Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health Behavioral Health Academy™

Our university partners work with the Professional Licensing Boards to ensure their coursework meets the requirements for dual licensure in clinical addictions counseling along with the primary license in social work or mental health counseling. 

Through observation, co-facilitation, and facilitation, students will gain exposure to the DSM and diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning, and documenting in the electronic medical records system at their placement agency. Students will gain experience in staffing client cases, balancing caseloads to meet agency standards including client contact hours or productivity, and agency culture.

Students receive additional training in core evidence-based practices to build on university coursework. Students practice applying this knowledge through case conceptualizations and practicing the skills under each evidence-based intervention. Students learn and practice motivational interviewing as a foundation to all client work and receive an endorsement in Motivational Interviewing as recognition of this in-depth training. Students also receive support in the licensure application process and test preparation materials. Students completing the Behavioral Health Academy also have an opportunity for priority job interviews at their agency of placement.

The BHA provides a co-occurring practicum experience, including training and experience working with both mental health and substance use disorders, preparing future therapists to treat a full spectrum of clinical needs.

• Students gain eligibility for dual licensure (LCSW/LMHC and LCAC) compared to only LCSW/LMHC.
• Students gain in-depth education and practice applying evidence-based practices, including:
  • MI - Motivational Interviewing (students obtain an MI Endorsement through the BHA)
  • CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • ACT - Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
  • Skills System (DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy informed model)
• Students earn a stipend upon completion of required hours and program expectations.
• Students receive support with licensure applications and examination preparation.
• Students receive priority interviews for employment while completing the program.
• Students have the opportunity to network with students from multiple universities and different social work and mental health counseling programs across Indiana.

You can apply the semester before your final year of your master's program.

Students participate across 2 academic semesters for final practicum or internship. Students should plan to average about 20 hours/week of practicum/internship experience to complete university academic program requirements for graduation. Group supervision (3 hours, twice monthly) is included in those hours.

Students will complete all hours required by their program (approx. 600-700), including group training and supervision, individual supervision, and direct client experiences. Practicum/internship hours will meet full requirements for the clinical addiction counselor license, as well as social work or mental health counselor license.

Many programs are eligible, but they must be a current partner with BHA. This ensures that the student’s coursework meets the curriculum requirements to receive the Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor license.