The According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), estimates that post-pandemic behavioral health needs are at an all-time high with 8.6 million young adults (ages 18-25), 35.5 million adults over age 26, and 2.2 million adolescents (ages 12-17) experiencing a substance use disorder. This survey also denotes that 57.8 million adults, aged 18 or older, reported having Any Mental Illness (AMI) and was highest among young adults aged 18-25.  Among adolescents aged 12-17, 5 million people had a major depressive episode (MDE) with 27.7% having used illicit drugs.

The Behavioral Health Sciences program is designed to prepare students for careers working with adults and at-risk youth in substance use and mental health and to enhance the knowledge and skills of those already working in the field. Skills include individual, family, and group counseling techniques, as well as assessment, treatment planning, prevention, crisis intervention, case management, and other topics related in supporting clients in the behavioral health field. This program was designed to prepare students to become an alcohol and drug counselor (ADC) in compliance with the standards set by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) by providing 300 clinical hours and jumpstarting the work experience through Learn and Earn opportunities with local behavioral health providers. “Be the change you desire”. Recovery is possible! 

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