Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment (Online)
Build a career helping individuals and communities navigate addiction and mental health challenges. Alvernia’s online Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment combines 40 years of program experience with the flexibility working adults need. Develop practical, career-focused skills for work in the addictions and mental health field.
Program Overview
Prepare for Work That Makes a Difference
Alvernia's Addictions and Mental Health Treatment program combines academic preparation with applied experience, helping you develop the knowledge and skills to work with individuals and communities affected by addiction and mental health challenges.
- Gain real-world experience through a 400-hour practicum.
- Practice what you learn through role-play and applied classroom experiences.
- Prepare for diverse career paths in treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, social services, criminal justice and related fields.
- Earn academic credentials required to take you one step closer for the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) certification.
- Admissions Requirements
- Completed online application through the Adult Education application portal.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent directly to gradandadult@alvernia.edu.
- Evidence of high school completion will be required for enrollment and Financial Aid.
- Minimum GPA 2.0 preferred.
- $25 non-refundable application fee. Contact our Adult Education Admissions team to request a fee waiver before submitting your payment!
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
- Program Accreditation
- Alvernia’s courses are approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB), the foremost drug and alcohol credentialing organization in the state. Certification by the PCB is reciprocal among other U.S. states and internationally. A Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment fulfills the requirement for certification and re-certification of addiction counselors by the PCB. Students who do not reside in Pennsylvania should contact the chemical abuse certification board in their state for information about requirements and certification.
- Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Career Outlook
Fast-Growing Profession
Addictions and Mental Health Treatment is a dynamic and growing field with an increasing need for qualified, professional employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Earnings Potential
The median annual wage for addictions and mental health counselors in 2024 was $59,190, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Options
- Client advocate
- Mental Health facility
- Criminal Justice
- Children and Youth
- Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
- Hospitals
- Prevention specialist
- Intervention
- Social Services
Career Support at Alvernia
Alvernia's Office of Career Development supports students and alumni in job searches and career planning. Its services include individual career advising; résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews; interview preparation and practice; access to career information as well as internship and job opportunities; career fairs and networking connections; and graduate school application support.
Smart Ways to Save at Alvernia
Your goals matter—and affordability shouldn’t stand in the way. Alvernia offers multiple ways to make tuition manageable, including payment plans, financial aid options and tuition reimbursement programs. We guide you every step of the way.
Bringing credits with you? Alvernia offers transfer-focused scholarship options and staff ready to help you map a clear path to graduation — whether you’re transferring into a day program or completing your degree at an accelerated pace.
Apply for admission, then complete the FAFSA (school code 003233). Pennsylvania residents should file by the May 1 state grant deadline. Once your FAFSA is received, accepted and you’re registered, we’ll prepare your aid offer
Many employers and organizations partner with Alvernia to offer tuition discounts for working adults. Check whether your workplace is eligible and see how a Preferred Partner benefit can lower your tuition on select programs.
If your employer reimburses you after the semester ends, Alvernia can help you postpone tuition payment for up to 30 days after the semester—at no additional charge—so you don’t have to pay everything upfront.
She lost everything — perseverance helped her recover
“All my life, Alvernia is the only thing I started and finished," said Shannon Qualters, who graduated with a degree in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment in 2023. "They believed in me when no one else did.”
Recent News
Alvernia Running Club grows through fitness and community
What started as a small group of students meeting for casual runs has grown into an increasingly active campus organization that brings Alvernia University students together through fitness, wellness, and community.
Founded by Emilio Mejia, the Alvernia Running Club provides students of all running abilities with a welcoming space to stay active, build healthy habits, and connect with others.
Alvernia University and Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Renew Partnership to Expand Healthcare Education Pathways
Renewed agreement continues dual-enrollment pathways, degree opportunities and discounted bachelor’s completion options for RHSHS students
Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute launches O’Make Space to expand student innovation and entrepreneurship
Student-driven makerspace expands Spark Business Incubator services while creating hands-on learning opportunities
