WHARTON - Wharton County Junior College will offer a new certificate program this fall to meet the growing need for mental healthcare. Through the college's Human Services Program, students will be able to pursue a Basic Chemical Dependency Counselor certificate to help those struggling with substance use and abuse. Classes begin on Aug. 26 at the Wharton campus. Enrollment is limited. "Many Texas counties don't have the mental health services they need," said Program Director Victoria Schultz. "We are one of only a select number of programs in the state to offer this training.”
The Chemical Dependency Counselor certificate is a oneyear program that prepares students for employment in several fields of study, including social work, human services, counseling psychology, addiction counseling, substance abuse counseling and chemical dependency counseling. "This typically involves assisting clients in devel-oping strategies to refrain from the use of substances and in developing a supported network for recovery and maintenance of being substance-free," Schultz said.
Schultz said a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey indicated that an estimated 11.3 million Texas residents are currently living with a substance use disorder, with more than 50 percent having a co-occurring mental health issue. The survey further determined that roughly 98 percent of the state's 254 counties have a shortage of mental health professionals.
"If the workforce shortage is not addressed immediately, Texans will continue to struggle with long-term and potentially life-threatening mental health conditions," Schultz said. In addition to 18 semester hours of coursework, students must also complete a 300-hour practicum. Once they meet these standards and earn their certificate, they can immediately enter the workforce or pursue licensure for a higher-level position.
