News Article

New Human Service Degree to Train Students in Mental Health Fields

Mar 22, 2010

Addiction services, crisis intervention and treatment planning requires the delicate, yet determined care of highly trained professionals.  Southwest Florida needs more of these specialized care providers.

To meet this growing demand, Edison State College will begin offering an Associate’s in Science degree in Human Services this Fall.

“The program is for students who would like to pursue a career helping people with personal and socialization problems,” said Kathie Morris, Director Counseling Services and Ombudsman.  “The degree will prepare students for entry-level positions in social services or for transfer to four year colleges or universities to pursue a bachelor or master’s degree in human service, psychology, social work, sociology and other related social science majors.” 

Edison State met with a variety of human service providers in the community to discuss the types of careers and skill sets for which they have a need.  Southwest Florida Addiction Services, Lee Memorial Mental Health, Vista, the David Lawrence Center, The Salvation Army and Hope Hospice were represented at the meeting.  Together the group determined that there is an educational need in Southwest Florida to better prepare students for careers in the fields of mental health and substance abuse. 

“I know from my experience there are so many people who need these services and so many people who, with the right training, will make excellent service providers,” said Dr. Washington D. Baquero, Edison State Board of Trustee member and a family practice physician.  "This program is needed very much.   This is a good day for our community.”

Graduates of the field could work in a community setting or inpatient setting as an assistant counselor dealing with general human skills.  Other graduates may work in addiction treatment, using skills such as: interviewing, planning intervention, coaching, referral, and counseling, case management, health and safety issues, behavior modification, and consultation.

Students can select from a variety of classes including: Intro to Human Services, Basic Counseling Skills, Intra and Inter Personal Processes, Crisis Intervention, Pharmacology in Drug Abuse, Chemical Dependence and Addictions, Case Management, Residential Treatment Theory, Evaluation of Treatment Environment, and more. New graduates have the potential to earn $19,999-$32,000 per year.

For more information about the Human Services Program, please contact, the Allied Health Department at (239) 489-9255.

Last Updated: March 22, 2010