The Department
of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health (ASBH) at Governors State
University is a nationally recognized academic unit committed to preparing
students for momentous careers in behavioral health, substance use treatment,
and community wellness. Situated within the College of Health and Human
Services, the department offers a comprehensive suite of programs, including a
Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies and a Bachelor of Health Science
in Community Health.
We also offer a
range of specialized certificate programs designed to meet the growing demand
for trained professionals in the behavioral health and substance use treatment
fields. These certificates are ideal for both new entrants and experienced
professionals looking to expand their expertise or transition into
addiction-focused roles:
- Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) Preparation Certificate, which meets Illinois state educational
requirements for CADC credentialing and provides foundational knowledge in
addiction theory, counseling techniques, and ethical practice.
- The Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS)
Certificate prepares individuals—many of whom have lived experience—with the
skills needed to provide peer-based recovery support services in clinical and
community settings.
- The Addictions Screening, Assessment, and
Referral (ASAR) Certificate offers specialized training for professionals
seeking to enhance their competency in early identification, assessment, and
referral of individuals with substance use concerns.
We have been awarded a grant to provide
scholarships to fund students for the CADC program, which covers tuition, fees,
books, a computer, and provides a stipend during the internship phase (clinical
training) of the program. For full consideration, students must apply to the
program and scholarship by July 30th for the fall term and November 30th for
the spring term.
Press Release: Scholarships for MHS in Addictions Studies Students
Learn How to Apply for the CADC Scholarship
APPLY FOR THE CADC SCHOLARSHIP
Bachelors of Health Science (BHS) in Community Health
The Community Health program is dedicated to promoting
health status by addressing the social determinants of health and working to protect
and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities locally and
globally. Through a 24-credit
core and 15-20-credit electives curriculum —covering epidemiology,
environmental health, health disparities, research design, and community health
practice—students are well equipped with skills, knowledge, and practice to
provide professional services in the community where they reside. Further,
students are also positioned to plan, implement, and evaluate health programs
and services for target populations. This program offers three distinct
concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific career
paths:
- Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
- Pre-Health Professions
- Foundations of Substance Abuse
Graduates emerge with strong
competencies in cultural responsiveness, health needs assessment, program
evaluation, and ethical decision‑making. This program prepares students to
apply for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination through https://www.nchec.org/ches-exam.
Note: The program prepares students to enroll for
advance graduate studies, such as Doctor of Physical Therapy or Occupational
Therapy, or pursuing a master’s degree, Ph.D. in Health Sciences, Public
Health, or other doctorate degrees. Click for Example Degree Planner
Master of Health in Addiction Studies
The Addictions Studies program is designed to prepare
advanced practitioners who are committed to addressing the complex nature of
substance use disorders through evidence-based, person-centered, and culturally
responsive care. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to care that
integrates biological, psychological, and social determinants of addiction
while promoting long-term recovery and community reintegration for individuals
affected by substance use. The program prepares students to deliver compassionate,
culturally responsive care while actively working to reduce stigma and promote
equitable access to treatment and recovery services. With required internships
and applied training, students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings
and develop the clinical, ethical, and interpersonal skills needed for
effective addiction counseling. Graduates are equipped to enter the behavioral
health workforce or pursue advanced degrees in counseling, psychology, or
related fields. Click for Example Degree Planner
For students interested in pursuing state licensure as a
professional counselor, they can enroll in the Master of Arts in Mental Health
Counseling program that requires completion of a 60-credit hour. This pathway
is designed to meet the educational requirements set by the Illinois licensing
board, making graduates eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination
(NCE) and apply for associate licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor
(LPC). Upon completion of the required post-graduate supervised work
experience, graduates may also pursue full licensure as a Licensed Clinical
Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois. As a note, students who
are planning to practice outside of Illinois should be aware that licensing
requirements vary by state, and additional coursework or training may be
necessary.
The Department
of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health at Governors State University is
proud to be led by a diverse and accomplished faculty committed to excellence
in teaching, research, and service. Our faculty members are nationally and
internationally recognized scholars and practitioners who bring extensive
experience in addiction science, behavioral health, community health, and
public health leadership. With numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals,
presentations at global conferences, and active roles in professional
organizations, our faculty contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the
field and the development of future leaders in health and human services.
Dr. Matthew E. Sprong, Ph.D.
Dept. Chair & Associate
Professor
Email: msprong@govst.edu, Phone: 708.534.4919
Dr. Joseph Day, DrPH
Com. Hlth. Program Coordinator
& Associate Professor
Email: jday2@govst.edu, Phone: 708.235.7389
Dr. Jessica Love Jordan, Ph.D.
Add. Stud. Program Coordinator
& Assistant Professor
Email: jlovejordan5@govst.edu, 708.235.7389
Dr. Sabita Shrestha, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Email: sshrestha@govst.edu, Phone: 708.235.2160
Dr. Nancy Burley, Ed.D.
University Lecturer (Senior
Status)
Email: nburley@govst.edu, Phone: 708.534.4378
James Golding, MSW
University Lecturer (Senior
Status)
Email: JGolding@govst.edu, Phone: 708.235.7397
Dr. Tonya Roberson, Ph.D.
University Lecturer
Email: troberson4@govst.edu, Phone:
708.235.2806
Dr. Raheem Young, DBA
University Lecturer
Email: ryoung5@gost.edu, Phone: 708.534.8953
Kristina Annerino, M.A.
University Lecturer
Email: kannerino@govst.edu, Phone: 708.534.4507
Department Support:
Mary Rothenberg
Office Administrator
Email: mrothenberg@govst.edu, Phone:
708.534.4910
Kelly Robinson, M.A.
Academic Advisor for Master of
Health in Addictions Studies
Email: krobinson@govst.edu, Phone: 708.534.4923
Connor Schwer
Academic Advisor for Bachelor of
Health Science in Community Health
Email: cschwer@govst.edu, Phone: 708.235.7643