Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is becoming increasingly popular in the field of mental health with the proven benefits of interacting with animals on a person’s mental and physical health. AAT is a type of therapy that involves animals as part of the healing process, and it is a field that has seen tremendous growth in the past few years. As such, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in this field. Here are some of the best colleges and universities in the world that offer animal-assisted therapy programs.
1. University of Denver
The University of Denver’s graduate school of social work offers a program in animal-assisted social work, which is one of the most renowned programs in the world. The curriculum provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified in animal-assisted interventions, including animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities.
2. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with an emphasis on animal-assisted therapy. The curriculum combines traditional counseling techniques with AAT strategies and provides students with hands-on experience working with therapy animals in a supervised setting.
3. Oakland University
Oakland University’s program in animal-assisted therapy is designed for those looking to work in a specialized area in the field of mental health, such as pet therapy or service animal training. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the psychological benefits of animal interaction and how to incorporate this into their counseling practice.
4. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri offers a program in animal-assisted intervention, which is aimed at individuals who want to explore the various applications of animal-assisted therapy in different settings. Students are exposed to a range of animal-assisted interventions, including therapy, education, and rehabilitation.
5. Tufts University
Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine offers the Master of Science degree in animals and public policy with an emphasis on animal-human interactions. The program is ideal for students who want to explore the social, ethical, and biological aspects of animals in human society, including animal-assisted therapy.
In summary, animal-assisted therapy is becoming an increasingly popular field in the world of mental health. As such, it is critical to choose a college or university that offers specialized programs designed to prepare graduates for this specialized area of mental health. These are some of the best institutions worldwide for anyone looking to become an expert in animal-assisted therapy. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking to switch careers, the programs offered by these institutions are well worth exploring.
