The two Nashville-based institutions combine resources to create specialized program for addiction counselors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 5, 2016 – Cumberland Heights alcohol and drug abuse recovery center announced today its partnership with Lipscomb University’s Department of Psychology and Counseling in creating a specialized education opportunity for its students in the CACREP-accredited Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling track.
“This program can provide Cumberland Heights and the larger field in general with qualified addictions counselors during a time when that specialized work force is facing a critical shortage,” said Cumberland Heights’ Chief Clinical Officer Cinde Freeman. “The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has identified this shortage as a major challenge for our field nationwide. I am proud that through this program, we are proactively doing something about it.”
Cumberland Heights and Lipscomb University Announce New Partnership
The Lipscomb University interns will be able to choose from Cumberland Heights’ residential men’s, women’s, young men’s, adolescent males’ and family programs – as well as adult or adolescent intensive outpatient experiences. It is rare for a practicum site to be able to offer this range of choices.
“This program comes at just the right time for this industry,” said Jay Crosson, CEO of Cumberland Heights. “These interns will be able to learn from some of the very best in the industry while gaining firsthand experience in a ‘real life’ rehabilitation setting.”
Cumberland Heights celebrates its 50th anniversary of operation this year. With half a century of direct experience as one of the nation’s top drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers, Cumberland Heights is perfectly positioned to help the next generation of licensed counselors and assist with the instruction of Lipscomb University students who desire to pursue this important profession.
“We are excited to partner with Cumberland Heights to create a specialized educational opportunity,” said Melanie Morris, an assistant professor in graduate counseling at Lipscomb. Morris coordinates the practicum and internship process for the M.S. in clinical mental health counseling program and supervises practicum and internship students.
“While pursuing this degree, students will learn about treating addiction through an addictions lens and a mental health lens, creating a unique perspective and marketable skills,” said Morris. “This degree will also complete the academic requirements to allow students to pursue two licenses in Tennessee: licensed professional counselor with mental health service provider designation and licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor. This dual licensure creates a highly competitive graduate.”
Through this partnership, Lipscomb students will have guaranteed spots to complete their practicums and internships at Cumberland Heights.
“It is very rare to have a guaranteed spot for a practicum or internship in this profession,” Morris said.
About the Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling: Lipscomb University’s Department of Psychology and Counseling offers an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling designed to meet the academic requirements for Tennessee licensure as a professional counselor with mental health service provider designation (LPC-MHSP). This credential allows students to provide counseling services in a variety of settings in the community such as mental health centers, private practices and churches, and the program’s emphasis on faith integration is especially helpful for those who wish to practice in faith-related settings (although students are not limited to only these settings). For more information on the specific curriculum requited please visit the Lipscomb Professional Counseling page.
About Lipscomb University: Lipscomb University is a private, Christian institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. Students at Lipscomb University may earn undergraduate and graduated degrees in a wide variety of fields as well as doctoral degrees in education, pharmacy and theology. With an official enrollment of 4,680 in the fall semester of 2015, Lipscomb University has experienced an 86 percent enrollment growth over the last decade.
About Cumberland Heights: Celebrating 50 years of service this year, Cumberland Heights’ mission is to transform lives, giving hope and healing to those affected by alcohol or drug addiction. As a non-profit organization, Cumberland Heights is committed to the approximately 2,500 men, women and adolescents it serves every year and the communities where its facilities are located. The organization has followed the teachings of the 12 Steps since its founding.
