Addiction Counseling
Online
Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Counseling
Location: 100% online
Length: 20 months*
Credential: Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Overview
Our 20-month* addiction counseling online degree program includes the same coursework as our diploma program but builds upon that foundation to enhance students’ opportunity for advancement in the field. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug or other dependency problems, learning from a diverse group of instructors that include university faculty with research and training expertise, as well as experienced practitioners in drug and alcohol treatment.
Career Paths & Expectations
This program is ideal for those who wish to enter the field with more education or advance an existing career within Addiction Counseling. Throughout the program, you will explore ethics and boundary considerations, all while working and interacting with those involved in Addiction Counseling. Upon graduation, you may choose to seek immediate work in the field or pursue licensure and/or certification through examination administered by the state in which you reside. Earning an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Addiction Counseling Degree is a prerequisite to becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – an accomplishment that tells the world you have the commitment and dedication needed to promote change and save lives.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
- Develop critical and analytical thinking through disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.
- Learn and apply theories of addiction, substance assessment, and counseling techniques.
- Practice an understanding of diversity and tolerance for others. Apply ethics and boundary considerations when working and interacting with people in addiction counseling.
- Gain counseling skills including motivational interviewing.
- Understand the neurobiology of addiction, family addiction dynamics, and special population considerations in addiction counseling.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group process, case management, crisis intervention, trauma and recovery, and vocational rehabilitation.
Behavioral Health Studies
Online
Behavioral Health Studies – AAS
Begin a career in the mental health field. Dive into topics of trauma and recovery, vocational rehabilitation, human development, victim advocacy, and more. Our graduates can receive their Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Community Certification (MHRT/C) or Victim Advocate Certification. These marketable qualifications will set your career on the right track and prepare you to work with multiple at-risk populations.
- Program tracks
- Full-time
Part-time
Online - Estimated Degree Completion Time
- 4 semesters, 61 credit hours
Transfer Agreements:
| Behavioral Health Studies | Husson University Northwestern University, College of Professional Studies Southern New Hampshire University (BA Psychology – Online) Saint Joseph’s College (BA Social Work) University of New England University of Southern Maine |
Careers:
Behavioral Health Studies associate degree graduates will be eligible for entry level employment at hospitals, schools, social service and mental health programs, community health centers, and child care settings.
Forensic Social Work
Online
Forensic Social Work – AAS
Forensic social work is the intersection of human service and legal systems. This interdisciplinary degree examines areas of social justice, cross-cultural competency, advocacy, community relations, crisis intervention, court-mandated treatment, and trauma-informed service provision. A Credentialed Advocate (CA) certification from the National Advocate Credentialing Program is built into our degree requirements. This marketable credential will set you apart as a job candidate in many fields of work.
- Program tracks
- Seven-Week Accelerated Online
- Estimated degree completion time10 half-semesters, 61 credits
Careers
Forensic social work graduates may pursue careers related to advocacy, child protection, corrections, probation, arbitration, and mediation. The program also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
Download Program Flyer/Academic Map (PDF)
Transfer Pathways After Graduation
Human Services
Online
Human Services – AAS, MHRT/C
Turn your desire to help others into a great career! Students in the Human Services program acquire skills in counseling, substance use disorders, case management, crisis intervention, coordination of social services, client advocacy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and more. Students completing the degree qualify for the Mental Health Rehabilitation/Community (MHRT/C) credential.
The associate in applied science in Human Services offers you the flexibility to go directly into the workforce or advance your career by transferring to a 4-year degree.
Complete your degree on campus, or choose a 100% online option.
Enjoy the flexibility of a 100 percent online Human Services program. Prepare for entry-level positions in areas of substance abuse, mental health, developmental disabilities, child and adolescent services, and gerontology. Choose from a Human Services or Addiction Specialization advising pathway. Online students enjoy our full support, with access to online tutoring, research help, advising, and financial aid.
STUDENTS GAIN KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE IN:
- Basic counseling skills necessary to establish collaborative relationships with clients and families
- Formal and informal support systems available in the community
- Analyzing problems and using appropriate methods in collaboration with others in the treatment of individual, family, group, and community human services problems
- Awareness of challenges faced by clients with regard to human rights issues, financial problems, administrative/legal hurdles, and other concerns
- Ethical responsibility and abiding by standards governing the field of human services
- Establishing and maintaining continuing education to grow and maintain professional competence
GRADUATES MAY PURSUE CAREERS AS:
- Human Services and Mental Health Generalist
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
- Intake/Care Coordinator
- Community Support Specialist
- Behavioral Health Specialist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
EMPLOYMENT MAY BE FOUND AT:
- Community mental health centers
- Social services and mental health programs
- Substance Abuse Facilities
- Senior services agencies and facilities
- Home health agencies
- Hospitals
This program has preregistration and practicum site requirements. Please see the college catalog for all program details and requirements. Criminal or child protective history could jeopardize an individual’s ability to meet all requirements of the program.
Alignment of program learning outcomes to courses in the program.
Transfer Agreements for Human Services
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
CMCC Degree Program: Human Services
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE
CMCC Degree Program: Human Services
Bachelor of Arts in Social & Behavioral Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE
CMCC Degree Program: Human Services
Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE FARMINGTON
CMCC Degree Program: Human Services
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
CMCC Degree Program: Human Services
Bangor
Human Services – AAS
Substance Abuse Pathway Option Available
This degree program focuses on the knowledge and skills required to work in today’s diverse field of Human Services. Graduates will be prepared for employment within social service organizations, hospitals, programs for the elderly, and community mental health centers. Graduates will be qualified to apply for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification offered through the State of Maine.
Prerequisites: High School Level Algebra 1 Required
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Learning Objectives
Graduates with the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Human Services will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of current principles of elementary counseling
necessary to engage and interact with clients and their families while being
sensitive to diversity and culture - Engage in professional behaviors including: confidentiality, ethical practices
and remaining professionally competent. - Apply strategies that support empowerment and choice for clients utilizing
formal and informal supports in the community. - Analyze problems that occur when working with clients and collaborate with
team members
Calais
Human Services – AAS
Purpose: The Human Services Program prepares students in a number of areas to enter the human services or medical fields as entry level case workers. A series of foundational courses and experience that provide skills for a range of employment opportunities based on a solid foundation of service delivery and understanding of human growth and development. It will qualify them for skilled entry into a specialty of their choice. The program will provide opportunities for personal and professional growth through applied and classroom instruction, community involvement, and practical experience under direct supervision of professionals in local agencies.
Career Opportunities: Positions available in the field include case managers in both the human services and medical fields, volunteer coordinators for various agencies, human service specialists, and substance abuse counselors.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Services the graduate is prepared to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the human services professions, its’ history and structures, and the implications of social policy on the helping professions.
- Exercise effective interpersonal communications techniques when dealing with diverse populations. Understand and demonstrate basic counseling skills and group communications techniques.
- Exercise professional ethics in all matters pertaining to the helping relationship and the workplace.
- Exhibit professional conduct in a human services organization including legal and ethical responsibilities and demonstrated understanding of roles and boundaries.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the formal and informal support systems in the community.
- Show an understanding of, and skill at, accessing available resources.
- Collaborate with other treatment team members from a variety of disciplines and perspectives in the treatment of individuals, families, and other groups.
- Demonstrate awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with psychological, social or economic deficits as they regard human rights, access to services, financial strain, and social stigma.
- Establish and engage in a process of continued personal and professional growth in order to remain personally healthy and professionally competent.
Human Services Contact
Elizabeth Sullivan
Human Services Instructor
207.454.1022
esullivan@wccc.me.edu
The Human Services program requires completion of the Student Disclosure of Criminal Convictions, Pending Criminal Charges and Certain Disqualifications. Completion of this form does not automatically deny admission to the program. Prospective applicants will meet with the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services to review information.
n to the program. Prospective applicants will meet with the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services to review information.
Liberal Studies – AS
Psychology or Mental Health Rehabilitation Concentrations
University of Maine at Machias
Online or Machias
The Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies provides students with a broad-based educational background, attainable in two years or less of full-time study. The program provides students with the valuable communication and critical thinking skills needed for a broad range of professions and prepares students to continue their education at the bachelor’s degree level.
Students who complete the Liberal Studies degree will have met the core curriculum requirements at the University of Maine at Machias (UMaine Machias) and may then concentrate on their primary area of study when enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
Mental Health and Rehabilitation 🌐
The Mental Health and Rehabilitation concentration prepares students with the basic knowledge and skills required for direct service case management in adult and older adult community mental health and rehabilitation services. The coursework covers fundamental counseling skills, abnormal psychology, supportive services for people with disabilities, and an overview of the community mental health system and allied services. Additional courses, also available at UMaine Machias, are required for full state certification.
Psychology 🌐
The concentration in Psychology provides an introduction to the discipline and equips students for entry-level positions in counseling, motivational consulting, human resources and community services. Students will develop marketable skills through selected coursework that situates psychology in a community environment.
Mental Health and Human Services
University of Maine at Augusta
Online and at Ellsworth Center
Mental Health and Human Services – AS
Do you enjoying helping people and making a significant difference in their lives? Do you look forward to a career that has the potential for professional development and advancement?
The Mental Health and Human Services Program offers the Associate (A.S) and Bachelor’s (B.S) degrees as well as a graduate certificate in Substance Use Disorders to students seeking a career in a variety of social service settings. The program is designed for students to tailor a curriculum to match their career goals, whether that is working with young children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
UMA’s Mental Health and Human Services’ Associate of Science degree is integrated within our baccalaureate program. Students can pursue a variety of potential career paths and earn an Associate’s degree along the way. The sequence of taking courses should be the same as the baccalaureate degree; take the Core and General Education courses during the first year and then follow the numbers, take the 100-level, then 200-level and finally the 300-level courses. Once you have fulfilled the required prerequisite courses you will need to take HUS 223 Fieldwork Preparation and then HUS 270 Fieldwork Placement I.
In the last 10 years, UMA’s MHHS program has graduated over 1,500 students with various degrees and certifications, approximately 800 were bachelor’s level students. Based upon a 2018 graduate survey, over 85% have gone on to employment in the field.
UMA’s mental health and human services program provides a unique opportunity for individuals from all walks of life. They meet you where you are, regardless of where you are.
– Elaina G., ’19
The UMA faculty are very willing to accommodate to the busy lifestyles of the working population.
– Rusty H., ’19
This program will prepare you to be eligible for licensure in the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
Hub 1 College & Career Program Options 