News Releases
Capella University Launches Online Master's Specialization in Addiction Counseling
More than 23 million Americans need addiction treatment, making addiction counseling one of the country's fastest growing professions
MINNEAPOLIS, January 26, 2009 – To help meet the need for trained addiction counselors, Capella University (www.capella.edu)), an accredited* online university, has launched a new online master's specialization in Addiction Counseling. Addiction counseling is one of the country's fastest growing professions, yet there are few master's programs available for working professionals who want to complete their course work online. Capella's Master of Science in Human Services, Addiction Counseling specialization is a rigorous program that includes online course work, residencies, and clinical experiences.
“We are leveraging our strong expertise in mental health education to meet this growing need,” said Margo Weiss, PhD, assistant dean of Capella's School of Human Services. “We currently offer more than two dozen graduate specializations in counseling, psychology, and related fields, including the first and only online specializations that are CACREP-accredited. Because of this expertise, we have been able to develop a curriculum for our Addiction Counseling specialization that addresses the growing demand for counselors trained in treating both addictions and co-occurring mental health illnesses, such as depression.
“We hope to have an impact on this serious and costly problem,” Dr. Weiss said. “According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 23 million Americans need treatment for addictions, and nearly 120,000 U.S. deaths can be attributed to drug and alcohol abuse every year. Societal costs, such as health problems, lower productivity, and increased crime, are estimated at more than half a trillion dollars a year. We want to train people to not only be strong addiction counselors, but to lead the way in this field.”
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its MS in Human Services Addiction Counseling specialization. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552) or e-mail info@capella.edu. Review of this specialization is pending in AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, MN, NC, OH, SC, VA, WA, and WI.
Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary. It is the learner's responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.
State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.
Graduates of this specialization are not eligible for licensure in South Carolina. Learners residing in South Carolina should check with the state licensing agency for specific requirements for professional licensure.
About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for working adults. Eighty-three percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 114 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. More than 24,000 learners were enrolled as of Sept. 30, 2008, from all 50 states and 45 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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