Mental Health and Addiction Studies
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!
Why Study Mental Health?
Train for a Growing Field
Texas faces a shortage of mental health professionals, with most counties lacking enough providers. Trained workers are needed in schools, clinics, treatment centers, and community organizations across Texas and the nation.
Learn Through Real-World Practice
Build confidence through role-playing, group discussions, and hands-on learning focused on real mental health situations. You'll develop skills used in counseling, outreach, and community support settings.
Build a Career Helping Others
A Mental Health and Addiction Studies degree prepares you for careers such as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), future therapist, or support specialist. You’ll gain the knowledge and experience to help individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges.
Follow a Flexible Pathway
Choose the path that fits your goals. Start with a certificate or go straight into the AAS degree. Each step helps you grow your skills in mental health and addiction studies.
Careers
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
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
Mental Health and Addiction Studies, AAS Online Option
Mental Health Technician, Occupational Certificate Online Option
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.
Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Level 2 Certificate Online Option
Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Occupational Certificate Online Option
CAREER TRACKS
The content below shows a flowchart of the career tracks.
After San Jacinto College
Let's get started
Your Questions Answered
The program includes courses in counseling theories, abnormal psychology, ethics,
and intervention strategies. These courses help you build the skills needed for careers
in addiction counseling and mental health support.
The length of the program depends on how many courses you take each semester. If you
attend full time, you can typically complete the program in about two years. Certificates
can usually be completed in 2–3 semesters.
You’ll learn how to assess and support individuals with substance use disorders and
mental health needs. You will also apply counseling techniques and understand psychological
theories and principles.
Yes, the program includes practicum opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on
experience in real-world mental health settings.
You can pursue roles such as:
- substance use disorder counselor
- clinical case manager
- recovery support advocate
- mental health technician.
These roles are available in clinics, hospitals, and community organizations.
The program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about helping others. It is
also a good fit for those interested in a career supporting people with substance
use and mental health challenges.
Prospective students can apply through the San Jacinto College admissions portal, and are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss program requirements and plan their coursework.
Yes, San Jacinto College offers academic advising, counseling services, and career guidance to support students throughout their studies in the Mental Health and Addiction Studies
program.
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
The San Jacinto College Mental Health and Addiction Studies AAS degree is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
1001 North Fairfax Street
Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
Program Costs
| In District ($78 per credit hour) | Out-District ($135 per credit hour) | Out of State ($210 per credit hour) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4680 | $8100 | $12,600 |
| Additional materials | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Cengage Unlimited (Most Textbooks Included) *If complete in two years | $240 | $240 | $240 |
| Castlebranch (Background check and drug screen prior to practicum experience) | $86 | $86 | $86 |
| Approximated Total | $5106 | $8526 | $13,026 |
| In District ($78 per credit hour) | Out-District ($135 per credit hour) | Out of State ($210 per credit hour) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1638 | $2835 | $4410 |
| Additional materials | $30 | $30 | $30 |
| Cengage Unlimited (Most Textbooks Included) *If complete in two years | $180 | $180 | $180 |
| Castlebranch (Background check and drug screen prior to practicum experience) | $86 | $86 | $86 |
| Approximated Total | $1934 | $3130 | $4706 |
| In District ($78 per credit hour) | Out-District ($135 per credit hour) | Out of State ($210 per credit hour) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1404 | $2430 | $3780 |
| Additional materials | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Cengage Unlimited (Most Textbooks Included) *If complete in two years | $180 | $180 | $180 |
| Castlebranch (Background check and drug screen prior to practicum experience) | $86 | $86 | $86 |
| Approximated Total | $1670 | $2696 | $4046 |
| In District ($78 per credit hour) | Out-District ($135 per credit hour) | Out of State ($210 per credit hour) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $2574 | $4455 | $6930 |
| Additional materials | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Cengage Unlimited (Most Textbooks Included) *If complete in two years | $180 | $180 | $180 |
| Castlebranch (Background check and drug screen prior to practicum experience) | $86 | $86 | $86 |
| Approximated Total | $2865 | $4746 | $7721 |
Support for your studies
