The Community Behavioral Health Academy at UIndy
A Partnership with Community Health NetworkUIndy students enrolled in the Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and Master’s in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) programs can become uniquely qualified to maximize their career outcomes in behavioral health, thanks to a partnership with Community Health Network. After completing a specialized curriculum, developed in partnership with Community Health Network, and a two-semester paid practicum, graduates of the Community Behavioral Health AcademyTM will be prepared to become dually licensed as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselors (LCACs). In addition, they will receive extensive training in evidence-based counseling, financial incentives after earning both licenses and a priority job interview at Community Health Network upon graduation.
The program is designed to help graduates meet a growing need for behavioral health clinical social workers and mental health counselors in Indiana who can help individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) receive effective and timely emergency treatment as well as ongoing therapy, which is critical for patients because SUD is a lifelong illness.
In addition to growing the pipeline of qualified clinical social workers and mental health counselors to support patients in Indiana, the program also connects new clinical social workers and mental health counselors with employment opportunities that will help maximize their career outcomes.
The University of Indianapolis was one of two universities that piloted the program in 2019. The Academy is funded by a grant from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.
How to Participate
Advanced-standing and second-year regular-standing social work students and second-year mental health counseling students are eligible to apply for the Academy. Students should speak with their respective Field Coordinator (MSW) or Practicum and Internship Coordinator (MHC) about applications. Social work students must select the Mental Health and Addictions concentration in order to be eligible for the Academy.
The need for clinical social workers and mental health counselors is clear. According to state data, the number of opioid-related deaths in Indiana increased by 254% from 2016 to 2021*. When considering all drug-related deaths, the number increased by 169%.**
* 784 in 2016, compared with 1,995 in 2021
** 1,514 in 2016, compared with 2,554 in 2021