Neumann now offers a Behavioral Health Intervention minor. Launched last fall, it is designed to supplement various majors including Nursing, Psychology and Criminal Justice.

“The odds of people in these professions encountering mental health issues, dealing with addicts or even trauma is rising,” said Dr. Alfred Mueller, Neumann University Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Six courses are included in the BHI minor. These include Foundations of Behavioral Health, Psychopathology, Psychology of Addiction, Clinical Skills: Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Behavioral Health Intervention, and Trauma and Crisis Intervention.

“There’s a real need for this (minor) and it fits with our Franciscan mission. Part of our Franciscan mission is to minister to those that are marginalized,” said Mueller.

The lower level courses are more theory and principle-based. The upper level courses have students learning various non-violent techniques such as oral (talking someone down) or joint locks (subduing without harming the patient).

According to Mueller, the minor is a very comprehensive program. It offers a more in-depth study than addiction certificates offered by other local colleges. And, the potential job market growth is huge in this field.

“This is the only one like it in the Commonwealth that we are aware of,” Mueller explained.