1 1

SCIP - Application Fee

SCIP - Application Fee

This is Step 1 of the SCIP Core Training Pathway!

Program Prerequisites
To begin the SCIP pathway:

  • You must be a licensed or supervised mental health professional OR a graduate-level student in a psychotherapy-related field
  • You must have completed a full Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program (8-week, 10-week Live Online, or 5-day Intensive)

If you have not completed the prerequisites please refer to that here on the information page prior to purchasing any application fees.

You cannot join the SCIP course until you have been granted explicit permission from our Education Director. The reason for this is to make sure all who attend are ready for the process, and to ensure the safety of your fellow participants and our teachers. 

Once you get accepted into the program, it’s time for registration into an upcoming Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy course! This course comes in an online format, running over the course of 12 weeks. 

Please review all our FAQs and information on the SCIP Training Pipeline. Feel free to email professionaltraining@centerformsc.org for any inquiries on the Training process, as these fees will not be refundable.
$100.00 USD
$100.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
View full details

*These fees are non-refundable*

Once you submit your application fee, an email will be sent with the application form and further guidance. From this point, the follow on steps and tracking of requirements are the applicants sole responsibility.

Please email prefessionaltraining@centerformsc.org for any inquiries on Training Pathway or Certification process, as these fees will not be refundable and not eligible for a payment plan.

Teacher Training FAQs & Important Information

How do I apply for Teacher Training?

Once your prerequisites are complete, pay the fee and submit your application through CMSC’s website.

Applications are reviewed carefully to ensure each participant is ready and that we maintain a safe, supportive group learning environment.

What are the prerequisites and do I need them all completed to apply?

Yes. You must complete all three prerequisites before submitting your application:

  1. A full-length MSC course
  2. A 5-day silent, teacher-led meditation retreat
  3. A 6-month gap between your MSC course and Teacher Training

You can view the full details and steps on the Teacher Training Pathway here.

Can I take the silent retreat online?

Yes. The retreat can be taken online or in person, but it must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 5 full days
  • Mindfulness-based
  • Teacher-led
  • Held in community
  • Primarily silent

What are my options for completing a full-length MSC course?

You can fulfill this requirement with any one of the following:

  • 8-Week MSC Course (in-person or online)
  • 10-Week Live Online MSC (LOMSC) offered by CMSC
  • 5-Day MSC Intensive

Each format delivers the core MSC curriculum. If you take LOMSC, you’ll attend one extra 1-hour session during Teacher Training.

Why is there a 6-month waiting period after the MSC course?

This period is for:

  • Deepening your personal practice
  • Integrating what you’ve learned
  • Ensuring you’re truly ready for the time, energy, and financial commitment of Teacher Training

What’s the difference between the 6-Day and 12-Week Teacher Training formats?

6-Day Residential Intensive:

  • In-person, immersive experience
  • Held over 6 consecutive days

12-Week Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT):

  • Online format
  • 3-hour live sessions once a week for 12 weeks

Both options cover the same curriculum.

What is the Teacher Training Practicum (TTP)?

TTP is a 10-week, live online practicum where you:

  • Prepare to teach each MSC session
  • Practice delivering a component each week
  • Receive personalized feedback from Certified Trainers
  • Grow your teaching confidence in a small, supportive group

What happens during the Consultation Sessions?

You’ll receive 5 individual or small group Zoom consultations while co-teaching your first MSC course.

These sessions provide personalized support as you lead your class, ensuring a successful and supported start to your teaching journey.

What are the requirements for becoming a Trained MSC Teacher?

To be eligible for Trained Teacher status, you must:

  • Co-teach a full 8-week MSC course with at least 8 participants
  • Teach at least 50% of the course
  • Have a co-teacher or assistant
  • Follow the official MSC curriculum (no adaptations)

Are there scholarships available for the Teacher Training Pipeline?

Yes, we have a limited number of partial scholarships available for our Teacher Training and Teacher Training Practicum programs only. 

If there are any more scholarships available, you can apply for one on our Scholarship Request Form.

Can I get Certified after I become a Trained Teacher?

Yes. Certification is a deeper process that involves further teaching, mentoring, and assessment. All CMSC Teacher Trainers, Mentors and Teacher Training Consultants are required to be Certified as well. Thus, those who hope to potentially serve in those roles must obtain certification in order to be considered for these positions. You can learn more about Certification here:

👉 Visit the Certification Page

SCIP Training FAQs & Important Information

What is SCIP and how is it different from MSC?

SCIP (Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy) is a professional development and certification pathway for mental health clinicians who want to integrate self-compassion into their therapeutic work. It builds upon the principles and practices of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, but focuses specifically on clinical application, case consultation, and therapist embodiment of compassion-based care.

While MSC is a structured 8-week program designed for the general public, SCIP is designed for therapists and includes clinical case work, supervision, and certification pathways.

Do I need to complete the MSC program before enrolling in SCIP?

Yes. Completion of a full MSC course (8-week, 10-week live online, or 5-day intensive) is a prerequisite for enrolling in SCIP. This ensures that participants begin with a strong personal foundation in mindfulness and self-compassion practice.

Check our our upcoming LOMSC 10-week courses here!

Who is the SCIP program for?

SCIP is for licensed or supervised mental health professionals, as well as graduate students in psychotherapy-related fields. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Social workers
  • Marriage and family therapists
  • Counselors
  • Clinical interns or trainees

Participants must have active professional liability insurance and be engaged in clinical practice.

Is SCIP trauma-informed and inclusive?

Yes. The SCIP program is intentionally trauma-sensitive, grounded in relational mindfulness, and committed to inclusion. We welcome participants of all identities, backgrounds, and intersections, and offer affinity spaces to support belonging and safety within the learning environment.

How long is the SCIP program?

SCIP includes two main steps, with a third certification step launching in 2026.

  • Step 1: SCIP Learning Cohort – 12 weeks (3 hours/week)
  • Step 2: SCIP Consultations – 10 weeks (2 hours/week)
  • Step 3: Certification – Individualized timeline, includes mentorship, portfolio review, and retreat

Are CE credits available?

Yes. CE credits are available for most licensed mental health professionals for Step 1. Please refer to individual course pages for details on CE approval.

Will sessions be recorded? What’s the attendance policy?

All live sessions are NOT recorded. Learning happens online in-person. Live attendance at at least 80% of sessions is required to receive full credit or certification. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to complete Steps 1 and 2 to pursue certification (Step 3)?

Yes. Completion of both the Learning Cohort and Consultation Groups is required before applying for certification. Certification also requires additional mentorship sessions, clinical casework, and a silent MSC retreat.

Can I take just one part of the SCIP program (e.g., just the training or just consultations)?

Yes. While Steps 1 and 2 are designed as a complete pathway, each can be taken independently if you're not pursuing certification. However, Step 1 is required before joining consultations, and both are required for certification.

What if I’ve already taken SCIP in a previous format (e.g., SCIP 1.0, 2.0, 3.0)?

This is great! You may be eligible to apply for certification without retaking the full program. We will review prior participation, portfolio development, and supervision hours to determine next steps. Reach out to our team to explore your eligibility.

Is there financial assistance available?

Yes. We offer tiered pricing (including “Lend a Hand” and “Supported” rates) and some limited scholarships to support accessibility. We aim to make SCIP available to clinicians from diverse backgrounds and financial circumstances.

How do I apply for SCIP or SCIP Certification?

Applications for Step 1 (Learning Cohort) open each year and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications for certification (Step 3) will open in 2026.

👉 Link to current application form will be sent upon paying application fee
👉 [Join the certification interest list]-coming soon