The University of Minnesota Morris has a new pre-licensure program offering that prepares students to pursue the licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) credential through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
The pre-LADC program emphasizes a liberal arts approach with a curriculum designed to prepare students for a career helping others overcome addiction. In addition to the specific alcohol and drug counseling coursework, the program requires an 880-hour alcohol and drug counseling practicum.
Associate Psychology Professor Heather Peters is excited for UMN Morris to offer this program. “The pre-LADC program provides access to state licensure and a mental health career upon graduation from UMN Morris.” This is a unique opportunity because most mental health licenses require a graduate degree.
Additionally, Peters says licensed mental health workers are in short supply everywhere, but particularly in rural areas. A report by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development shows that the majority of the state’s licensed alcohol and drug counselors serve the Twin Cities metro area. There are nearly 7,000 Minnesotans for every LADC counselor across most rural/isolated areas, compared to 2,200 Minnesotans for every LADC counselor in the urban areas.
Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen is excited for UMN Morris to offer this career path. “The program recognizes the need for counselors in Tribal and other rural communities, builds on our existing coursework, and expands relationships with Tribal and nontribal agencies to create the extensive practicums required for licensure.”
Peters believes that UMN Morris is uniquely situated to provide a strong, liberal arts foundation that prepares students to work in rural areas. “The degree requirements include a breadth and depth of courses that include cultural issues in mental health, the impact of addiction on mental, physical, and spiritual health, and treatment approaches that impact individuals, families, and communities.”
The University of Minnesota Morris is a nationally ranked top 10 public liberal arts and sciences university. At UMN Morris, students can belong, succeed, and thrive as global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship. UMN Morris graduates are career-ready scholars, creative problem solvers, and community contributors. Learn more at morris.umn.edu or call 888-866-3382.