Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Specialization in Clinical Psychology &Spirituality Care Systems

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Specialization in Clinical Psychology & Spirituality Care Systems

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Addiction Counseling

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex psychological theories of addiction in relation to spiritual care systems.
• Evaluate empirical research methodologies appropriate for the study of behavioral health and spiritual well-being.
• Integrate ethical principles and biblical stewardship into professional decision-making within clinical settings.
• Develop original scholarly contributions to the literature on addiction counseling and psychological interventions.
• Demonstrate servant leadership through the design of collaborative, community-focused addiction recovery programs.
• Communicate complex clinical and psychological findings to diverse stakeholders in professional and public environments.
• Interpret the role of spiritual formation in the holistic recovery process of individuals and communities.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
• 3
• None
• PSY705
• Psychological Foundations of Addiction
• 3
• None
• PSY710
• Psychological Resilience and Trauma Recovery
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Quantitative Research Methods: This course covers complex statistical analysis, research design, and data interpretation in the social sciences. It emphasizes rigorous methodological frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY705 — Psychological Foundations of Addiction: An exploration of neurobiological, behavioral, and cognitive theories regarding substance use and dependency. Students examine evidence-based assessment models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY710 — Psychological Resilience and Trauma Recovery: This course examines the psychological mechanisms of resilience and the clinical processes involved in recovery from complex trauma. Students will analyze evidence-based interventions for long-term health outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES715
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• RES700
• PSY720
• Advanced Psychopathology and Integrative Health
• 4
• PSY705
• COU725
• Systems-Oriented Care Strategies
• 3
• None
• MIN730
• Leadership and Stewardship in Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• RES715 — Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Focuses on phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory as applied to social and psychological inquiry. Includes critical analysis of research ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY720 — Advanced Psychopathology and Integrative Health: This course explores the intersection of behavioral health disorders and holistic wellness approaches. Students will evaluate clinical strategies that incorporate psychosocial determinants of health in therapeutic settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU725 — Systems-Oriented Care Strategies: Analyzes structural and systemic issues in addiction treatment within communal and nonprofit settings. Develops strategies for servant-led systemic change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN730 — Leadership and Stewardship in Nonprofits: Focuses on administrative and ethical leadership practices within organizations dedicated to community support. Emphasizes character-driven decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Doctoral Research Seminar I
• 4
• RES715
• PSY805
• Neuropsychology of Addiction
• 3
• PSY720
• COU810
• Ethics in Integrated Care
• 3
• None
• SOC815
• Community Resilience and Outreach
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Doctoral Research Seminar I: Initial development of the dissertation research proposal, including problem identification and literature review. Encourages focused scholarly discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY805 — Neuropsychology of Addiction: Investigates the neurological basis of reward and executive function impairment in addiction. Connects neuro-physical healing with spiritual wellness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU810 — Ethics in Integrated Care: Analyzes ethical dilemmas arising from the integration of clinical counseling and spiritual guidance. Emphasizes justice and professional boundaries. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC815 — Community Resilience and Outreach: Explores community-based health models and the role of social support systems in sustained recovery. Highlights effective organizational outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Doctoral Research Seminar II
• 4
• RES800
• COU825
• Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessment
• 3
• PSY805
• COU830
• Public Policy and Behavioral Health
• 3
• None
• SOC835
• Professional Ethics and Personal Leadership Development
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Doctoral Research Seminar II: Focuses on refining research design, methodologies, and pilot study results for the dissertation project. Includes extensive peer review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU825 — Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessment: This course focuses on the development and implementation of diagnostic tools to assess social, emotional, and cognitive functioning in diverse populations. Students will apply standardized evaluation methodologies to inform individualized treatment planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU830 — Public Policy and Behavioral Health: Reviews the intersection of health policy, legislation, and organizational capacity for providing care. Focuses on advocacy and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC835 — Professional Ethics and Personal Leadership Development: This course examines the theoretical frameworks of professional identity and ethical leadership within the human services sector. Students will explore self-regulation strategies and professional growth models necessary for effective organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS850
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 4
• RES820
• PSY855
• Advanced Topics in Crisis Intervention
• 3
• None
• COU860
• Cross-Cultural Behavioral Health
• 3
• None
• RES865
• Advanced Data Synthesis Seminar
• 3
• RES820
• DIS850 — Dissertation Research Phase I: The first phase of the formal dissertation, involving intensive data collection and initial analysis. Facilitated by faculty mentorship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY855 — Advanced Topics in Crisis Intervention: Studies models of crisis response in high-stress, community-based environments. Focuses on stabilization and long-term care pathways. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU860 — Cross-Cultural Behavioral Health: Examines cultural competencies and sensitivities required to serve diverse populations effectively. Emphasizes inclusive, servant-hearted care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES865 — Advanced Data Synthesis Seminar: Focuses on synthesizing large datasets and conceptual frameworks into actionable research outcomes. Prepares students for public scholarly communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS899
• Dissertation Final Defense
• 4
• DIS850
• PSY870
• Consultation and Program Evaluation
• 3
• None
• COU875
• Ethics and Professional Stewardship
• 3
• None
• MIN880
• Future Trends in Integrated Care
• 3
• None
• DIS899 — Dissertation Final Defense: Final synthesis of research, drafting of the dissertation document, and formal oral defense before a faculty committee. Represents the culmination of scholarly work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY870 — Consultation and Program Evaluation: Applies evaluative research to assess the impact and efficacy of nonprofit community programs. Emphasizes continuous organizational improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU875 — Ethics and Professional Stewardship: Integrates clinical ethics with long-term professional stewardship and organizational leadership goals. Focuses on sustaining service-oriented impacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN880 — Future Trends in Integrated Care: Explores emerging trends in the intersection of psychology, addiction recovery, and community care systems. Focuses on future strategic direction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires an earned Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic promise through a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in graduate coursework, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a scholarly writing sample. A personal statement outlining the candidate’s research interests and alignment with the institution’s mission of faith-informed service is required. Finalists for admission must participate in a formal interview with program faculty to evaluate their professional goals, readiness for doctoral-level rigor, and capacity for ethical engagement within a faith-based educational environment. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culmination of the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of addiction counseling and spiritual care. Students are expected to conduct rigorous, independent research that addresses a significant problem in the field, utilizing advanced qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches. This capstone project requires the candidate to demonstrate a mastery of psychological theory, a critical understanding of spiritual interventions, and an adherence to the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical research practice. Throughout the dissertation process, students integrate a Christian worldview by reflecting on the ethical implications of their research for marginalized populations and the broader community. The project must articulate how scholarly inquiry can serve as an act of stewardship, moving beyond theoretical analysis to offer practical, compassionate solutions for those struggling with addiction. Deliverables include a comprehensive proposal, a successfully defended doctoral dissertation, and a manuscript prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal, demonstrating the student’s readiness to serve as a leader in both research and community-based ministry.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that all academic performance meets high professional standards. Students must demonstrate competency in all required core courses and successfully defend their original doctoral dissertation, confirming their ability to contribute new insights to the discipline. Graduation signifies not only intellectual mastery but also the development of moral and ethical character consistent with a faith-informed commitment to service.
• Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate ongoing commitment to spiritual formation through active participation in community service, mentorship, and institutional spiritual development initiatives. This holistic approach ensures that graduates possess the emotional maturity and professional integrity necessary to serve as stewards of community health. Final approval for graduation is contingent upon a faculty review of the student’s integration of professional competencies, academic achievements, and the character traits required for sustained impact in faith-based, nonprofit, and community-informed organizations.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of Behavioral Health Services
• Academic Researcher in Addiction Sciences
• Clinical Program Developer for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• University Professor of Counseling or Psychology
• Consultant for Community Wellness and Spiritual Care Initiatives
• Administrator of Faith-Informed Recovery Programs
• Policy Advisor for Public Health and Community Engagement
• Important Notices
• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Specialization in Clinical Psychology & Spirituality Care Systems
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based addiction counseling theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• PSY705 | Psychological Foundations of Addiction | 3 | None
• PSY710 | Psychological Resilience and Trauma Recovery | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES700
• PSY720 | Advanced Psychopathology and Integrative Health | 4 | PSY705
• COU725 | Systems-Oriented Care Strategies | 3 | None
• MIN730 | Leadership and Stewardship in Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Doctoral Research Seminar I | 4 | RES715
• PSY805 | Neuropsychology of Addiction | 3 | PSY720
• COU810 | Ethics in Integrated Care | 3 | None
• SOC815 | Community Resilience and Outreach | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Doctoral Research Seminar II | 4 | RES800
• COU825 | Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessment | 3 | PSY805
• COU830 | Public Policy and Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• SOC835 | Professional Ethics and Personal Leadership Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS850 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES820
• PSY855 | Advanced Topics in Crisis Intervention | 3 | None
• COU860 | Cross-Cultural Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• RES865 | Advanced Data Synthesis Seminar | 3 | RES820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation Final Defense | 4 | DIS850
• PSY870 | Consultation and Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• COU875 | Ethics and Professional Stewardship | 3 | None
• MIN880 | Future Trends in Integrated Care | 3 | None