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. To learn about this scholarship and more, visit our Scholarships and Grants page.
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
Jeshana Avent-Johnson, PsyD
Adjunct Faculty
Rachel Fusco, LPC, LPCC, LMFT
Adjunct Faculty
Gregor V. Sarkisian, PhD
Core Faculty, Director of Applied Community Psychology Specialization
Dr. Vallerie E. Coleman, Ph.D
Adjunct Faculty
Admissions
How to Apply
- Start your online application.
- Submit an official transcript showing your bachelor’s degree conferral from a regionally accredited college or university. If you attended an undergraduate program outside of the United States, please see the international transcript evaluation instructions on our website for further information.
- Electronic transcripts: Have your institution send them to [email protected]. Many institutions offer electronic delivery through Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse.
- Mailed transcripts: Send to our central campus location:
Antioch University
Attn: Admissions
900 Dayton Street
Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
- Complete and submit the admissions essay. See essay prompt for details and instructions.
- Optional: Submit one professional letter of recommendation from a current or former instructor, employer, or mental health professional who can speak to your potential for success in graduate study in psychology. Letters from peer coworkers, friends, relatives, or personal therapists will not be reviewed.
- Submit the $50 application fee.
Note: The application fee is waived for anyone attending an information session. Interested in attending? Sign up now!
After we receive your application, the admissions team will contact you about a virtual group interview.
Application Deadline
| Quarter | Priority Deadline* | Application Deadline*** |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | February 1 | March 15 |
| Fall | March 15 | August 1 |
| Winter | August 1 | November 1 |
| *International application deadline is priority deadline | ||
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
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.
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.
Start your Antioch Journey
Take your next step - talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.