Mental Health & Human Services

Quick Facts

Mental health professionals share in the personal reward of helping individuals with behavioral and social difficulties in their time of need.

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Job Titles & Career Info

Our Program

Why Choose Mental Health & Human Services?

  • Work empathically with individuals as they prepare to live more healthy & meaningful lives
  • Engage in practical skills while completing a Practicum or Academic Cooperative at local agencies
  • Learn assessment, documentation & referral skills
  • Develop skills in accurate & ethical reporting to case management teams, insurance companies & legal officials
  • Gain awareness of professional agencies & programs for networking & future career opportunities

Prepare for What You Will Do at Work

Substance Abuse Counselor Intern

  • Prepare intake & assessment documentation
  • Facilitate groups & counsel individuals using therapeutic interventions to develop coping skills, self-care plans & relapse prevention
  • Maintain treatment plans & client progress for insurance & auditing purposes
  • Communicate ethically with local & state officials regarding client progress

Mental Health Tech

  • Assist clients with daily care, schedule & meetings
  • Help clients in the educational aspect of recovery programs
  • Prepare & evaluate recovery plans with clients
  • Maintain referral documents for agency

Social & Human Services Assistant

  • Help social workers & counselors with group counseling
  • Meet with clients to determine presenting concerns
  • Maintain referral documents & assist clients in obtaining services
  • Transport clients to & from appointments & meetings as needed
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Marketable Skills You Will Learn

  • Critical thinking
  • Reasoning
  • Communication
  • Personal & social responsibility
  • Teamwork
  • Computer literacy

Before You Enroll, Think About:

Your Characteristics

This field involves a willingness to listen with empathy and recognize that each client deserves an individual approach.

Professional and personal ethics are essential for ultimate success.

If you are interested in entering this field, you should have:

  • Empathy
  • Acceptance
  • Understanding
  • Genuineness
  • Mental stability

You will need to be healthy—mentally and physically—to work in this field.

Coursework

Program-related courses are offered on Northeast Campus only. You may take core courses on any campus.

We prefer you take the following before enrolling in the program courses:

Special Requirements

Apply as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern (LCDC-I)

Our substance abuse counseling certificate will prepare you to apply as a licensed chemical dependency intern with the State of Texas.

Full licensure (LCDC) requires :

  • Completion of an associate degree
  • 4,000 intern hours
  • Passing the state license exam

Step 1: Complete all other coursework and these 5 courses:

Step 2: Take these 2 courses at the same time after completing courses from Step 1:

Criminal Background Check

You must undergo and pass the criminal background check for the State of Texas in order to receive certification as a LCDC Intern.

Texas Administrative Code

Health Services Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors:

Texas Health and Human Services

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history.

For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements

Need a boost to get ready for college?

Talk to your advisor about Developmental Studies if your TSI scores say you need some help in math or reading and writing.

Degrees & Certificates

Degree

Certificate

Level 1

Degree

Certificate

Level 1

Transfer

All Campuses

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2024–2025 Academic Year

Degree or Certificate Program Title Semester Credit Hours Total Tuition & Fees
AAS Mental Health and Human Services 60 $4,440
CRT1 Social Work 30 $2,220
AAS Mental Health Substance Abuse Counseling 60 $4,440
CRT1 Substance Abuse Counseling 24 $1,776
FOS Social Work 15 $1,110

Notes:

  • Tuition is based on in-state, in-county rates.
  • Totals do not include textbooks and other materials.

Continuing Education Programs

Time commitments and fees vary depending on the course.

Earn More Choices & More Money

Transfer to a college or university to continue your studies. Earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to career and promotion opportunities.

For example, you will be ready to work toward:

  • Bachelor of Social Work degree with a Minor in Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Studies
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science

Next steps

Start on Your Pathway!

Contact

Northeast Campus

Career Advising

Visit NSTU 1201A

Call 817-515-6661

Email ne.advising@tccd.edu

Northeast Campus

Mental Health & Human Services Program

Email ne.mentalhealthstudies@tccd.edu

Updated October 17, 2024