Mental Health Services provider holding the hand of a patient

Mental Health and Addiction Studies

Certificate Technical Degree

Want to help people with mental health concerns or substance use disorders? You can with a solid education in prevention, treatment, and recovery. This program will empower you with skills and hands-on opportunities to become a vital part of the solution!

Our Mental Health and Addiction Studies program is approved by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State of Texas.

Earning Potential

Psychiatric Technician: $36,627
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor: $45,883

For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.

Career Opportunities

With a degree or certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Studies, you can work in:

Hospitals
Rehabilitation centers
Veterans Affairs clinics
Alternative schools
More

Locations

North Campus
South Campus
San Jac Online

Mental Health and Addiction Studies, AAS

Technical Degree

The Mental Health and Addiction Studies AAS degree trains mental health technicians and prepares professionals to meet the requirements for testing as a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC).

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in six terms, including two summer terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Apply to San Jac

Mental Health Technician, Occupational Certificate

Certificate

Are you a caring person, a good listener, and compassionate to others’ needs? Psychiatric aides and technicians observe and record patient behavior and present their findings to counselors, nurses, and other professional staff. They intervene in crisis situations, actively moderate client behavior, and assist with feeding, moving, dressing patients, personal hygiene, and activities of daily living. If this sounds like you, San Jac’s Mental Health Technician career path is for you.

The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the AAS degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career. Become a psychiatric aide or mental health technician.

1.5 Years

If you're studying part-time, you can complete the 21 credits for this certificate in three terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Apply to San Jac

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Occupational Certificate

Certificate

Become a Certified Prevention Specialist and make a difference in the lives of youths. This program prepares you for work at a K-12 school, at risk program, or other youth facility. It combines coursework, a capstone project, and hands-on experience at a training center. Upon completion, you will be ready to pass the CPS exam and begin your supervised prevention work.

1 Year

If you're studying part-time, you can complete the 20 credits for this certificate in three terms, including a summer term.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Apply to San Jac

Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate

The Level 2 Certificate prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career.You will have the opportunity to get real-life experience through an internship at a substance abuse facility. For full LCDC licensure, the minimum of an associate's degree must be obtained.

1.5 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 33 credits for this certificate in three terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Apply to San Jac

Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Occupational Certificate

Certificate

The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the AAS degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career. Make a difference in the lives of those facing substance use disorders. For full LCDC licensure, the minimum of an associate's degree must be obtained.

1 Year

If you're studying part-time, you can complete the 18 credits for this certificate in two terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Apply to San Jac

San Jac has transfer agreements with designated universities to earn a 4-year degree. Contact the San Jac mental health department for details.

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

The San Jacinto College Mental Health & Addiction Studies AAS degree is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).

1001 North Fairfax Street
Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314

https://nasac-accreditation.org/

Admissions Requirements

Ready to take the next step? Find out everything you need to know about applying. From program costs to application steps, find it all here!

Request More Info Program Costs

At San Jac, we believe college shouldn’t be a financial burden. That’s why we have low tuition costs, no fees, and a wide range of grants and scholarships you can apply for. Learn more and discover a financial path that funds your dreams!

Explore Scholarships Grant Opportunities Financial Aid

Compassionate Care, Remarkable Results

It’s my job to create a culture…that attracts and motivates clients to recovery and the staff to compassionate, diligent care for both themselves and our clients. There are some heartbreaks, to be sure, but the wins are incredible. Frequently, (the staff) are referred to as miracles by clients and their families.”

Larry Wyntjes

Mental Health Services graduate Clear Lake’s Into Action Recovery Center Executive Director

Larry Wyntjes understands the highs and lows of treating substance abuse. But despite the hard days, he also knows just how important his role is. That’s because his passion for helping others stems from personal experiences. His family’s struggle with addiction inspired him to enroll in San Jac’s mental health program. Today, he is the Executive Director of Clear Lake’s Into Action Recovery Center. Here, he puts his degree to use, making a positive impact in his community.