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If you’re passionate about helping others navigate the challenges of addiction, a degree in substance abuse counseling may be your calling. Alvernia University’s Adult Education Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment program offers the tools, knowledge, and online flexibility to start or advance your career. With addiction continuing to affect individuals, families, and communities across the nation, skilled counselors are in high demand, and you could be part of the solution.
 

Why Study Substance Abuse Counseling?

Substance abuse counselors are not only prepared to help individuals overcome addiction but also to address its root causes and broader societal effects. This means you’ll be able to:

  • Work directly with individuals and families to address addiction.
  • Develop treatment plans based on evidence-based practices.
  • Provide support and guidance during recovery.
  • Advocate for patients and connect them with community resources.
     

Graduates of Alvernia’s Addictions and Mental Health Treatment program are prepared to pursue meaningful careers in roles such as:

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Mental Health Case Manager
  • Recovery Specialist
  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor
     

The demand for substance abuse and mental health counselors is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a substance abuse and mental health counselors 19% increase in jobs by 2033. 
 

Experience the Alvernia Advantage

At Alvernia, we believe education should fit into your life—not the other way around. The Addictions and Mental Health Treatment program is designed for students balancing work, family, and other commitments and can be completed in 2 to 4 years. 

Here’s what sets the program apart:

  • Convenience: Complete coursework on your own schedule and from any location, allowing you to balance your education without compromising quality learning.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from instructors who bring years of practical experience in addiction and mental health treatment. They offer personalized mentorship and insights into the latest industry practices and trends.
  • Interactive Curriculum: Participate in virtual discussions, group projects, and scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world challenges, ensuring you’re prepared to apply what you learn.
  • Supportive Community: Build meaningful connections with peers and faculty through engaging online interactions, fostering collaboration, encouragement, and shared learning experiences.
  • Mission-Driven Learning: Rooted in Alvernia’s Franciscan values, the program emphasizes compassion, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to service. Graduates are ready to lead with integrity and empathy in diverse communities.
     

The program covers a comprehensive range of topics to prepare you for success, including: 

  • Addiction Theory and Treatment: Explore the psychological, biological, and social factors that contribute to addiction and recovery.
  • Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling: Learn to navigate the ethical and legal responsibilities of substance abuse counseling.
  • Counseling Techniques: Develop skills in communication, intervention, and motivational strategies to guide patients through recovery.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Learn how to recognize and address the impact of trauma on addiction and recovery to provide effective support. 
  • Cultural Competency in Counseling: Understand how to address addiction in diverse populations with sensitivity and effectiveness.
     

Alvernia students also gain hands-on experience through clinical practicum placements, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced professionals. 
 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

Substance abuse counseling is more than a career—it’s a calling. With Alvernia University’s online Addictions and Mental Health Treatment degree program, you’ll learn to help people overcome obstacles, rebuild relationships, and find hope for a brighter future. Whether you want to guide individuals on their path to recovery, advocate for underserved communities, or work to transform behavioral health systems, Alvernia University prepares students to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.


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