MA Concentration in the Treatment of Substance Use and Other Addictive Behaviors

• Curriculum

  As part of the MA in General Psychology, the concentration requires the following additional CMHSAC-specific courses, offered during specific semesters in the regular academic year:

  • Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling (GPSY 6109)
  • Advanced Issues in Substance Abuse Counseling (GPSY 6112)
  • Psychopathology III (GPSY 6156)
  • Professional Issues and Ethics (GPSY 7011)

  In addition, Child Abuse Reporting and Medications for Addiction Treatment, consisting of eight brief online trainings, is one of the New York State-OASAS education and training requirements and must be completed for CASAC eligibility.

• Eligibility and Admission

  Any student admitted to the MA in General Psychology is eligible for the CMHSAC. However, students apply separately for the CMHSAC after having been admitted to and registered for MA courses.

  To apply to the CMHSAC, students must submit the CMHSAC enrollment form, which is distributed during the first few weeks of the Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling course, by October 1. 

  Students who wish to be considered for fieldwork must first successfully complete Adult Psychopathology, Psychopathology III, Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling, and Advanced Issues in Substance Abuse Counseling. Field placements are not guaranteed for every student who is interested. Site availability, student academic performance, and student readiness are factors in determining externship opportunities. 

  Qualified seniors in the Bachelor's-Master's Program at Eugene Lang College (seniors who have already taken Psychology courses) may register for the Introduction and Advanced Substance Abuse Counseling courses in the CMHSAC curriculum, subject to normal restrictions and with permission from course instructors.
  
  It is extremely important that students consult with student advisors and review the CMHSAC handbook before registering for any of the courses offered in the CMHSAC. Email the CMHSAC with any questions.

• BASICS Program Opportunities

  The BASICS Program, a collaboration between The New School's Student Health Services and the CMHSAC, provides free and confidential services for students at The New School who are concerned about their alcohol and substance use. 

  BASICS is a brief intervention that addresses substance use concerns among college students. Drawing on evidence-based practices (Dimeff, Baer, Kivlahan, and Marlatt, 1999), the program offers nonjudgmental discussion, objective information, and resources to help students reduce the risks associated with alcohol and drug use. The BASICS Program team consists of current or past CMHSAC students and is supervised by Dr. Lisa Litt. For more information about the BASICS Program, please email BASICS.
  
  

• Licensure and Certification Disclosure

  This program has been designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in New York State. As such, a determination has not been made regarding whether this program will meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states or U.S. territories. Students who are considering enrolling in this program and who intend to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than New York should contact the appropriate agency to seek guidance and information confirming licensing or certification requirements before beginning the program. Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements are subject to change periodically and may include educational or degree requirements, professional examinations, background checks, character and fitness qualifications, work experience, fingerprinting, and other requirements.

  Disclaimer: The links below lead to websites created and maintained by other organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The New School does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance or to endorse the organizations sponsoring the websites nor to endorse the views expressed or the products or services offered on the websites. Please note that privacy policies on these websites may differ from those of The New School.
  
  Psychology
  Licensure Information by Profession
  Addiction Service Professionals

• Continuation to a PhD

  CMHSAC students who wish to apply to a New School Psychology doctoral program are subject to the same admission requirements as those enrolled in the general MA program. Electing to pursue the CMHSAC does not in any way preclude a student from applying for admission to the doctoral program. 

  Please review the Psychology student handbook for an overview of the requirements for admission to the doctoral program. 

Related Degrees

• General Psychology

  Master of Arts