AAT Competencies and Multicultural Considerations
Enroll in the Online Self-Study course and complete it at your own pace.
3 CE hours available for behavioral health clinicians upon completion.
When animals enter the therapy room, everything changes. The therapeutic alliance expands into a triadic relationship, the risks and ethical responsibilities multiply, and multicultural perceptions can shape a client’s experience in unexpected ways. For clinicians incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), specialized knowledge and competencies are essential—not optional.
This self-paced online course provides foundational guidance for behavioral health professionals who want to ethically and effectively integrate therapy animals into clinical practice.
Enroll in the 3 CE Online Self-Study for $150
Payment Options are listed at checkout
Dr. Christina Strayer—Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, AAT Interventionist, and educator—leads this training with warmth and deep expertise. With years of experience integrating dogs, goats, birds, and even crustaceans into the therapeutic process, Dr. Strayer equips clinicians with practical tools grounded in best practices and compassion.
Her approach is holistic, client-centered, and rooted in cultural humility. She trains clinicians to view animals as active partners in care, to screen clients with intention, and to honor diverse perspectives about animals and healing.
Participants will explore the ACA and Pet Partners Core Competencies for AAT-C, key multicultural considerations for working with diverse clients, legal and ethical risks of AAT, and essential elements of the therapeutic triad. You’ll also learn how to advocate for your animal’s welfare while protecting the safety and dignity of your clients.
Instructor
Dr. Christina Strayer, Ed.D, LCMHCS, AAT-I, THTC, CYT-200, NLC-P, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist-Associate, Pet Partner Team Evaluator, Animal Assisted Therapist-Interventionist, and Life Coach with her coaching practice Energy Coaching with Horses and Others (E.C.H.O.) in North Carolina. Her private practice is Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle. She is trained in a variety of Integrative Therapies including Art, Yoga, and Mindfulness. Her theoretical approach is Client-centered and Holistic. Along with her mini goats, avian, equine, canine, and crustacean helpers, Christina combines her study of the power of the human-animal bond in healing with proven counseling theories and techniques to guide clients in reaching their goals.
She has a diverse background in counseling and teaching. She is the Lead Instructor for the Animal Assisted Therapy Interventionist (AAT-I) certification course. She has served as an adjunct professor at Campbell University in the Counselor Education department.
Key Takeaways:
Understand the core competencies: Gain clarity on the professional standards outlined by ACA and Pet Partners for ethical, effective AAT practice.
Navigate multicultural dynamics: Learn how cultural and health considerations shape client interactions with therapy animals.
Advocate for your co-therapist: Learn to protect your therapy animal’s physical and emotional wellbeing in clinical settings.
Why this course?
A trusted expert guide: Dr. Strayer brings real-world experience, academic depth, and cross-species fluency to help you build a competent and ethical AAT practice.
Essential foundations for ethical care: This course ensures you're not only confident with animals but clinically prepared for AAT's unique responsibilities.
From a nationally respected provider: Telehealth Certification Institute offers accredited, accessible continuing education trusted by thousands of clinicians nationwide.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the ACA and Pet Partners Core Competencies for AAT-C
Describe various ethics, laws, risks, and multi-cultural considerations that must be factored into the practice of AAT
List the key elements of triadic relationships and being your animal’s best advocate in an AAT setting
As you consider your next steps in AAT, this course offers a thoughtful, evidence-informed foundation for deepening your work with both clients and therapy animals.
Add to cart to begin learning instantly.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course. It consists of 60+ minutes of video instruction, reading assignments and written responses, a post test and an evaluation.
*This course is part of the Animal Assisted Therapy Interventionist (AAT-I) certification series and includes essential competencies required for all AAT practitioners.
Please note: Textbooks are required to complete the learning content. Reading materials are not included with course enrollment and must be purchased separately through retail booksellers. See the “Requirements” tab for specific titles.
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Availability: From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.
Who Should Attend: This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.
Teaching Methods: This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.
How to attend: Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.
This program was updated on September 20, 2023.
Testimonials
Bridgette Nalumu
Public health consultant, Green and Purple Consultancy Network
Lora Verley
Clinical Therapist, Bayless Integrated Healthcare
Jackie Tanna
Therapist, Region One Mental Health
Jackie Bell-Russell
Therapeutic Behavioral Strategist, Rialto Unified School District