Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health

The high prevalence of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders virtually guarantees that counselors, no matter the treatment setting, will encounter clients struggling with not one but two or more disorders.

The Masters of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) prepares counselors for this clinical reality. The IBH merges mental health and substance abuse education and training into a single, comprehensive and cohesive program. This synthesis represents an important and pioneering shift in the preparation of clinicians.

Earn the Credentials to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders

The IBH is designed to fulfill education and training requirements for two licenses: the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).

Graduates of the IBH:

• Are eligible to sit for the sit for the exam for National Counselor Certification, a national exam required in many states (including Minnesota) for counselor licensure and the ICRC or NAADAC exams, required in Minnesota for the MNLADC.
• Can apply to the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) to have his or her credentials evaluated to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). LPCs practice professional counseling in Minnesota under an approved clinical supervisor. LPCs with 4000 hours (approximately 2 years) of appropriate supervised experience may apply to the Board to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). An LPCC is licensed to engage in the independent practice of professional counseling in Minnesota.
• Can apply to the BBHT for the LADC.

Rigorous Preparation for Real-World Application

The licensing requirements provide the structure for the IBH . However, the course content goes beyond the baseline established by the licensing board and reflects state of the art ‘evidence based-best practices’ supported by research, published federal government recommendations and applied clinical realities.

The curriculum emphasizes an applied learning approach that incorporates the most comprehensive and best information available in the field today, draws on the expertise and talent of uniquely qualified faculty and utilizes innovative academic/agency partnerships to facilitate ‘real world’ application and practice.

You'll receive a high-quality education that draws on the expertise of both our research-based campus faculty and our practicing, community-based faculty, together leveraging an expansive, innovative program delivered through a world-class institution.

Designed for Flexibility

• Evening, weekend and distance learning formats enhance accessibility for working adults and students living in greater Minnesota. The scheduling allows you the opportunity to complete your master's degree while maintaining your employment.
• Study part time or full time.

Meets Work Force Needs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and United States Department of Health and Human Services have issued a “call to action” and subsequently, significant national effort to mobilize improvements in access and integration of services for people with co-occurring disorders is underway.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics, substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling are two of the fastest growing professions. Both areas are projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations over the next decade. Under managed care systems, insurance companies increasingly are providing for reimbursement of counselors as a less costly alternative to psychiatrists and psychologists.

A growing number of counselors are self-employed and work in group practices or private practice, due in part to laws allowing counselors with the LPCC to be paid for their services by insurance companies.

Why Choose the IBH?

• Innovative program prepares individuals for two clinical licenses: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
• IBH is highly distinct from other programs because it addresses mental health and substance use disorders in an integrated curriculum rather than in a traditional sequential or parallel training approach.
• Dually trained and licensed clinicians are rare and in high demand.
• Program emphasizes applied learning and evidence based practice with clinical skills courses, a case-study approach to learning and internship opportunities.
• No GRE required.
• Coursework is designed to meet the needs of working adults with classes offered in the evening, weekends and on-line. Students can attend full or part time.
• Up to 24 credits from the post-baccalaureate Addiction Studies Certificate will transfer into the IBH.