Human Services

Program Type: Face-to-Face, Fully Online, Hybrid
Program Level: Degrees, Certificates, Online
Department: Public Policy & Service
Institute: Public Service
College: SAC

What is the program?

This program trains you to assist people with substance use disorders and prepares you for licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or certification as a Prevention Specialist. LCDC is the only mental health counseling license in Texas that requires an associate degree instead of a master’s degree.

What will I learn?

You’ll learn how to work directly with clients in prevention and treatment settings. You’ll gain an understanding of human services theory and practices, along with professional, ethical and legal considerations. Courses are designed to meet LCDC licensing requirements and provide a strong foundation for other careers in mental health.

What can I do with this course of study?

This program prepares you to seek licensure as an LCDC or certification as a Prevention Specialist to begin working in the field immediately. With an associate degree, you can seek employment in mental health/human services settings or you can transfer to selected university bachelor's degree programs to continue your education in the field.

What's special about the program?

This is the only academic program in San Antonio at an accredited college that meets the state's educational requirements for LCDC licensure. This program also offers certification programs for students with bachelor’s degrees in approved areas of study who seek licensure as a chemical dependency counselor. All our faculty members are professional clinicians, with one or more state-level professional licenses. We work with real clients and bring that expertise to you to prepare you for a service-oriented career helping individuals and families.

Contact Us

Suzanne Davis-Thomas
Associate Professor
Nursing & Allied Heath Complex (NAHC) 333
(210) 486-1260
sdavis-thomas@alamo.edu

Dr. Leonard Lira
Chair
NAHC 309
(210) 486-1321
llira20@alamo.edu

Dr. Kathryn Miller
Professor
NAHC 333
(210) 486-1260
kmiller@alamo.edu

Melissa Cardenas
Instructor
NAHC 333
(210) 486-1260
mcardenas21@alamo.edu

Isela Argenal
Academic Unit Assistant
NAHC 303
(210) 486-1313
iargenal@alamo.edu

Marcus Dlugosz
Administrative Assistant
NAHC 303
(210) 486-1315
mdlugosz@alamo.edu