The Addiction Counseling Certificate program at Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you to work as a certified addiction counselor. This 12-credit, fully online program can be completed in as little as two semesters or combined with the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. If not taken as part of the M.S. program, a relevant graduate degree is a required prerequisite.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Overview
The clinical mental health counseling M.S. program at Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you to work as a licensed counselor serving clients, including individuals and families, who struggle with addiction, relational difficulties, self-harm, thoughts of suicide and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The 60-credit program, includes 700 hours of supervised fieldwork and an optional built-in certificate in addiction counseling. Affordable tuition starts at $905 per credit.
The United States is seeing a rise in demand for mental health counselors and addiction specialists throughout the country. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 20% of adults in the United States experienced mental illness in the past year (2019). Now more than ever, it’s important that the individuals who fill counseling roles approach their work with an empathic, human-centered and ethical approach.
At Saint Joseph’s University’s School of Health Studies and Education, this is the core of our philosophy and the foundation for our program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Home of the Center for Addiction Recovery and Education (CARE), the School of Health Studies and Education prepares practitioners to earn the credentials, experience and skills they need to provide care for communities in need.
Earn Your Counseling License
Developed by faculty who are practitioners and experts in their field, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. degree meets Pennsylvania requirements for Licensed professional counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification, the primary certification of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME, MOSTLY ONLINE
Saint Joseph's University's M.S. in clinical mental health counseling can primarily be completed online, with the exception of the hands-on practicum and internship experiences. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years, while working professionals can opt to enroll part-time, taking classes at their own pace.
HOW WILL SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY ADVANCE MY CAREER IN COUNSELING?
Saint Joseph's Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. program covers a range of topics that will help enhance your career in mental health counseling. As part of the program, you will complete a practicum and two internships, allowing you to earn the 700 hours of supervised experience needed to earn your credentials.
Courses in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. program include:
- Ethical, legal and professional issues in counseling
- Counseling across the lifespan
- Cultural diversity, identity and social justice issues in counseling
- Crisis counseling for trauma, violence and abuse
- Addiction counseling
ADD AN ADDICTION COUNSELING CERTIFICATE
Saint Joseph’s 12-credit Addiction Counseling Certificate can be built into your M.S. in clinical mental health counseling without adding to the overall 60-credit requirement. This certificate will help you address the growing need for practitioners to serve individuals suffering from mental health issues and addiction. The Addiction Counseling Certificate meets the academic requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification and the National Board for Certified Counselor (NBCC) Master Addictions Counselor (MAC).
The four-course sequence of the Addiction Counseling Certificate program includes:
- Addictions counseling
- Family systems and addictions counseling
- Prevention, diagnosis treatment and recovery in addictions
- Psychopharmacology and addictions treatment
WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN M.S. IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING?
A graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling will give you the knowledge and experience to move into an in-demand counseling profession. Clinical mental health counselors and addiction counseling specialists work in a variety of settings including private practice, education, healthcare and community agencies.
Positions include:
- Counselor
- College counselor
- Family counselor
- Addiction counselor
- Mental health specialist
Nearly 100,000 new counseling jobs are projected to be added through 2028. This is a projected growth rate of over 20%, far outpacing the 5.2% for all other occupations.
At a Glance
| Length | 2.5 years with summer attendance |
| Start Terms | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Format | Online |
| Credits & Concentrations | 60 Credits |
| Tuition | $905 per credit |
| Housing | While most graduate students commute, we do offer on and off-campus housing options for adult and graduate students. |
| Graduate assistantships | Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability. |
| Discount Eligibility |
*note - discounts cannot be combined. |
| Veterans | Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits. |
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