Substance abuse and addiction disorder specialists help people overcome drug, alcohol, gambling, and other dependencies through counseling, education, and other services aimed at helping people identify and control undesired compulsive behaviors. They may work in hospitals, public and private treatment centers, community agencies, or private practice—providing individual and group therapy, leading support groups, collaborating with physicians and developing individual treatment plans, providing emotional support to families and loved ones, and developing prevention programs—to help people beat addiction and re-build their lives.

M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization (Addiction Disorders Concentration)

• Offered in Chicago and Grayslake, Illinois
• Two years full time (six semesters) or three years part time. (Grayslake program offered in a flexible format convenient for working professionals)
• On average, 100% of actively participating students secure practicum/internship placements by September and at sites that meet LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) standards.
• Curriculum incorporates the eight content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors, preparing students to sit for Professional Counselor licensure in Illinois (LPC and LCPC).
• Program is unique in that students receive a solid foundation in the principles of clinical psychology, in addition to gaining the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to be outstanding clinical counselors working with a range of clinical populations and a variety of emotional and psychological conditions.
• Students learn the theoretical frameworks and scientific bases of clinical psychology, the ethical and professional guidelines of clinical psychology and the counseling profession, and the impact of diversity and cultural issues in the mental health field.
• Students may choose a concentration that requires additional field-based clinical training held at participating sites. Concentrations include: Child and Adolescent Treatment, Health Psychology, Latino Mental Health, Supervision and Leadership in Community Mental Health, Treatment of Addiction Disorders, and Generalist.