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Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling

A degree or certificate in Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling can lead to various satisfying careers helping children, families, youth, adults, and seniors in mental health, social services or addictions. This program is the first two years of education for anyone who wants to become a therapist or counselor. Mt. Hood Community College offers both degree and certificate options to help you start or boost your career in mental health or addiction. This program has been recognized as one of the only programs of its kind nationally.

The Experience

Program Details

At Mt. Hood Community College, we offer three program options in Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling: a degree in Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling; a Behavioral Health Care Specialist Certificate; and a Youth Worker Certificate. The degree takes two years of full time study. The certificate programs take one year or less to complete if you are attending full time. All of the programs prepare you to work with the emotional, social, and physical needs of your future clients. 89% of our AAS graduates move on to earn a bachelor's degree in social work or counseling to pursue a dream of becoming a counselor or a therapist in schools, hospitals or agencies.

Your future

Future career opportunities include social worker, multicultural service provider, addiction counselor, domestic violence advocate, community corrections worker, youth mentor, case manager, advocate, and more.

How To Get Started

The Mental Health, Social Service and Addiction Counseling program begins during fall term. Are you starting classes in another term? Don't worry! There still may be courses you can start taking if you're starting college in a different term. Please contact the program advisors for details. Any student admitted to MHCC can sign up for classes in the program after reading, writing, and math placement requirements have been met.

See Students in Action

Learn more about courses and curriculum

Courses in this program include social services, behavioral health, case management, and more.

Learn More and Begin Your Journey

Take the next step with Mt. Hood Community College

Have questions about the Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling Program?

Read Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling Frequently Asked Questions


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