Behavioral Health

A major in behavioral health prepares students to enter a helping profession or pursue advanced training in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, and more. With the optional concentration in alcohol and other drug counseling, students will be prepared to seek certification and work as AOD counselors.

Highlights

  • A brand new, state-of-the-art Crispin Hall opening August 2023 will power behavioral health and other STEM majors at Illinois College.
  • Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • You will learn basic counseling and crisis intervention skills and theory, including their research foundations and cultural considerations.
  • A concentration in alcohol and other drug counseling is available for behavioral health and psychology majors, and other majors can add an addiction studies minor. You will learn about addictive disorders and how to identify, understand, and support individuals who struggle with drug or alcohol challenges or who are in treatment or recovery. 
  • You will have the option to become a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) when you complete your degree at IC. This program is in the process of becoming accredited by Illinois Certification Board, Inc..
  • Working with faculty experts, you will receive individualized attention and advising to pursue the course of study that best serves your career goals.
  • You will experience exceptional learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Students pursuing the alcohol and other drug counseling concentration will complete 8 practicum credits totaling 520 clinical hours in an approved alcohol and other drug clinical setting.
  • Nearly 100% of IC students complete at least one research, internship or study abroad experience and IC students regularly travel to conferences to present their research. 

Outcomes

Our alumni Graduate READY to meet pressing social needs and are competitive for in-demand careers. IC graduates have pursued successful careers in clinical and counseling psychology, school and forensic psychology, neuroscience, social work and organizational behavior management.