Description
The Addictions and Behavioral Health (ABH) program may be pursued as either a Major (45 credits) or as a Minor (18 credits) in the Department of Healthcare Studies. Many students who complete the ABH major also elect to complete a second major in psychology, social work, criminal justice, and other related areas. This major is designed to fulfill requirements to sit for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) examination. Current CASAC holders may elect to take some or all of the courses to fulfill the continuing education requirements of the credential.
Admission to the Program
Any undergraduate student can declare an Addictions and Behavioral Health major.
The Healthcare Studies faculty has a professional responsibility to deny admission or continuation in any of its undergraduate or graduate programs to any student whose level of performance and/or personal characteristics or dispositions do not adequately meet academic, professional, or ethical standards.
Program Requirements
Undergraduate students in this program pursue a Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete its requirements.
Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each HCS course. (A grade of “C-” does not meet this requirement.)
General Education Requirements (35 credits)
Major Department Requirements (45 credits)
- Any college level statistics course with a passing grade*
- HCS 409 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drugs
- HCS 421 Group Counseling Skills
- HCS 422 Individual Counseling Skills for Addiction (Prerequisite: HCS 423)*
- HCS 423 Theories of Addiction and Behavioral Health
- HCS 424 Counseling Diverse Populations*
- HCS 435 Evaluation of Substance Use Disorders
- HCS 437 Co-Occurring Disorders
- HCS 445 Psychopharmacology of Addiction
- HCS 455 Ethics for Addiction Professionals
- HCS 497 Intern Seminar for Addiction Professionals
- HCS 498 Internship for Addiction Professionals
Suggested Electives
- HCS 404 Criminal Justice and Addictions (Elective)
- HCS 432 Counselor Wellness (Elective)
- HCS 439 Grief and Loss for Counseling Professionals (Elective)
- HCS 440 Trauma Informed Care (Elective)
- HCS 441 Families and Addiction (Elective)
*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Notes:
- Suggested statistics courses: PSH 202, MTH 243, or PBH 488.
- HCS 409 serves as a co- or prerequisite for all other courses in this major.
- HCS 423 is a pre-requisite for HCS 422.
- HCS 497 and HCS 498 are to be taken concurrently following a passing stats grade, completion of all ABH courses with a grade of “C” or better, an overall GPA of 2.5, and program coordinator’s permission.
Electives (40 credits)
Total Credits (120 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
- Addictions and Behavioral Health majors must earn a grade of C or better in all HCS courses.
- An overall GPA of 2.5 for all university courses.
- Completion of all university-wide degree requirements
Non-Clinical Track Option
Description
The non-clinical track provides an option for majors who: 1) have discovered they do not want to do clinical substance abuse treatment counseling; 2) have a second major, such as social work or criminal justice, and wish to focus their final semester on their other major; 3) are unable to maintain the overall GPA of 2.5 required for the clinical major; or 4) are already working in the field.
The non-clinical track requires grades of C or better in all classes, with no GPA minimum.
Program requirements include all required ABH courses except Internship (HCS 498)and Seminar (HCS 497). Students complete four of the following courses:HCS 404, HCS 432, HCS 439, HCS 440, and HCS 441 (which are currently offered as electives in the clinical track), and HCS 495 Capstone in Addicitions and Behavioral Health. We will also accept capstone courses in other majors if applicable.
Non-Clinical Track Requirements (45 credits)
- any college level statistics course with a passing grade
- HCS 409 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drugs
- HCS 421 Group Counseling Skills*
- HCS 422 Individual Counseling Skills for Addiction (Prerequisite: HCS 423
- HCS 423 Theories of Addiction and Behavioral Health
- HCS 424 Counseling Diverse Populations*
- HCS 435 Evaluation of Substance Use Disorders
- HCS 437 Co-Occurring Disorders
- HCS 445 Psychopharmacology of Addiction
- HCS 455 Ethics for Addiction Professionals
Non-Clinical Track Option Requirements
- HCS 404 Criminal Justice and Addictions
- HCS 432 Counselor Wellness
- HCS 439 Grief and Loss for Counseling Professionals
- HCS 440 Trauma Informed Care
- HCS 441 Families and Addiction
- HCS 495 Capstone in Addictions and Behavioral Health
*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Addictions and Behavioral Health major, students will:
- be able to distinguish and explain the fundamental theoretical frameworks and ethical principles that form the basis of professional practices in the field of addiction counseling.
- be proficient in conducting comprehensive and systematic clinical assessments, including the formulation of accurate diagnoses and the development of tailored treatment plans.
- be able to create detailed and personalized treatment plans by effectively analyzing client data, identifying specific needs, and integrating evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual’s circumstances.
- assess client requirements comprehensively and efficiently match them with suitable and reliable external resources, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing their needs.
- articulate effective strategies for establishing and maintaining professional relationships with other practitioners, fostering collaborative efforts to enhance comprehensive client care.
- apply and critically assess a range of counseling methods, including active listening, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and empathetic communication, and evaluate their effectiveness in diverse counseling situations.
- develop and implement psychoeducational materials and presentations tailored for clients, families, and/or communities, focusing on clear communication of addictions and mental health information, resources, and coping strategies.
- create accurate and comprehensive client documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and assessments, in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
- be able to recognize and integrate the essential professional and ethical standards pertinent to working with individuals affected by addiction, ensuring responsible and effective practice within the field.