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SearchM.A. in Chemical Dependency Counseling
The Masters Program in Agency Counseling/Chemical Dependency prepares students to work in a variety of counseling and social service settings focused on providing substance abuse services. Students are exposed to various theoretical models in counseling, including various group counseling and vocational counseling approaches. In addition, students are exposed to the issues of human development, testing and measurement in counseling, research methodology, and biological perspectives in mental health. In addition to the core curriculum, students take 3 specialized courses in substance abuse allowing them to gain more expertise in this area. Students also learn specific counseling skills through two clinical practicum courses. The two clinical practicum courses are "lecture courses" limited to 12 students. In these courses students practice counseling role plays, learn how to integrate theory and practice, and receive feedback about their counseling skills. The program emphasizes the reflective practitioner model and encourages students to remain open to ongoing learning experiences so as to increase their sensitivity to the evolving issues of diversity in counseling.
Upon concluding the program, students often find jobs in the substance abuse field or in related social service agencies. Some students pursue further specialized training in the substance abuse field through participating in a substance-abuse certification program. Sometimes with the masters degree students may submit an application to become certified as a principal mental health counselor. This may allow their services to be reimbursable under Medicaid billing. Students who are interested in becoming licensed mental health counselors are encouraged to apply to the CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) in Mental Health Counseling.