Addiction counselors play an important role in helping individuals and families navigate substance use disorders. They provide guidance, support, and resources that help people build healthier lives and work toward long-term recovery. For those looking for a meaningful career in a growing field, addiction counseling offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Why Addiction Counseling Matters

Substance use disorders affect people from every background. They can impact physical and mental health, relationships, employment, education, and overall quality of life. Recovery often requires support from trained professionals who understand the challenges individuals face and can help them navigate the recovery process.

Licensed addiction counselors play an important role in that journey. They help individuals build practical skills that support long-term recovery, including:

• Managing stress and triggers
• Developing healthy coping strategies
• Setting and achieving personal goals
• Strengthening communication skills
• Rebuilding relationships and support systems
• Making healthier decisions
• Increasing self-awareness
• Maintaining long-term recovery plans

While recovery looks different for every individual, access to qualified professionals can make a significant difference.

Why Kansas Needs More Addiction Counselors

Kansas communities continue to face challenges in accessing behavioral health and recovery services. Research from the Kansas Health Institute has found that many areas of the state experience shortages of behavioral health professionals, creating barriers for individuals seeking treatment and support.

In response, Kansas leaders and healthcare organizations have invested in workforce development initiatives designed to increase the number of professionals serving individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

These efforts reflect a growing need for trained professionals who can support recovery services across the state. As healthcare systems, treatment centers, and community organizations work to expand access to care, opportunities continue to grow for individuals prepared to enter the field.

For those considering a career in addiction counseling, this need represents an opportunity to serve others while helping address an important challenge facing Kansas communities.

What Does a Licensed Addiction Counselor Do?

Licensed addiction counselors work with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and related challenges. Their responsibilities may include assessing client needs, developing treatment goals, facilitating counseling sessions, monitoring progress, and connecting clients with community resources.

Many counselors also collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, recovery specialists, and other professionals to support comprehensive care.

Addiction counselors may work in a variety of settings, including:

• Substance use treatment centers
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Community mental health centers
• Private counseling practices
• Nonprofit organizations
• Recovery and rehabilitation programs
• Correctional facilities
• Veterans’ services organizations
• Community outreach programs

The work can be challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. Every day offers an opportunity to support someone as they work toward healthier choices, stronger relationships, and lasting recovery.

How Do You Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas?

While specific licensure requirements may change over time, most aspiring addiction counselors follow a pathway that includes education, supervised experience, and examination.

Pathway 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

If you have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, �鶹�� offers an Addictions Counseling track within the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. This pathway allows you to earn your degree while completing coursework focused on addiction, treatment, and recovery.

Through the program, you’ll build a foundation in psychology while developing specialized knowledge that can prepare you for the next steps toward addiction counseling licensure.

Pathway 2: Complete the Addictions Counseling Coursework

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, you do not need to earn a second bachelor’s degree. Instead, you can complete the Addictions Counseling track as a standalone program.

This pathway includes:

1. Complete 33 credit hours of addictions counseling coursework.
2. Complete 6 credit hours of practicum experience.
3. Apply to take the required national examination.
4. Complete any additional state licensure requirements.

While �鶹�� does not administer the national examination, our faculty and staff help students navigate the process and provide support as they prepare for the next step toward licensure.

Whether you’re beginning your first degree or building on education you’ve already completed, �鶹�� offers a pathway to help you prepare for a career in addiction counseling.

Apply Now

Kansas communities need qualified addiction counselors who can help individuals and families navigate recovery. Whether you’re earning your first degree or building on education you’ve already completed, �鶹�� can help you take the next step.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and the Addictions Counseling track and start your application today.

Sources
1 Kansas Health Institute. Addressing Behavioral Health Workforce Needs in Kansas.
2 Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiatives.

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“IN MOTION” is��a dynamic concert exploring music driven by energy, momentum and expression. The program features��works��by Kevin Day, John Philip Sousa, Franz��Doppler��and others, blending contemporary voices with enduring traditions to create a performance that is both reflective and forward-looking.��

Principal flutist Courtney Dunagan will be featured in the evening as a soloist, taking on the expressive and virtuosic work of Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise with both technical brilliance and lyrical depth. 

“Through��‘IN MOTION,’��we’re exploring how music moves us, physically, emotionally and collectively,” said Dr. Shawn Knopp, conductor of the �鶹�� Wind Ensemble. “Each piece carries a sense of purpose and forward��energy and��together reflects where we’ve been and where we’re headed.”��

The concert will also feature special guests from Junction City High School, whose jazz ensemble and wind ensemble will join �鶹�� for an evening that celebrates collaboration, mentorship and shared musical momentum across generations of musicians. 

Tickets for the performance��start at��$6 for adults and $3 for students,��children��and seniors. ADA and ADA Companions Seating is available.��Tickets can be��purchased��at friends.edu/fine-arts-tickets/ or at the door prior to the performance.��

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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Based��off of��the classic DreamWorks Animation film by the same name,��Shrek the Musical��is a hilarious, family-friendly��production��that plays a satirical twist on classic fairy tales such as scary ogres, rescuing princesses, and talking animals.��For those that enjoy dazzling sets, whimsical puppetry, high energy dance numbers��and laughs at every minute,��Shrek the Musical��is sure to entertain��all audiences that dream of happily ever after.����

The February 13 & 14 performances start at 7:30 p.m. and the February 15 performance begins at 2 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $16 for adults and $12 for students, children, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fine-arts-tickets/ or at the door prior to performance. 

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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Musical selections include Carnival of the “Animals” by Camille Saint-Saens, “Bugs” by Roger Cichy, “Firefly” by Ryan George and “Iditarod: Dog Sled Race” by Robert Buckley. 

Doors open at 7 p.m. for the standard concert performance. In addition to our traditional evening concert, �鶹�� has included a sensory-friendly concert at 10 a.m. to ensure our musical performance is accessible to all populations in the Wichita area. 

“Our students have worked incredibly hard to bring ‘Wild Wonders!’ to the stage and I’m thrilled for audiences to experience the energy, artistry and imagination they’ve poured into this performance,” said �鶹�� Director of Bands, Dr. Shawn Knopp. 

Ticket sales start at $3, and can be purchased online at   

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /

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Students from the Opera Workshop class will perform scenes from L’elisir d’amore, Don Giovanni, Die Zauberflöte, Doña Francisquita, Orphée aux enfers, Der Zigeunerbaron, and Ruddigore. Featuring braggadocious generals, damsels with no distress in sight, lovebirds united at last, and lost-but-found treasure, these scenes are sure to keep you entertained!

The production will be complete with costumes, set pieces, and brilliantly designed projected backdrops provided by students from the Graphic Design area. Their backdrops amplify not only the scenic design, but the drama unfolding on the stage; whether it’s a character’s move to the dark side, or a meteoric conclusion to the entire evening. The Graphic Design students have also designed and printed a unique program for this performance; gifting patrons with a special keep-sake to take home.

This is a collaborative performance that you won’t want to miss!

The performance is musically and stage directed by Dr. Lydia Bechtel, with collaborative pianist Cindy Blasdel, and the creative direction of graphic design professor Steve Monsen. This event is free and open to all.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact finearts@friends.edu.

�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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The event will be held in the lobby of the Riney Fine Arts Center at 10 a.m., where the movie producer and actors will join the university’s leadership, board members, and donors to discuss the classic pioneer story.  

Joining Spurgeon in the Q&A will be actors Bailey Chase, Dodie Brown, Buck Taylor, Mary McDonough, Darby Hinton, Rudy Ramos, Wyatt McCrea, R.W. Hampton, Gabriel Pranter, Nikki Tomlinson, Mark Mannette, and Delno Ebie. 

Spurgeon is a writer, director and educator, best known for his documentaries Home on the Range and Road to Valhalla, both recipients of the Wrangler Award for Best Documentary from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Sod & Stubble follows the Ise family, who homesteaded in Osborne County Kansas in the 1870s and battled through the many challenges of homesteading on the Kansas plains. The original story was written by John Ise in the 1930s with the help and memories of his mother, Rosa Ise. In the 1990s, Von Rothenberger added over 150 pages of additional text to the updated volume. Now, the story comes to life on the screen through the work of an award-winning cast and crew. 

“I’m grateful for the consistent support that �鶹�� has given me and to my creative endeavors. I’m excited to share the Sod and Stubble story with my collages and the Friends community,” said Spurgeon. 

The Orpheum Theatre will premiere Sod & Stubble today, Friday, March 28. Buy last minute tickets . 

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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Following a brief hiatus in 2024 while extensive improvements were made to the Riney Fine Arts Center, Sebits Auditorium and Instrumental Hall, the Jazz Festival is back for 2025 with an exciting itinerary and public concerts.

Over 20 high school jazz ensembles will take part in a series of seminars, workshops and jam sessions in the Riney Fine Arts Center during the two-day event. Each evening will conclude with a public concert starting at 7:30 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium.

Feb. 20 – featuring Hutchinson Community College’s ‘Badinage’; �鶹��’s Jazz Vocal Ensemble and Conjunto Latino; with guest artist Kerry Marsh.

Feb. 21 – featuring �鶹��’s Jazz Lab Band and Concert Jazz Band; with guest artist Victor Garcia.

Tickets for the public performances are $12 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or at the door prior to showtime.

“Preparations for this year’s festival have been a welcome return to what normal should be for this program and for myself as a jazz educator. It is a joyous return to presenting concerts as a calling and to the realization that we have the capability and resources to usher meaningful transformative change for jazz band participants, music educators, and our campus community. I am grateful to the directors of 23 bands and their vote of confidence that this jazz festival is worthy of their students’ participation.”

Dr. Nicholas Schroeder

Assistant Professor of Music; Program Director: Jazz

�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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Guys and Dolls, set in post war 1940s New York, is the epitome of a classic musical. This satire follows the trials and tribulations of Adelaide and Sarah through their journeys to find their own happy endings. 

The true message behind Guys and Dolls‘ fantastic humor and beautiful score lies in the growth the characters endure in realizing that the world is not just good versus evil, but instead, all people are human and in this together. This show has a beautiful message of forgiveness and transformation as Adelaide and Sarah come together to see that even gamblers can ‘bend their souls’ to salvation. 

Get ready for a night full of joy and great music in this family friendly production for all to enjoy. Brought to you by director Joice Henry, of the [sold out] productions Footloose the Musical and �۴dz�’r��&�Բ�����;A Good Man Charlie Brown. Joice is thrilled to showcase the hard work the cast and crew have put into this gem of a production. You are going to love it!

Tickets for the performance are $16 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Fine Arts is also offering a VIP Valentines package, exclusive to opening night, where guests will be treated to themed refreshments, have access to a private lounge and will leave with a Guys and Dolls swag bag! Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or at the door prior to performance. 

�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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Moore was selected from applications reviewed from across the United States, with his performances of Music by Nance, Walker, Furman, Whitacre, with the �鶹�� Singing Quakers. 

Among the many contests of The American Prize, the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music is unique. It recognizes and rewards the best performances of American music by ensembles and individual artists worldwide, based on submitted recordings. Applications are accepted from professional, college/university, community and high school age solo artists, chamber ensembles or conducted ensembles, competing in separate divisions, and from composers with excellent recordings of their works. Focused exclusively on works by American composers from any period and in any style, the contest not only judges performances, but in the case of new or unfamiliar works, the music itself. 

Winners of The American Prize receive cash prizes, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition based on recorded performances. In addition to monetary rewards and written evaluations from judges, winners are profiled on The American Prize websites, where links will lead to video and audio excerpts of artist performances. 

Additional information about the competitions on the website:  

For runners-up in this category and for additional winners already announced in 2024 in other competitions, please follow this link:  

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit performing arts organization based in Danbury, Connecticut. 

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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Held in the newly renovated Riney Fine Arts building, the choirs performed songs from across many reservoirs of music and cultures, including commissioned pieces by Joseph Martin and Stacey V. Gibbs. The university experienced overwhelming engagement and support, with both the Saturday and Sunday concerts selling out.

Nearly 200 Singing Quakers alumni traveled in for the special anniversary. Nine decades were represented in the event, the oldest alumni being 102 years old. Due to high demand, the new Chapel in the Riney Fine Arts Center was opened to accommodate additional guests, who were able to view the livestream of the concerts, making this one of the largest Singing Quakers gatherings in the university’s history.

“I think what makes this institution and this ensemble so unique is that we strive for excellence in all that we do and all that is to glorify God. It’s a ministry, and a transformational process from the very beginning until the students graduate, where you can really see them grow,” Dr. Moore said in a KMUW art segment about the choir.

If you missed the weekend performances, you can catch the Singing Quakers Christmas Candlelight Concert on December 7 and 8. Visit friends.edu/finearts for more information.

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /

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Over the last year, Simpson Construction Services and Shelden Architecture have renovated the Riney Fine Arts Center to transform it into a first-rate facility for �鶹�� students and local arts communities. The renovations include a grand new entrance, updated classrooms, technological enhancements, new performance areas, and the addition of a sacred chapel/recital hall, all for the lovers of art to enjoy.��

“These renovations provide cutting edge technology and inspiring spaces that affirm the university’s legacy. Students, faculty, staff, and community members now have an integrated facility where they can celebrate and transform the stage into creative wonders,” said Dr. Nathanael May, the Tim & Gail Buchanan Division Chair of Fine Arts. 

Each guest at the ribbon cutting will receive a free ticket to a concert starring world-renowned pianist, Jovianney Cruz in Sebits Auditorium that evening at 7:30 p.m.  

To learn more about the RISE Up campaign, visit the official �鶹�� website at  

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�鶹��, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹�� offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /��

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President’s Spring 2024 Honor Roll

The following students have been named to the President’s Honor Roll at �鶹�� with a grade point average of 3.9 to 4.0.

Dean’s Spring 2024 Honor Roll

The following students have been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at �鶹�� with a grade point average of 3.6 to 3.899.

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