• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  1. Categories
  2. Counseling

Counseling Courses

Counseling courses can help you learn active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and effective communication techniques. You can build skills in assessing client needs, developing treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions. Many courses introduce tools such as cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, motivational interviewing strategies, and assessment instruments that enhance your ability to support clients in various settings.

Popular Counseling Courses and Certifications


  • G

    Goodwill Industries International

    Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator

    Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Interviewing Skills, Communication, Coaching, Accountability, Professional Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Client Support, Recruitment, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Relationship Management, Talent Pipelining, Needs Assessment, Employee Onboarding, Empathy, Gap Analysis, Goal Setting, Professional Networking, Relationship Building, Adaptability

    4.7 stars, 480 reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.7 (480) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • U

    University of Minnesota

    Integrative Health and Medicine

    Skills you'll gain: Patient Evaluation, Drug Interaction, Meditation & Breathwork, Patient Education And Counseling, Mindfulness, Patient Referral, Treatment Planning, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Pain Management, Contraindication, Patient Safety, Clinical Assessment, Health Policy, Patient-centered Care, Music, Patient Communication, Clinical Practices, Safety Standards, Stress Management, Pharmaceuticals

    4.8 stars, 1.9K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (1.9K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Coursera

    A Clinician's Guide: Soft Skills for Better Patient Outcomes

    Skills you'll gain: Patient Communication, Patient Education and Support, Constructive Feedback, Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Compassion, Patient Education And Counseling, Patient-centered Care, Empathy, Employee Engagement, Telehealth, Interpersonal Communications, Self-Awareness, Active Listening, Communication, Data Analysis, Cultural Sensitivity, Quality Improvement, Leadership and Management, Continuous Improvement Process

    4.4 stars, 12 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.4 (12) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • G

    Goodwill Industries International

    Goodwill® Digital Navigator Certificate

    Skills you'll gain: digital literacy, Training Programs, Intercultural Competence, Relationship Building, Active Listening, Workforce Development, Curriculum Planning, Needs Assessment, Ethical Standards And Conduct, End User Training and Support, Planning, Collaboration, Automation

    4.7 stars, 49 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (49) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • J

    John Wiley & Sons

    Taxes, Credit, and Loans

    Skills you'll gain: Tax Planning, Tax Management, Income Tax, Consumer Lending, Tax Preparation, Payroll Tax, Tax, Tax Compliance, Payment Systems, Deposit Accounts, Loans, Tax Returns, Banking, Credit Risk, Financial Systems, Financial Services, Financial Planning, Mortgage Loans, Real Estate, Transaction Processing

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • I

    Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    Recognizing Suicidality in Youth Mental Health

    Skills you'll gain: Crisis Intervention, Mental Health, Vulnerability, English Language

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Category: Free
    Free
  • What brings you to Coursera today?

  • U

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

    Skills you'll gain: Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Therapies, Psychiatry, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychology, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Research Methodologies, Research, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Assessment, Mindfulness, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Public Health

    4.4 stars, 8 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.4 (8) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • L

    Lund University

    The Mental Health Clinician and AI

    Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Precision Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Patient Evaluation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Machine Learning, AI Personalization, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Human Centered Design, Mental and Behavioral Health, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Mental Health, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Regulatory Compliance, Medical Privacy, Generative AI, AI Integrations, Data Collection, Data Security

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • S

    Skillshare

    Reach Your Goals: 7 Personal Development Exercises

    Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Goal Setting, Empowerment, Follow Through, Goal-Oriented, Action Oriented, Courage, Overcoming Obstacles

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Applying to College 101

    Skills you'll gain: Organizational Skills, Higher Education, Planning, Self-Awareness, School Counseling, Research

    4.8 stars, 20 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (20) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Free
    Free
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Communication as a Technical Leader

    Skills you'll gain: Interpersonal Communications, Emotional Intelligence, Constructive Feedback, Leadership, Empathy, Leadership Development, Engineering Management, Active Listening, Communication, Communication Strategies, Non-Verbal Communication, Supervision, Personal Integrity, Coaching

    4.6 stars, 79 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.6 (79) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Essentials of Acupuncture: Theory & Practice

    Skills you'll gain: Patient Preparation, Preventative Care, Sterile Procedure, Healthcare Ethics, Physical Therapy, Clinical Assessment, Medication Therapy Management, Athletic Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
1234…16

Best free Counseling courses

High-quality free Counseling courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    Recognizing Suicidality in Youth Mental Health
    Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiBeginner1 - 3 Months4.8(5)Free
  2. 2
    Applying to College 101
    University of PennsylvaniaBeginner1 - 3 Months4.8(20)Free

Best Counseling courses from Goodwill Industries International

Top-rated Counseling courses offered by Goodwill Industries International on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator
    Goodwill Industries InternationalBeginner3 - 6 Months4.7(480)Goodwill Industries International
  2. 2
    Goodwill® Digital Navigator Certificate
    Goodwill Industries InternationalBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(49)Goodwill Industries International

Best Counseling certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Counseling from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    Integrative Health and Medicine
    University of MinnesotaBeginner3 - 6 Months4.8(1,878)Specialization
  2. 2
    A Clinician's Guide: Soft Skills for Better Patient Outcomes
    CourseraBeginner3 - 6 Months4.4(12)Specialization
  3. 3
    Taxes, Credit, and Loans
    John Wiley & SonsBeginner1 - 3 Months4.3(3)Specialization

Best Counseling courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Counseling courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Evidence-Based Psychotherapy
    University of California, Santa CruzBeginner1 - 3 Months4.4(8)No prerequisites
  2. 2
    Reach Your Goals: 7 Personal Development Exercises
    SkillshareBeginner1 - 4 Weeks5.0(5)No prerequisites
  3. 3
    Communication as a Technical Leader
    University of Colorado BoulderBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.6(79)No prerequisites

Frequently Asked Questions about Counseling

Counseling is a professional practice that involves helping individuals navigate personal, social, and psychological challenges. It is important because it provides support and guidance to those facing difficulties, helping them to develop coping strategies, improve their mental health, and enhance their overall well-being. Counselors play a crucial role in fostering resilience and empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives.‎

A career in counseling can lead to various job opportunities, including roles such as school counselor, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, and substance abuse counselor. Each of these positions allows professionals to make a significant impact on individuals and communities by providing essential support and guidance.‎

To succeed in counseling, you need a combination of interpersonal and technical skills. Key skills include active listening, empathy, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Additionally, understanding psychological theories and ethical practices is vital for effective counseling.‎

There are many online options for counseling courses that cater to different interests and skill levels. Some popular choices include introductory courses on counseling techniques, specialized training in areas like family therapy, and programs focusing on mental health awareness. Exploring these options can help you find the right fit for your learning journey.‎

Yes. You can start learning counseling on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many counseling courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in counseling, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning counseling involves a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You can start by enrolling in online courses, participating in workshops, and seeking internships or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Engaging with peers and professionals in the field can also enhance your understanding.‎

Typical topics covered in counseling courses include counseling theories, ethical practices, communication skills, assessment techniques, and specific areas like trauma-informed care or addiction counseling. These subjects provide a comprehensive foundation for aspiring counselors.‎

For training and upskilling employees in counseling, courses that focus on communication skills, mental health awareness, and conflict resolution are particularly beneficial. These courses can equip employees with the tools to support their colleagues and foster a healthier work environment.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Project Management
  • Python
  • SQL

Professional Certificates

  • Google AI Certificate
  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM AI Engineering Certificate
  • IBM AI Product Manager Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate

Courses & Specializations

  • AI Essentials Specialization
  • AI For Business Specialization
  • AI For Everyone Course
  • AI in Healthcare Specialization
  • Deep Learning Specialization
  • Excel Skills for Business Specialization
  • Financial Markets Course
  • Machine Learning Specialization
  • Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course
  • Python for Everybody Specialization

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • CAPM Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
  • Essential IT Certifications
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • PMP Certification Requirements
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Udemy

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok