4 answers
Reyna Mae
Student
Davao City, Davao Region, Philippines
2
Questions
Updated
545 views
Hi everyone! Where do I find training opportunities for career growth in psychology that provides free training or doesn't charge a large amount of money ?
I just recently graduated in college with a psychology degree but I am aware how lacking I am in skills, especially social skills. So, I would really like to find an org that gives free training certificates related to psychology.
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3 answers
Jing Wang
Business Support
49
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi Reyna,
Thank you for your question and here are some resources for you, which including both local Philippines and global accessible platform.
1. Local Philippines Resources. The 1st option is Philippines Psychological Association (PPA) - a core platform for local psychology professionals, it regularly hosts free/low-cost online/offline workshops, seminars and conferences. Many events offer training certificates and they also share internship and volunteer opportunities. The 2nd option is university psychology departments, most top Philippines university offer free continuing education courses and public training for graduates, you can contact your alma mater or local university's psychology department for updates. In additional, there is national non-profit organization - Philippines Mental Heath Association (PMHA) runs free skill-building trainings for psychology practitioners, completion comes with official certificates along, it's also good chance to gain valuable volunteer experience in mental health services.
2. Global Free/Low-cost Platforms, which can be accessed remotely and certificate is recognized globally. The first one is Coursera/edX, psychology courses are arranged for free from world-class university there, you can get a free completion certificate by auditing the course, or pay a small fee for an accredited, shareable certificate. Then is FutureLearn, where offers psychology courses from institutions like the Open University (UK), most courses are free to access, with low-cost certificate options for formal recognition. Others like APA (American Psychological Association) free resources and OpenLearn (the Open University, UK), there are lots of resources there, you can visit depends on your needs.
Good luck.
Thank you for your question and here are some resources for you, which including both local Philippines and global accessible platform.
1. Local Philippines Resources. The 1st option is Philippines Psychological Association (PPA) - a core platform for local psychology professionals, it regularly hosts free/low-cost online/offline workshops, seminars and conferences. Many events offer training certificates and they also share internship and volunteer opportunities. The 2nd option is university psychology departments, most top Philippines university offer free continuing education courses and public training for graduates, you can contact your alma mater or local university's psychology department for updates. In additional, there is national non-profit organization - Philippines Mental Heath Association (PMHA) runs free skill-building trainings for psychology practitioners, completion comes with official certificates along, it's also good chance to gain valuable volunteer experience in mental health services.
2. Global Free/Low-cost Platforms, which can be accessed remotely and certificate is recognized globally. The first one is Coursera/edX, psychology courses are arranged for free from world-class university there, you can get a free completion certificate by auditing the course, or pay a small fee for an accredited, shareable certificate. Then is FutureLearn, where offers psychology courses from institutions like the Open University (UK), most courses are free to access, with low-cost certificate options for formal recognition. Others like APA (American Psychological Association) free resources and OpenLearn (the Open University, UK), there are lots of resources there, you can visit depends on your needs.
Good luck.
Thank you for taking the time to help. I will look into these platforms that you suggested, Mr. Jing.
Reyna Mae
Colleen Andrews, PhD, PCC
Executive Coach, Leadership Coach
5
Answers
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Hi Reyna!
Congratulations on earning your psychology degree! Recognizing your skill gaps, especially in social skills, is a real strength. This self-awareness will really help you in your career.
The great news is that there are many free or low-cost psychology training options available online. Many universities and major platforms offer these courses, often for free or with affordable certificates.
Here are some excellent places to start:
1. Coursera: Offers courses from universities like Yale and Duke. Examples include Introduction to Psychology and The Science of Well-Being.
https://www.coursera.org
2. edX: Partners with universities like Harvard and MIT. You can audit courses for free, with low-cost certificates available.
https://www.edx.org
3. FutureLearn: Focuses on psychology and mental health topics, with flexible, self-paced learning.
https://www.futurelearn.com
4. Alison: Provides free diplomas and certificates on topics like child psychology and mental health.
https://alison.com
5. Saylor Academy: Offers fully free courses and certificates in many cases.
https://www.saylor.org
6. MIT OpenCourseWare: Provides free university-level psychology courses.
https://ocw.mit.edu
7. Open Culture: Aggregates free courses from top universities.
https://www.openculture.com
8. eLearning College: Offers free, self-paced certificate-style courses in psychology.
https://www.elearningcollege.com
9. Academic Earth: Features free lectures and courses from schools like Harvard and Stanford.
https://academicearth.org
10. SWAYAM: A government-supported platform with free courses across various disciplines.
https://swayam.gov.in
You're starting to build your skills intentionally, which is exactly where you should be. Begin with a couple of courses, apply what you learn, and connect with people in the field. This approach will help you grow in confidence and ability.
Stay curious!
Colleen
Congratulations on earning your psychology degree! Recognizing your skill gaps, especially in social skills, is a real strength. This self-awareness will really help you in your career.
The great news is that there are many free or low-cost psychology training options available online. Many universities and major platforms offer these courses, often for free or with affordable certificates.
Here are some excellent places to start:
1. Coursera: Offers courses from universities like Yale and Duke. Examples include Introduction to Psychology and The Science of Well-Being.
https://www.coursera.org
2. edX: Partners with universities like Harvard and MIT. You can audit courses for free, with low-cost certificates available.
https://www.edx.org
3. FutureLearn: Focuses on psychology and mental health topics, with flexible, self-paced learning.
https://www.futurelearn.com
4. Alison: Provides free diplomas and certificates on topics like child psychology and mental health.
https://alison.com
5. Saylor Academy: Offers fully free courses and certificates in many cases.
https://www.saylor.org
6. MIT OpenCourseWare: Provides free university-level psychology courses.
https://ocw.mit.edu
7. Open Culture: Aggregates free courses from top universities.
https://www.openculture.com
8. eLearning College: Offers free, self-paced certificate-style courses in psychology.
https://www.elearningcollege.com
9. Academic Earth: Features free lectures and courses from schools like Harvard and Stanford.
https://academicearth.org
10. SWAYAM: A government-supported platform with free courses across various disciplines.
https://swayam.gov.in
You're starting to build your skills intentionally, which is exactly where you should be. Begin with a couple of courses, apply what you learn, and connect with people in the field. This approach will help you grow in confidence and ability.
Stay curious!
Colleen
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Reyna Mae
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1381
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Reyna Mae,
I really appreciate your honesty, that self-awareness is actually a growth asset. You’re not behind; you’re just at the stage where you’re intentionally building your skill set.
There are several free or low-cost platforms where you can start strengthening both your knowledge and confidence:
- Coursera – Offers psychology and mental health courses; you can apply for financial aid to access certificates
- edX – University-level courses you can audit for free
- FutureLearn – Great for short, practical courses in mental health and wellbeing
- Alison – Fully free courses with certificates in psychology, personal development, and soft skills
- Udemy – Often has very low-cost courses; look out for discounts on counseling skills, communication, and mental health topics
Beyond courses, look into organizations that offer free training and real-world exposure:
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
They provide programs, peer support training, and opportunities to get involved.
For your social skills, the fastest growth will come from practice, not just theory. Think of:
- Volunteering in youth programs, NGOs, or community groups
- Joining peer support or outreach initiatives
- Attending webinars and interactive workshops
Here’s a simple plan:
- Take 1–2 structured courses (knowledge)
- Get involved in one volunteer role (real-life interaction)
- Attend regular workshops/webinars (exposure + networking)
One key mindset shift: don’t focus on collecting certificates, focus on building confidence in how you communicate, listen, and connect with people. You’re in a powerful position right now. If you stay consistent and intentional, your skills and confidence will grow faster than you expect.
Best wishes!
I really appreciate your honesty, that self-awareness is actually a growth asset. You’re not behind; you’re just at the stage where you’re intentionally building your skill set.
There are several free or low-cost platforms where you can start strengthening both your knowledge and confidence:
- Coursera – Offers psychology and mental health courses; you can apply for financial aid to access certificates
- edX – University-level courses you can audit for free
- FutureLearn – Great for short, practical courses in mental health and wellbeing
- Alison – Fully free courses with certificates in psychology, personal development, and soft skills
- Udemy – Often has very low-cost courses; look out for discounts on counseling skills, communication, and mental health topics
Beyond courses, look into organizations that offer free training and real-world exposure:
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
They provide programs, peer support training, and opportunities to get involved.
For your social skills, the fastest growth will come from practice, not just theory. Think of:
- Volunteering in youth programs, NGOs, or community groups
- Joining peer support or outreach initiatives
- Attending webinars and interactive workshops
Here’s a simple plan:
- Take 1–2 structured courses (knowledge)
- Get involved in one volunteer role (real-life interaction)
- Attend regular workshops/webinars (exposure + networking)
One key mindset shift: don’t focus on collecting certificates, focus on building confidence in how you communicate, listen, and connect with people. You’re in a powerful position right now. If you stay consistent and intentional, your skills and confidence will grow faster than you expect.
Best wishes!
Hello, ma'am Chinyere! I remember that you also answered my question last time. Thank you so much for your valuable answer, suggestions, and healthy advice. Definitely recommending this platform to my friends.
Reyna Mae
You're welcome, Reyna Mae.
Chinyere Okafor