IUPUC master’s program receives recognition

IUPUCs masters degree program in mental health counseling is being recognized by a regional organization for being an outstanding and innovative program.

The school has received the Innovative Counselor Education Program Award from the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, which covers 13 states. IUPUC received the award, after making changes to the curriculum in 2018 in response to the rise in cases of substance abuse disorder..

Faculty members Dr. Stephanie Scifres and Dr. Darrin Carr modified the curriculum with three new addictions-focused courses that better prepare graduates to counsel clients with substance abuse disorders, and also enabled graduates to apply for an additional license as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor Associate.

The program organizers also decided to combat the opioid epidemic through the hiring process, grant writing and scholarship. Faculty members participate in organizations such as Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council, and the ASAP Opioid Prevention Action Team. IUPUC also opened the Tom and Barbara Schoellkopf Community Counseling Center on the campus, which serves students and the community.