Practice (3)
- SW 712 Advanced Trauma-Responsive Practice (3)
The courses within the trauma-informed practice certificate replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.
Learn more about the courses required for this certificate on our courses page.
Choose An Area of Focus
As a student, you’ll choose either a certificate or an individualized plan of study to complete within the MSW. These certificates are designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure you graduate with the career-ready skills necessary for professional success.
Build a comprehensive understanding of topics influencing child welfare practice, including historical perspectives, child protection policy, and abuse intervention. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateGain an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills including application of social work practice in a variety of clinical settings. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateGain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and their families, and explore effective and culturally-sensitive behavioral healthcare services for this population. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateDevelop critical skills through study and experience to assess and intervene on behalf of children and adolescents in a school setting. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateLearn treatment and prevention approaches related to substance use disorders and develop essential intervention skills through a curriculum founded on evidence-based practice. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateCreate your plan of study based on your specific career goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View IPSWhy Choose UK Online?
Join the Big Blue Nation
Joining the online MSW at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and high licensure exam pass rates, we make sure you graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.
How to Apply
Submit an application to UK in three simple steps:
- Create an online account.
- Submit your application and supporting documents.
- Pay the $65 application fee.
You can expect to receive a decision 2–3 weeks after you apply.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Earning your degree online with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is a big step — and we’re here to support you along the way. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions about the College and the online Master of Social Work program. If you have additional questions, call 833-358-1721 to speak with an Admissions Counselor.
Yes, all certificate programs require an application. Students must submit an application through the Graduate School’s application portal. Contact us for more information.
The certificates are completed as a part of the Master of Social Work program. Full-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two semesters and the Regular Standing program in 4 semesters in an accelerated format. Part-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two years and the Regular Standing program in three years. Accelerated completion options are available with program director approval.
The certificate programs provide a versatile credential that allows you to qualify for a myriad of roles in a variety of settings through career-ready skills that immediately apply to your chosen area of focus.
All certificate programs are offered online and through a hybrid format.
To see full curriculum details, please visit the MSW courses page.