Source – www.forbes.com
Department Transition and Collaborative Future
As of July 1, 2024, the Department of Counselor Education has transitioned from the College of Education to the College of Health Sciences’ School of Allied Health Sciences. This strategic move aims to enhance collaboration and support for students and faculty involved in behavioral and mental health education. James Satterfield, Jr., Dean of the College of Education, expressed optimism about the move, stating, “While this change will physically move counselor education from one college to another, it does not preclude us from collaborating to benefit both colleges and all students. We will continue to work together to advance our research and other scholarly activities. We look forward to the future as we honor our past, while advancing the mission of the university.”
Joelle Powers, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, echoed this sentiment, welcoming the Department of Counselor Education and emphasizing the importance of their work in behavioral and mental health. “We are excited to welcome the Department of Counselor Education to the College of Health Sciences,” Powers said. “We are looking forward to deepening our partnerships with the students and faculty in counselor education to better support behavioral and mental health in our country, which has a major impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.”
Strengthening Behavioral Health Initiatives
For years, the Colleges of Education and Health Sciences have jointly overseen the Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction. With the department’s move, the institute, under the leadership of Diana Doumas, a professor of counselor education, will now operate solely within the College of Health Sciences. This institute provides vital services to both Boise State and the wider community, offering training, professional development, and program evaluation in behavioral health and addiction prevention and treatment.
The institute also manages the Idaho Regional Alcohol Drug Awareness Resource Center (RADAR), which serves as the state’s only clearinghouse for substance abuse prevention and addiction treatment resources. RADAR provides essential print, video, and electronic materials, as well as resource referrals for Idaho residents. This centralized resource aims to enhance community access to critical information and support services related to substance abuse and addiction.
Educational Programs and Accreditation
The Department of Counselor Education offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to prepare students for professional roles in counseling. The 60-credit Master of Arts in Counseling program includes two cognate areas: School Counseling and Addiction Counseling. These programs equip graduate students with the skills and knowledge required to become licensed professional counselors.
Additionally, the department offers a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, which aims to develop leaders and educators in the field of counseling. Both the Master’s and Ph.D. programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring they meet high standards of quality and rigor in counselor education.
With the transition to the College of Health Sciences, the Department of Counselor Education is poised to strengthen its impact on behavioral and mental health education. This move is expected to foster greater collaboration, enhance support for students and faculty, and contribute to the overall mission of improving health and well-being in the community.
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