Overview

See Department website and program contacts here

The Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling certificate is designed for students seeking entry-level careers in human services, behavioral health, and community support settings. The curriculum introduces foundational helping and counseling skills used in mental health, addiction recovery, and social service environments.

Coursework includes topics such as counseling fundamentals, case management, diagnosis and treatment concepts, professional practice, and client support strategies. Students develop practical knowledge and communication skills used in a variety of community and behavioral health settings.

The MHSSAC certificate is workforce-focused and prepares students for entry-level employment in social service agencies, behavioral health organizations, and community support programs. Students enrolled in the MHSSAC degree program may also earn this certificate as part of their coursework.

Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.

Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:

• Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
• Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Learning Objectives

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the values and ethics that are intrinsic to the human services profession
• Demonstrate professional interviewing skills
• Demonstrate writing skills appropriate to clinical documentation

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

Plan of Study Grid

First Quarter
Fall		Credits
HS101	Introduction to Social Services	3
HS114	Listening Skills I	2
WR121Z	Composition I (can be taken any term)	4
	Credits	9
Second Quarter
Winter
HS115	Listening Skills II	2
HS135	Case Management: Intake, Assessment, Process and Practice	3
HS150	The Effective Helper, A Personal Skills Approach	3
HS222	Diagnosis and Treatment: Clinical Disorders	3
	Credits	11
Third Quarter
Spring
HS291	Practicum Seminar	2
WE280HSD	Coop Ed-Human Services	4
SOC213	Race Relations in the United States  (Cultural Literacy course)	4
PSY239	Introduction to Abnormal Psychology	4
	Credits	14
	Total Credits	34

Awarding Requirements

The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the Mental Health, Social Service and Addiction Counseling: Behavioral Health Care Specialist certificate:

• All core program courses (HS) must be completed within five (5) years of starting the program.

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.