Approved Graduate Certifcation Programs
Cambridge College Launches Trauma Studies Program
Summer 2009 Cambridge College, School of Psychology and Counseling will launch a program with a concentration in Trauma Studies. This program is designed to provide students with a specialization in trauma, including the necessary core functions and competencies of intervention, counseling and therapy.
This body of knowledge will allow students with a Master’s Degree in a counseling-related field (LMHC, MFT, RN, MSW and others) to earn a Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) Certification from the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS). Other types of credentials are available for individuals who does not possess a Master’s Degree in Counseling or related field.
The trauma field is rapidly developing and expanding, creating a unique need for mental health workers specializing in trauma and trauma-related work. The increased interest in the field of trauma stems from new developments in mental health, such as the introduction of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; community and collective trauma; the influx of returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans; refugee mental health and dual diagnoses and developing trauma-informed models, which ultimately prompt major changes in the community mental health system.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, DVA (formerly known as the Veteran’s Administration (VA) estimates it will treat more than 300,000 returning veterans in 2009 and admits a backlog of more than 400,000 in need of medical care. A large number of these are mental health cases. In February of 2009 the DVA “approved a process for creating a new categories, for LPC’s and MFT’s” within the VA Health Care system to increase the number of trained professionals to treat those in need.
The concentration in Trauma Studies equips counseling graduate students with training and education highlighting specific skills and knowledge in the area of trauma counseling and crisis intervention. The primary objectives are to increase knowledge (cognitive) and build skills (practice) in trauma counseling, intervention and support among mental health professionals, trauma responders and advocates/victims assistants to expand professional competency.
Trauma Studies Program has two tiers:
1. Concentration in Trauma Studies, 10 credits
This is an integrated program which is designed for current Cambridge College graduate students enrolled in the licensed program track. Upon completion of the program and the requisite hours of practice, students are qualified for Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) Certification.
2. Certificate Program in Trauma, 16 credits
This certification program is designed for graduated School of Psychology and Counseling Cambridge college students, students from other Cambridge College programs and from other schools (licensed and non-licensed program tracks) and persons with other levels of education, as well as those seeking continuing education units (CEUs) or in need of additional courses to pursue certifications.
The Coordinator of Trauma Studies program is Elena Cherepanov, PhD, CTS at
elena.cherepanov@cambridgecollege.edu
Graduate Certificate Program in Trauma
CTS certification was created for counselors, clinicians, and treatment specialists who provide individual, group, and/or family counseling, therapy or support to trauma victims. Individuals who are certified may engage in clinical practice with trauma survivors.
Program Description
The Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) is appropriate for counselors and treatment specialists who provide individual, group, and/or family counseling and support to trauma survivors, and/or conventionally recognized trauma treatments and interventions and/or are facilitators of trauma recovery groups.
The graduate certificate program in trauma is designed to provide graduate students with specialization in trauma which includes the necessary core functions and competencies of trauma intervention, counseling and therapy. This body of knowledge will allow the students to earn their Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) credential from the National Association of Trauma Specialist Certification Board. (ATSS).
The certificate classes will be offered as electives in the graduate counseling curricula. ATSS certifies the students qualify under ATSS for minimum Standards of Education and Training in trauma and trauma treatment. After completion of the Graduate Certificate program, students will be required to meet the additional requirements in order to be certified such as documented 2,000 providing counseling, therapy, group treatment, support group facilitation specific to trauma. This certificate will not waive other ATSS requirements.
Download Application (pdf)