Last summer, 19 IU School of Social Work MSW students engaged in an innovative program designed to offer additional training in substance abuse disorders (SUD) and a path to employment after obtaining their master’s degree.

The Community Behavioral Health Academy—a partnership between Community Behavioral Health at Community Health Network, IUSSW, the University of Indianapolis, and Ascend Indiana—prepares students for dual licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and licensed clinical addiction counselor (LCAC).
The 15 to 30 social workers who complete the academy each year will help address a dire need for mental health services in Indiana, which is currently experiencing a shortfall of some 7,000 behavioral health professionals. With Indiana ranking among the top five states for opioid use or dependency, the need for professionals specially trained to treat people dealing with SUD is critical. The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation reports in a recent study that more than 1,700 Indiana residents died from drug overdoses in 2017, up 75% since 2011 and an all-time high.

“Students selected for the academy get comprehensive training in a variety of evidence-based practices for clients who have substance use disorders or co-occurring SUD and mental health problems,” said Beth Wahler, Ph.D., MSW associate dean for academic affairs. “They come out of school ready to hit the ground running in the field.”

IU MSW students participating in the program are screened and chosen by the School of Social Work’s field coordinator and then interview with the Community Behavioral Health team, which selects the academy cohort. Eskenazi Health has joined as a program partner in 2020, enabling more students to participate in the second cohort this summer.

“It’s a win-win-win,” said Dr. Wahler. “It improves opportunities for our students, enhances our school’s relationships within the community, and it’s a win for Community and Eskenazi to train people who may go on to work for them as behavioral health professionals.”

Dr. Wahler said that because the program model is easily replicated, other community mental health centers are exploring the possibility of partnering with the IUSSW for similar programs in other parts of the state.

Community Behavioral Health Seminars
In addition to the master’s-level coursework completed at IUSSW, academy students attend seminars developed by Community Behavioral Health to complement course instruction and practicum training. Some of the seminar topics include:

  • Commonly used evidence-based practices for SUD, mental health problems, and co-occurring disorders, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy
  • Assessment measures for addictions and co-occurring disorders across the lifespan (children, adolescents, and adults)
  • Documentation techniques and practices

Students also receive an endorsement in motivational interviewing, an evidence-based practice used in many organizations.