Clinical-Counseling Psychology - Addictions Counseling Concentration

Certificate Program

One way of viewing counseling. . .
...is the practitioner's intentional involvement in the personal lives of his or her clients with the expressed intent of facilitating change. With those clients who have an addictive disorder, i.e., an alcohol or other drug dependence, the objective of the counseling intervention is to affect change in the clients' addictive behavior.

At La Salle...
...you will add to your understanding of how to manage and treat the debilitating effects of addictive disorders in an up-to-date program of studies in addictions counseling.

Program Objectives
It is the purpose of the Addictions concentration of the Graduate Program in Clinical-Counseling to prepare the counselor to accurately assess, decisively intervene, and effectively treat clients and their families where an addictive disorder is involved.

In order to accomplish these objectives, La Salle's Graduate Program in Counseling will prepare the counselor to:

• Understand the art and science of counseling and develop an appreciation for the importance of theory and the utility of specific techniques in the practice of counseling
• Understand the etiology of addictive disorders
• Recognize the definitive symptoms of addictions in order to provide accurate assessment and diagnosis
• Intervene so as to assist clients in recognizing their disorder and accepting the appropriateness of participating in treatment
• Recognize important adjunct therapies and resources designed to improve the prognosis for recovery
  

Program Features
In addition to the core courses required for all graduates of the program, students in the Addictions Counseling Track will complete the following:

1. A three course sequence in addictions:

• Understanding Addictions
• Working with Addiction in the Family
• Professional Issues in Addictions

In this sequence, the student will thoroughly review the social, philosophical, and physical underpinnings of addictive disorders; the etiology and varied theoretical explanations of addictive disorders; and the social, gender, economic and cultural issues associated with addictive disorders.

2. Two (or more) therapy courses and counseling laboratory experiences chosen from the skills sequence of the counseling program, either individual, group or family oriented.

3. A field placement/practicum specific to the delivery of addiction counseling (The Philadelphia area is well know for its many fine treatment centers and outpatient clinics.)

La Salle's Graduate Program in Clinical-Counseling Psychology is designed to prepare the student educationally for certification and/or licensing as a professional counselor. A specialization in addictions counseling is an asset for anyone seeking employment in a wide variety of social service and mental health agencies or for joining a group private practice.

Location
A noteworthy feature of La Salle's graduate programs in Clinical-Counseling Psychology is that they are offered in their entirety at three campuses...

• In Philadelphia at 20th & Olney
• In Bucks County in the Newtown area
• Gwynedd-Mercy College

Admission Requirements
Ordinarily students will be accepted into the program three times a year - to begin their studies in the fall, spring or summer semester.

To be eligible, students must present:

• Evidence of successful completion of a four year baccalaureate degree program, preferably in psychology, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Above average scores on either the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogies Test
• Two letters of recommendation from former faculty members or supervisors
• A minimum of 15 hours of undergraduate psychology (this requirement may be met by taking additional graduate courses)
• Life experience is valued and therefore some preference will be given applicants who present of relevant work experience, paid or volunteer.

Course Requirements

PSY504 Development; PSY508 Cognition & Learning; PSY515 Personality (any two)
PSY500 Counseling Theories
PSY502 Counseling Laboratory
PSY503 Psychopathology
PSY505 Introduction to Systems
PSY506 Research & Statistics
PSY509 Assessment I
PSY512 Addictions I: Understanding Addictions
PSY619 Ethnic/Gender Issues
PSY633 Addictions: Professional Issues in Addictions Counseling
PSY634 Addictions: Addictions and the Family
PSY 660 Practicum (2 credits)
PSY 661 Professional/Ethical Issues (1 credit)
PSY680/81/82 * Counseling Internship.
PSY690/91/92* Case/Professional Seminar
* The Case/Professional Seminar is taken in conjunction with the internship for a combined total of 9 credits

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John J. Rooney, Ph.D.
Director
Graduate Clinical Counseling Psychology
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141 USA
Phone (215) 951-1767 Fax (215) 951-5140
e-mail: psyma@lasalle.edu