This is a three year part time program leading to the Certificate in Addiction Psychotherapy. The program is open to those holding a license in one of the mental health professions or in training to obtains such license. In the latter case, Certificates are only awarded after the granting of the state license. Those in exempt professions, medicine, nursing, law, clergy may apply to the program.
Addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex etc.) are ever increasing problems in our society, thus necessitating special programs to treat these disorders. The ISMHP program provides an overview of addictions- their pharmacology as well as a view of the entire field; attention is given to diagnosis (DSM)
and treatment. Various modalities of treatment are presented. While emphasis is on individual treatment, consideration is given to group and family therapy. Treatment planning including assessment and evaluation is an important feature of the program. Ethics involved in the profession are presented in addition to concerns of therapist wellness.
Application: the application for the psychoanalytic program may be used with appropriate changes, if needed.
Fees: Application is $50 (non-refundable); $700 per course with a $100 registration fee per semester. (Refund policy is the same as in the psychoanalysis catalog). Each course meets weekly for three hours and extends for 15 weeks. Make-up sessions are $50 per missing week.
Academic Requirements: Attendance is on site with all classes mandatory and absences must be made-up entailing additional fees. Most requirements are fulfilled in the interactive class format in the weekly three hours where the student is expected to participate actively, take good notes. solve and write up cases presented and fulfill short homework questions based on the session of that week. A term paper is required in each course, where the student is free to select an addiction of his / her interest.
Treatment of Cases: it is highly recommended but not required for ISMHP certification that the student gain skills by applying what is learned in the class to actual clients. Those who are not yet licensed would need to be supervised by a licensed mental health professional. Those who are licensed may chose to avail themselves of consultation.
Individual Personal Therapy: this is greatly recommended but not required.
Group Therapy: The student is required to be in group therapy at least for one year during the time in the program. This is required because frequently addiction problems are treated in a group setting and the student’s group therapy serves as both a learning and growth experience. A student may select either a group with our institutes where a student fee may be negotiated or join an outside group. Personal revelations in the group may not be used in evaluating the student’s performance in the program.
FIRST YEAR
Addiction Psychotherapy 601 Pharmacology and Addictions Overview (45 hours)
Addiction Psychotherapy 602 Addiction Field, Diagnosis & Treatment (45 hours)
Addiction Psychotherapy 603 Techniques of Individual Psychotherapy (45 hours)
SECOND YEAR
Addiction Psychotherapy 604 Techniques of Group & Special Populations Therapy (60 hours)
Addiction Psychotherapy 605 Family Counseling, Development & Disease (45 hours)
Addiction Psychotherapy 606 Assessment, Evaluation, Treatment Planning (48 hours)
THIRD YEAR
Addiction Psychotherapy 607 Case Management, Community Educ, Prevention, Other Addictions (45 hrs)
Addiction Psychotherapy 608 Ethical Issues & Therapist Wellness (45 hours)