Trauma-Informed Care / Substance Abuse Counseling

Trauma-Informed Care and Substance Abuse Counseling are interrelated and applicable to students interested in working in behavioral health settings. The Joint TIC and SAC program integrates two existing specialization areas of the MSW program at UWM.

We encourage students to identify their intent to complete both the TIC and/or the SAC curriculum as early as possible in their course planning.

Trauma-Informed Care

The Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an interdisciplinary certificate for students in helping professions that trains them in the principles and strategies of trauma-informed practice. When a student completes the Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care, it will be listed as an earned academic credential on their UWM transcript.

Social work students complete 15 credits in coursework. It’s possible to complete fieldwork in trauma-informed care as well.

Learn more about the Trauma-Informed Care program

Substance Abuse Counseling

The Substance Abuse Counseling (SAC) curriculum is embedded within the MSW requirements at UWM. Students pursuing the SAC curriculum enroll in the MSW program’s behavioral health concentration and take specific electives. Upon completion of the curriculum, students meet the State of Wisconsin’s educational requirements toward certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor-In Training, or Substance Abuse Counselor.

The SAC credential itself is provided by the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), following verification of the coursework and applicable exam(s).

Learn more about the Substance Abuse Counselor Certification