• Apply By
    Fall: March 1 | Spring: Oct 1
  • Admission GPA
    3.0+
  • Total Credits
    60
  • Time to Complete
    3 years full-time (approx.)
  • Cost
    $850 per credit
    Fees | Financial Aid

Why Choose the IBH Program?

The Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) prepares counselors to treat clients with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. The IBH program provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation in integrative treatment modalities, clinical skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy.

The IBH degree features:

  • Coursework that meets Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MNLADC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) educational requirements
  • A comprehensive, integrated curriculum that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders
  • Real-world application that reflects state-of-the-art, evidence-based best practices
  • A case-based learning approach to enhance understanding of counseling theories and techniques
  • A client-centered focus that recognizes more than one treatment ideology
  • A diverse and inclusive student experience

Courses

To earn the Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health, complete 60 credits. You have up to five years to complete the degree; however, you may complete the degree in approximately three years by following a full-time pathway (nine credits for the first few terms then six). 

 

* Students who choose to complete the LADC midpoint internship will complete additional credits of ADDS 6996 Internship in lieu of an elective course. All students will complete at least three terms of Practicum and Internship leading to at least 880 hours of fieldwork experience.

All students admitted to the University of Minnesota’s Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) are expected to complete a minimum of 880 hours of supervised internship at an area agency approved by IBH internship faculty as part of their academic program.

The IBH program coursework fulfills the education and internship requirements for the three Minnesota licenses listed below. All additional post degree supervision hours or other requirements for these licenses are not part of or fulfilled by the IBH program.

  • The Minnesota Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (MNLADC)
  • The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • The Minnesota Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

For detailed information on the LADC, LPC, and LPCC licensing requirements, visit the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (MN BBHT) website.

Once you complete the IBH program, you are responsible for any post-graduation supervision hours required for professional licensure in Minnesota. The IBH program does not facilitate or guarantee any post-graduate opportunities or professional licensure in other states or another country.

Elective courses (0–6 credits) must relate to counseling, human development, or human services, or must enhance your understanding of mental health, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, or human behavior within a broader context. For courses not listed below, obtain approval from the Director of Graduate Studies.

For detailed course information, visit the U of M Schedule Builder.

Course NameCourse NumberCredits
Methods and Models III: Synthesis Seminar in Client Centered CareIBH 60212
Methods and Models IV: Trauma and Anxiety, Assessment and Treatment InterventionIBH 60312
Adolescents and Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health DisordersIBH 62223
Supervision Models and Method in Integrated Behavioral HealthIBH 62273
DBT Skills Training: Group Practices and Treatment ModalitiesIBH 62332
Counseling Grief and LossIBH 62343
Foundations of Human SexualityHSEX 60013
Perspectives and Practices in Sexual Health EducationHSEX 60133
Sexual Intimacy and PleasureHSEX 60153
Dimensions of Sexual FunctioningHSEX 62113
Sex and Relationship TherapyHSEX 62123
Sexual Trauma and Trauma-Informed CareHSEX 62133
Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse AdultsHSEX  63113
Intersectional and Decolonizing Approaches to Transgender HealthHSEX 63123
Gender Diversity, Sexuality, and Sexual HealthHSEX 63133
Considerations in the Care of Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and AdolescentsHSEX 63143

Youth Specialization

If you are interested in counseling youth, this specialization will add competencies in psychopathology and resilience, and application of theory and research to meet the needs of youth, families, and communities. As part of the specialization you will also earn a graduate minor in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. 

This optional specialization requires additional coursework beyond the IBH degree’s minimum credits and a youth-focused internship. Please be aware that legal convictions may disqualify you from internship and clinical practice. Anyone seeking this specialization will be required to pass a background check before internship.

Career Outlook

“Currently, there is a shortage of addictions and mental health practitioners in the state of Minnesota,” says Debra Wamsley, former Director of Graduate Studies. “Our degree effectively prepares future clinicians to successfully practice in this rapidly changing landscape.”

 

  • 37%

    Expected employment growth in mental health and behavioral therapy occupations between 2020-30 in Minnesota*

  • $69.5K

    Median salary for positions which request an LPCC**

In fact, in Minnesota, mental health and behavioral therapy positions that request a LADC and/or an LPC have an average salary 63 percent higher than the average across all positions.* 

Your future career could be as a:*

  • Mental Health Therapist  
  • Behavioral Health Counselor
  • Behavioral Health Therapist
  • Social/Human Service Assistant
  • Senior Clinical Supervisor

* Burning Glass Technologies: Program Insight™, accessed 10/28/21.
** Lightcast™, accessed 3/6/23.

Our Stories

Faculty

The Integrated Behavioral Health program is supported and directed by talented, engaged professionals at every level. Their experience and knowledge will help you navigate an educational and career path that works for you.

Meet the Faculty

Admissions Advising

Graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks is happy to answer your questions about the IBH program and the application procedure.

Or you can give Steve a call at 612-301-6127.

Do you have a more detailed question or want to tell us a little bit about yourself before the meeting? Fill out this brief questionnaire.

Apply

Fall Semester Application Deadline: March 1
Spring Semester Application Deadline: October 1

We strive to be fair in the admissions process. Our program thrives when we have students from different backgrounds and cultural experiences. The admissions committee completes a holistic review of all required application materials to ensure that you will be successful in the program. We do not require standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Learn more about the application process in the video below. If you have questions about the admission requirements or would like advice on how to put together application materials, please contact Steve Wicks.

Read the transcript here.

Admission Requirements

We welcome applications from students who have:

  • a bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution, or its international equivalent
  • an undergraduate GPA of 3.0*

* If you have a GPA below 3.0, please include a statement of extenuating circumstances.

If you're ready to take the next step, visit the ADDC/IBH Application Instructions page for details on how to submit each piece of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Applying to a master's degree is a big decision. We're here to help with answers to the most common questions about the IBH program.

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