Alcohol and Drug Education in Psychology Training Center 

The Alcohol and Drug Education in Psychology Training (ADEPT) Center at William James College works collaboratively with treatment providers, educational partners, and other leaders to increase the number, and the capacity, of SUD professionals.

As the opioid crisis swells and overdoses rise to the leading cause of accidental death, nationally, Massachusetts struggles to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) workforce capable of addressing this growing problem. Acknowledging the important role mental health and behavioral health care providers play in substance use treatment, William James College is one of the only schools in Massachusetts to require substance use disorder classes for students training at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level.

Virtual Community of Practice

The ADEPT Center Co-Occurring Disorders Virtual Community of Practice offers counselors and other mental health professionals a space to experience and continuously create shared identity through engaging in and contributing to the practices of their communities. Knowing that our clients who struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders are the norm, not the exception, we seek to broaden our understanding of what it means to be a skilled, effective counselor through:

• Training in the theory and treatment of substance use disorders;
• Developing competencies in understanding and providing co-occurring disorder treatment;
• Engaging in peer consultation and clinical presentations of co-occurring treatment;
• Applying and adapting what we know to diverse populations;
• Expanding our circles of resource sharing and networking.

Academic Study 

The MA in Counseling Program offers an Area of Emphasis in Substance Use and Addictions. The area of emphasis provides a focused course of study for students who are interested in specializing in substance use and addiction assessment and treatment and takes a multifaceted approach to clinical training in this important area of study. Students in the BS in Psychology and Human Services can choose a minor in Addictions Counseling. 

Current William James College students interested in working with populations impacted by substance use disorders are encouraged to learn more about the Graduate Psychology Education Program (GPE) and the Opioid Workforce Expansion Program (OWEP).