Behavioral Interventionist

Overview

The Behavioral Interventionist certificate is an 18-credit hour program designed to prepare individuals to work in support specialist positions such as Patient Support Specialist of Peer Support Specialist, particularly in the field of substance abuse treatment and recovery. Students will be able to facilitate appropriate direct services and interventions in alcohol and drug services. This program also serves as a foundation for students seeking to continue their education and/or certification to become an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in South Carolina.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

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Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(9 Credit Hours)
HUS-102 Pers & Prof Dev in the Help Prof

Pers & Prof Dev in the Help Prof

ID: HUS-102

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides students with the opportunity to gain a greater awareness of self through values clarification activities, reflective writing, etc., and to understand how attitudes, values and beliefs impact both their personal and professional lives.

3
HUS-208 Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

ID: HUS-208

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the etiology of alcohol and drug abuse, various types of addictive substances, physical, mental and social implications, programs in rehabilitation, and preventive education.

3
HUS-230 Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing Techniques

ID: HUS-230

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the development of skills necessary for interviews in various organizational settings. Students in human services will use these skills and knowledge later on their supervised field placements.

3
Semester 2
(9 Credit Hours)
HUS-101 Introduction to Human Services

Introduction to Human Services

ID: HUS-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers an overview of the field of human services. Role responsibilities, problems, boundaries, and strategies of human service workers are included. This course also includes an overview of agencies in the service area, curriculum requirements and career opportunities. A 20-hour practicum in a social service organization is required.

3
HUS-217 Addictions Counseling

Addictions Counseling

ID: HUS-217

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides specific skills for the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and addictions. Topics to be discussed include causes and diagnoses of addictions, and treatment modalities.

3
HUS-237 Crisis Intervention

Crisis Intervention

ID: HUS-237

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the effects of crisis on people, the methods of intervention, and other use of multiple resources to reestablish individual function. Students are required to demonstrate mock crisis activities.

3
  Total Credit Hours 18
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$3,384.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Peer Support Specialist

Provides individualized services: assisting in patient engagement and retention in treatment services, needs assessment, supportive phone calls, coordination/referral with other supportive services and or community resources, and mental health services coordination. Documents all services, attends treatment team meetings, conducts recovery check-ins with patient’s post-treatment services, provides case consultation, and coordination of care.

According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Local Substance Abuse Agencies
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Drug and Alcohol Facilities
  • Residential In-patient Care Facilities
  • Out-Patient Care Facilities

Careers

Patient Support Specialist

Monitors patient progress, identifies patient needs, and maintains clinical documentation per established guidelines. Facilitates patient admissions, to include: conducting a thorough contraband search of patients and their belongings; recording and secure belongings; and orienting patients to the Unit and their assigned rooms. Also provide supervision of patients during meals, activities, on the patio and on walks, ensure patients are in attendance for group services, obtain and record vital signs and weight as required, and prepare patient admission packets.

According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Lexington Richland Drug & Alcohol Council
  • SC Department of Mental Health
  • SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services
  • Richland Springs
  • Morris Village

What’s next after I complete this program?

Clinical Counselor I

Students could continue with training and receive their certificate to be a treatment counselor by completing training in pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, addiction counseling techniques, advance case management classes and training.

MTC Human Services Associate Degree

Students could continue with college courses at MTC to earn their associates in applied science in Human Services. Human Services graduates have many options to work more broadly in the helping field. Those options include working with individuals and families in social services, homeless agencies, prison systems, adoption, mental health, and elderly care services.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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