Walden University Introduces Master's Program in Addiction Counseling

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the number of individuals dealing with substance abuse and addictive behavior in the United States continues to grow, the need for qualified addiction counselors is also on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to increase by 27% through 2020. To help meet this growing demand, Walden University's School of Counseling and Social Service is introducing the M.S. in Addiction Counseling online degree program that can help prepare qualified professionals to treat individuals with these disorders.

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"Addiction has many faces and can affect anyone, regardless of occupation, income level, race or gender. In fact, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, one in four Americans will have an alcohol or drug problem at some point in their lives. Many others will face addictive behavior exhibited through activities such as binge eating, pathological gambling and hoarding," said Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, associate dean of Walden's School of Counseling and Social Service.   

In Walden's M.S. in Addiction Counseling program, students focus on a range of addiction and behavioral disorders and learn how to provide treatment intervention and develop case management strategies for a broad range of clients. The online program features five specializations: Addictions and Public Health, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Family Studies and Interventions, Forensic Counseling and Trauma and Crisis Counseling. Students in this program can prepare for a career in a wide variety of settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, the juvenile justice system, drug courts and private practice. 

Depending on the state in which they intend to practice, students can prepare to become counselors with a specialization in addiction counseling and to qualify to sit for the Examination for Master Addictions Counselors (EMAC).

The new M.S. in Addiction Counseling program joins a suite of related online degree programs in the School of Counseling and Social Service, including the CACREP-accredited M.S. in Mental Health Counseling; the M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; the M.S. in Career Counseling; and the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. For more information about Walden's counseling programs, visit www.WaldenU.edu/counseling.

About Walden University

For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 48,500 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 60 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 65 degree programs with more than 330 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University