Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

The Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment program is available at the following Alvernia University campuses:

• Reading
• Philadelphia
• Pottsville
• Online

Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, February, March, May, and July).

Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation.

Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.

To get started, visit our Adult Education Application page for a list of instructions and documents needed.

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our financial aid page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about 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.

Liberal Arts Core (54/55 credits)*
General Elective Requirements (as needed)**

Addictions and Mental Health Treatment Major Requirements (54 Credits):

• BH 201 Foundations of Addictions
• BH 202 Origins of Mental Illness
• BH 204 Theories of Counseling & Psychotherapy
• BH 230 Assessment and Evaluation
• BH 303 Counseling Techniques I
• BH 305 Group Counseling I
• BH 310 Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
• BH 330 Crisis Intervention
• BH Practicums (12 credits)

Students must also choose 3 major elective courses from BH, CJ, PSY or SW (6 credits must be at 300-400 level)

Related Required Coursework

• PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 208 Human Development Across Life Span
• PSY 215 Multicultural Issues in Psychology

*Students entering the program with 70+ credits or an associates degree must complete 30/31 Liberal Arts Core credits.

**A total of 123 credits including 3 credits in a human diversity course are required to complete a Bachelor’s degree. To adhere to Franciscan Values, community service hours are also required. In addition, at least 30 credits at the 300/400 level must be taken at Alvernia University.

• 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.
• 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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of addictions and mental health counselors is projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $48,520.

• Addictions
• Mental Health
• Criminal Justice
• Children and Youth
• Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
• Hospitals
• Corporate Employee Assistant Programs
• Prevention
• Intervention
• Advocacy
• Social Services