Free Play Therapy CEUs: Low-Cost and No-Cost Training Options

If you’re searching for free play therapy CEUs or low-cost training to support your certification journey, you’re in the right place. As a play therapist in training, I understand how quickly costs for continuing education and supervision hours can add up. While it’s unlikely you’ll find everything you need for certification at no cost, it’s important that affordable options exist — especially for new and early-career therapists building their skills and practices.
In this post, you’ll find an ongoing, updated list of free play therapy CEUs and affordable play therapy training opportunities. These are great resources for supplementing your education while being mindful of your budget.
Why Seek Out Free Play Therapy CEUs?
Obtaining play therapy certification through the Association for Play Therapy (APT) requires a significant investment of time and resources. Free and low-cost CEU options can:
✅ Help you meet non-contact hour requirements
✅ Expand your knowledge of specialized topics (e.g., neurodiversity, trauma, theories)
✅ Make certification more accessible, especially early in your career
These trainings are typically offered by approved APT providers, ensuring they meet professional standards.
💡 Want help explaining your use of digital play and video games in therapy to skeptical parents?
👉 Download our FREE mini-guide: Practical tips for confident, ethical conversations about game use in therapy.
Free Non-Contact Play Therapy CEU Opportunities
Here’s a selection of always-available, home-study non-contact CEUs:
🟣 Play Therapy Theories: A Basic Overview
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1.5 Non-Contact Hours
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Provided by Robert Jason Grant, Ed.D (APT Approved Provider #12-318) through AutPlay Therapy Clinic
🟣 Neurodiversity Affirming Play Therapy
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2.5 Non-Contact Hours
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Provided by Robert Jason Grant, Ed.D (APT Approved Provider #12-318 & IBCCES Training Partner #CE159432)
🟣 Understanding Ableism and Neurodiversity in Play Therapy
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1.5 Non-Contact Hours
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Provided by Robert Jason Grant, Ed.D
(Note: The above trainings may be grouped under the AutPlay site’s offerings. Double-check each listing for the most current availability.)
Free Contact Play Therapy CEU Opportunities
If you’re seeking live, interactive training:
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The Washington Association for Play Therapy frequently offers free or low-cost live webinars. Sign up for their newsletter to receive alerts about upcoming training.
Affordable Play Therapy CEUs
For additional budget-friendly training:
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The Michigan Play Therapy Training Academy offers affordable CEU opportunities covering the three phases of play therapy certification.
Bonus: Free CEU & Hours Tracking Tool
📌 Want help staying organized? Check out this free play therapy hours and CEU tracking spreadsheet (Google Sheets template) that aligns with the APT’s three-phase certification model.
Final Thoughts on Free Play Therapy CEUs
Pursuing free play therapy CEUs and affordable training is a smart way to support your professional growth while being mindful of your finances. This list will be updated regularly, so check back for new opportunities to deepen your knowledge and skills.
If you know of a free or low-cost play therapy training or supervision resource, consider sharing it with colleagues or relevant organizations to help support accessibility in our field.
💡 Want help explaining your use of digital play and video games in therapy to skeptical parents?
👉 Download our FREE mini-guide: Practical tips for confident, ethical conversations about game use in therapy.