Much like the rest of the country, Western North Carolina is dealing with a mental health crisis.
Opioid addiction, anxiety, depression and other maladies all seem to be on the rise – while hospitals, agencies and clinics struggle to find enough workers to meet the growing need for assistance.
To help address these issues, Southwestern Community College is expanding its newly renamed Social and Human Services program.
Starting this fall, SCC will offer education and training for three distinct career pathways within the field: Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery and Social Services.
New students will all take the same classes for the first year, allowing them to explore each of the three pathways and determine which is the best fit for them to pursue in their second year at Southwestern.
During those final two semesters, students will engage in coursework and practical experiences directly related to their chosen pathway – gaining in-depth knowledge and skills. They can also choose between pursuing an associate degree or standalone certificate from their chose career field (Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery or Social Services), allowing for varied educational goals and timelines.
"We are thrilled to launch these new curriculum pathways and certificate options," said Crystal Rhynes, SCC Social & Human Services Program Coordinator. "This evolution underscores our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our students and the evolving demands of our community. We are utilizing AI technology to provide students with real-world interviewing and counseling experiences to further build the skills they will need upon entering the workforce."
For more information about all the Social & Human Services pathways at Southwestern, or to enroll for the fall semester, contact Rhynes at c_rhynes@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4397.
