HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania isn’t sitting idle in the face of a growing addiction crisis. On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) launched a bold initiative in collaboration with Carlow and Waynesburg universities to tackle the critical shortage of qualified addiction professionals in the state’s behavioral health workforce.
Fueled by DDAP funding, the program sets its sights on grooming the next wave of substance use disorder (SUD) counselors by offering significant financial assistance to master’s-level students. This isn’t just another education grant—this is a strategic maneuver to rebuild a workforce that is crumbling under the weight of burnout, turnover, and rising demand.
How It Works
At its core, the initiative is more than a lifeline—it’s a springboard for Pennsylvania’s future addiction workforce. Eligible students at Carlow and Waynesburg universities will receive tuition assistance, monthly stipends during their practicum or internship, and specialized training tailored to addiction counseling. By the time they graduate with master’s degrees, they’ll be fully qualified to step into the field as licensed counselors in Pennsylvania, with one condition—a three-year commitment to serve in the state’s SUD treatment field.
This is no random partnership. Carlow and Waynesburg universities are the only higher education institutions in Pennsylvania accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in addictions counseling. “We are proud to partner with DDAP and Waynesburg on this vital initiative,” said Carlow University President Dr. Kathy Humphrey. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to serving others and addressing critical workforce needs.”
Dr. Kelley McNichols, Assistant Director of Graduate Counseling Programs at Waynesburg University, echoed this sentiment. “The opportunity to partner with DDAP forges an innovative pathway intended to bolster the recruitment of diverse SUD counselors… while strategically investing in aspiring counselors who will support the sustainability of the SUD behavioral health workforce.”
Program Benefits Take Aim at Workforce Gaps
The initiative directly addresses glaring issues in Pennsylvania’s addiction treatment landscape. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and overwhelming paperwork are just a few of the challenges contributing to the state’s shrinking SUD workforce. According to DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis Jones, this collaboration “is making meaningful strides toward rebuilding and strengthening Pennsylvania’s SUD workforce.”
Participants in the program will not only graduate debt-free but also with hands-on experience in serving underserved and underrepresented populations. Students can receive up to $5,520 per semester in tuition assistance for a maximum of five semesters and monthly stipends of $200 for up to 22 months. This financial support is designed to ensure students stay focused on their training rather than being consumed by financial worries.
Why This Matters
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Pennsylvania is battling a dual epidemic—rising rates of addiction intertwined with a severe shortage of professionals trained to address it. The inability to meet the demand for SUD services leaves vulnerable communities in crisis, particularly in underrepresented regions. This program is a deliberate move to close that gap.
Beyond filling vacancies, the initiative aims to build a pipeline of dedicated professionals equipped to provide compassionate, effective care. Each graduating student represents not just a counselor but hope for hundreds of Pennsylvanians struggling with addiction.
But addressing the workforce shortage isn’t just about increasing numbers—it’s about changing the landscape of behavioral health care. By developing partnerships between universities and community providers, the program ensures that future counselors have deep ties to the populations they’ll serve, laying the foundation for better outcomes.
Broader Implications and Government Priorities
This pilot aligns seamlessly with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to reimagine the state’s approach to behavioral health. Through his Executive Order establishing the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council, Shapiro has underscored the urgency of delivering timely, quality addiction and mental health services. This initiative builds on that momentum by directly addressing one of the most pressing barriers to care—a lack of trained professionals.
And the investment doesn’t stop here. The Shapiro Administration has already poured over $40 million into retaining drug and alcohol professionals through DDAP’s student loan repayment program. This latest move demonstrates an even greater focus on building a sustainable future for the field, rather than patching holes in an already sinking ship.
A Call to Action
This groundbreaking partnership with Carlow and Waynesburg universities has set the stage for a brighter future in Pennsylvania’s battle against addiction. The commitment of these institutions and the state government sends a clear message—the behavioral health workforce isn’t just a priority; it’s a lifeline for communities in desperate need.
Every student who graduates and enters the field brings the state one step closer to facing addiction head-on with the resources, compassion, and expertise that Pennsylvanians deserve. This isn’t just about solving a workforce shortage. It’s about saving lives, rebuilding communities, and creating a legacy of care for generations to come.
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