650 Hour Ayurveda Health Counselor Certification

Turn your passion into a profession

For 20 years, the Kripalu School of Ayurveda has been at the forefront of professional Ayurvedic certification, guiding students to align with the rhythms of nature and the body to foster health, vitality, and joy. Through our Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to support clients using Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices. This comprehensive clinical training prepares you to work directly with individuals, helping them find balance and live with greater wholeness and ease.

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Why Kripalu

At Kripalu, becoming an Ayurvedic Health Counselor means stepping into a respected and growing field of integrative health with the support of an institution that has been teaching Ayurveda for more than two decades. Our clinical training blends time-honored wisdom with contemporary application, preparing you to guide clients with confidence and credibility. Whether you’re seeking to launch a new career in holistic health or to expand your existing practice, Kripalu’s program equips you with the professional skills, clinical experience, and nationally recognized training needed to create real impact in people’s lives.

Discover if this training is for you

Join one of our free online information sessions to connect with Kripalu School of Ayurveda faculty and learn more about our trainings.

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FAQ's

A prerequisite of the 200-hour Foundations of Ayurveda course is required. For any programs outside of Kriplau, a Director's approval of transcripts will be required for acceptance into the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program.

We offer a limited number of scholarships for some of our Kripalu Schools Trainings. Once accepted to one of our Schools, you will receive a link to our scholarship application in your acceptance email if any are available.

Partial scholarships are awarded for select Schools trainings. On campus Schools scholarships cover 50% of the total cost of the training–total cost includes tuition and dorm housing. Hybrid Schools Scholarships cover 60% of the total cost of the training–total cost includes tuition and dorm housing. Online Schools Scholarships cover 70% of the total training tuition. If you choose housing other than a dormitory, you will be responsible for the full cost of housing.

Learn more here. Contact housing@kripalu.org with questions.

There is no required prereading. However, in addition to the complimentary manual provided, you'll need the following texts for the program:

The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Eating and Living Well, Kate O’Donnell
The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care, Kate O'Donnell
Ayurveda and the Mind, Dr. David Frawley
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, Dr. Vasant Lad
Astanga Hrdayam (3-volume set)
Advanced Pulse Reading eCourse, Dr. John Douillard (Special student rate available after completing Foundations of Ayurveda)
Pranayama for Restoring Vitality Audio Course, Larissa Carlson (Discount available after course starts)

Yes. These assignments consist of reading, integration sheets, studying for quizzes and exams, as well as regular experiential assignments that require written reflections. All homework is submitted electronically through our online learning platform, Canvas. KSA staff will review and provide feedback on all assignments.

Yes, there is a final written exam. Additionally, upon graduating, students earn certification as a 650-hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) and are qualified to sit for NAMA’s national AHC exam.

Students receive a course manual.

On Campus:
100% attendance required for all on campus sessions.
Online Format:
100% attendance is required unless previous approval has been granted by Kripalu staff. If you have questions about this, please reach out to kripaluschools@kripalu.org stating specific requests.
Kripalu Schools trainings are meant to be completed live, with camera on.

Graduation takes place on the final day of your training and is only open to program participants.