BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AT PHILADELPHIA

Alvernia is a Catholic, Franciscan College dedicated to the ideals of service in the helping professions. Here you can study under some of the most respected professionals in the Philadelphia/Reading/Berks County area who have mastered both humanistic and clinical approaches to addiction studies. All instructors are current practitioners and can relate textbook theory to real-world experience. They can also be a valuable resource for networking and advice about employment. With one of the nation’s oldest programs in the field, Alvernia’s Behavioral Studies curriculum provides both theoretical and practical training for professional roles in three major areas. The college offers three concentrations for the person interested in the Behavioral Health Studies Program Bachelor of Arts Degree:

• Chemical Dependency: This track is modeled after Alvernia's highly successful Addiction Studies Program and recognizes the need for the chemical dependency professional to establish related competencies in other areas--particularly that of mental health.
• Mental Health: This track was established to provide a core of expertise and experience for students looking to find employment immediately after graduation in mental health clinics and centers. This track increases job readiness through its chemical dependency component.
• Child Welfare: This challenging yet rewarding area will provide students with the essential knowledge to address the problem of child maltreatment. Abuse/neglect investigation, in-home services, out-of-home placement, adoption, and parenting education are just a few of the multiple employment opportunities that await graduates with this area of concentration.

Other options include:

• Minor in Criminal Justice
• Certificate Program in Behavioral Health Studies

The certificate program is designed primarily for people who are or hope to be employed in related fields and who wish to attain formal recognition of their competence in the Behavioral Health field.

Many Behavioral Health Studies courses meet on Saturdays. New terms begin every eight weeks during the entire year. Advisors can let you know whether you can get credit for your life experiences applied toward your degree.

Various CAC (Chemical Abuse Certification) boards award 45 CAC credit hours for behavioral health studies courses taken at Alvernia. The foremost drug/alcohol credentialing organization in Pennsylvania is the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). Coursework from Alvernia’s Behavioral Health Studies program can be used to fulfill PCB requirements for certification and re-certification of addiction counselors. Students from other states should contact the CAC board in their state for information about requirements and the certification process. All Behavioral Health courses at Alvernia College are approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB).

Behavioral Health Studies graduates find employment in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, hospitals, corporate employee assistance programs, prevention/intervention centers, and other social agencies. The Behavioral Health Studies program maintains an 85-90% employment placement rate. The Career Services Office can provide assistance with resume preparation, interviewing and job searches.

COURSES OFFERED BY THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STUDIES PROGRAM:

BHS 201 Foundations of Chemical Dependency

BHS 202 Origins of Mental Illness

BHS 203 Neuropharmacology

BHS 204 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

PSY 215 Multicultural Issues in Psychology

BHS 220 Intervention and Prevention

BHS 230 Assessment and Evaluation

BHS 240 Addictive Behaviors

BHS 300 Case Management

BHS 303/304 Counseling Techniques I&II

BHS 305/306 Group Counseling I&II

BHS 308 Spiritual Values and Recovery

BHS 330 Crisis Intervention

BHS 400/413 Marriage and Family Counseling I&II

BHS 402 Management of Human Service Agencies

BHS 404/405 Practicum Field Experience

MAJOR: 48 credits

Required BHS Courses: 201, 202, 203, 204, 303 or 304, 330, 402, & PSY 215

Required field experience: 12 credits

Major concentration: 12 credits

MINOR: 21 credits

Required BHS courses: 201, 202, 203, 303, 330

Two approved electives

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM: 21 credits plus two approved electives

Required BHS courses: 201, 202, 203, 304, 306

Updated: November 18, 2005

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