MA in Clinical Psychology, Addiction and Recovery (A+R) Specialization
Introduction
The Addiction and Recovery (A+R) Specialization is a cutting-edge and innovative program that explores substance use and related disorders from a multidimensional perspective. Rather than looking at people who suffer from various addictions from an oversimplified, one-size-fits-all approach, students gain insight into the biological, psychological, sociocultural, political, and systemic causes of addiction, along with effective ways to approach treatment. Training includes the ability to thoroughly assess, conceptualize, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans, along with the skills required to deliver evidence-based, client-centered interventions with compassion and a deep understanding of the complexity of addiction and recovery.
This degree is offered by Antioch University's Los Angeles campus.
Program Overview
The Addiction and Recovery (A+R) Specialization is the newest specialization offered to students in the Masters in Clinical Psychology program at AULA. It is a rigorous and cutting edge graduate level program that emerged in response to the growing demand for well-trained therapists who are able to effectively work with an ever-expanding population of individuals who suffer from substance use disorders and other addictions. Given the chronic, progressive nature of addiction, in addition to learning traditional approaches, students explore the space that exists for innovative approaches amid shifting treatment paradigms. Coursework builds professional competency by providing tools and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to graduate with the knowledge, skills, and insight to understand and respond effectively to those whose lives are impacted by addiction.
Licensure Information
This program is designed to lead to state licensure.
President's Merit Scholarship
The President’s Merit Scholarships are awarded to new students seeking a master’s degree. Awards are determined by prior academic performance (minimum 3.40 GPA) and work/life experience. Awards of $6000 are distributed equally over the first two academic years of a student’s program. You must remain enrolled full-time, and your academic progress will be reviewed each term. You must complete each course in which you are registered in order to continue receiving the scholarship.
Additional Information
Specialization Courses (17 credits)
- Integrated Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders (3 credits)
- Understanding and Treating Addiction: Biological Perspectives (3 credits)
- Understanding and Treating Addiction: Psychological Perspectives (3 credits)
- Understanding and Treating Addiction: Socio-Cultural-Political (SCP) Perspectives (3 credits)
- Understanding and Treating Addiction: Systems Perspectives (2 credits)
- A + R Electives (3 credits)
Clinical Training:
Hours must be earned working with clients being treated for addictive disorders in an approved addiction treatment setting.
Many students who complete the Addiction and Recovery (A+R) Specialization work in treatment centers and private practice, while others go on to pursue doctoral studies. Skillful therapists with expertise in understanding and treating addiction are highly sought after, and graduates from this specialization have a reputation for being well-trained in a compassionate and multidimensional approach to working with people whose lives are affected by addiction.
Faculty Spotlights
Sadaf Kashi, Pharm D, MFT
Adjunct Faculty
Helen Hill, MFT
Adjunct Faculty
Jared S Becknell
Adjunct Faculty
Sandra Chase, MSW
Adjunct Professor
Admissions
How to Apply
- Complete an online application.
- Submit the Application Fee $50. Note: The application fee is waived for anyone attending an information session. Interested in attending? Sign up now!
- Submit an official transcript indicating Bachelor’s degree conferral from a regionally accredited college or university to AULA Admissions.
- Complete and submit the admissions essay. The admissions essay must be typed in 12 pt. font and double-spaced, with your name typed on the top of each page. The admissions reviewer(s) is interested in your capacity for self-reflection and your ability to think critically, as well as your writing ability. Some people may be asked to take steps to improve their writing skills when they enter the program so that they are writing at the graduate level. (Min. 800 words, Max. 1500 words)
- The applicant should choose to respond to one of the following essay prompts in support of the application. 1.) How have your life experiences to this point prepared you for graduate study in psychology? (Please be specific) OR 2.) What does the term social justice mean to you? What is a personal bias you would be willing to address during your participation in the MAP Program?
- OPTIONAL: Applicants can submit one professional letter of recommendation. The letter must come from a faculty member (present/former teacher), employer, or mental health professional. Letters from peer co-workers, friends, relatives, or personal therapists are not acceptable and will not be reviewed. The letter should address the applicant’s potential for success in graduate study in psychology. Please attach the written recommendation to the form when submitting the recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be submitted in either Word or pdf format and we strongly encourage that the letter of recommendation be one page in length.
- After we receive your application materials, we will contact you to make an appointment for a group interview. This interview is an opportunity for you to present your goals and qualifications and to ask questions about Antioch University’s program.
Please submit all materials to: Admissions Office, 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90056 or [email protected]. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Application Deadline
| Quarter | Priority Deadline* | Application Deadline*** |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | February 1 | May 1 |
| Fall | May 1 | August 1 |
| Winter | August 1 | November 1 |
| Spring | November 1 | February 1 |
| *International application deadline is priority deadline | ||
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
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Cost
Clinical Psychology (MA) & Psychological Studies (MA)
| Cost per credit | $ 956 |
|---|---|
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
Please note: Additional fees for all AULA programs may include (but are not necessarily limited to) charges for materials, late registration, enrollment maintenance, parking, graduation, transcripts, tuition payment plan, late payments, late registration, and returned checks.
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Financial Aid
A majority of AULA students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AULA.
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