The College of Social Sciences at University of Phoenix, Inc., a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), today announced it is launching a new Military Family Counseling Certificate program that will help military families better cope with a variety of elements and challenges associated with a military life.

The strain on the military to provide essential services to military families has increased as a result of recent global conflicts, and as more service members return home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Therefore, the Military Family Counseling Certificate program is designed for mental health practitioners who want in-depth information and training to prepare them for working with the unique challenges these military service members and their families face. The University’s 18-credit certificate program includes two foundational courses in family counseling and addictions, and four courses that focus on military family life, military culture, major issues and concerns that military families face, and assessment of and appropriate interventions for working with military families.

“There is an undeniable need for counseling services that are specialized to serve the families of our military,” said Constance St. Germain, Ed.D., executive dean for University of Phoenix College of Social Sciences. “Understanding the military culture and the unique challenges presented to families of service members is the first step in addressing issues and providing a greater and more effective level of services to those who need it.”

Dr. St. Germain recently joined University of Phoenix and brings a unique perspective to the College and the military families counseling profession. A former Major in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Dr. St. Germain understands the challenges many families face. In addition to her military service, she is a mother and military widow and understands the unique demands on service members and their families when it comes to balancing family life with military responsibilities.

“The everyday logistical challenges Military families face are complex and multi-faceted,” added Dr. St. Germain. “Training that exposes the Counseling profession to the nuances of military culture provides it with a deeper understanding of the challenges these families are experiencing today. Many people don’t understand the complex issues that come with being a military family. From active duty and permanent change of stations to losing a loved one, all members of the family are affected in very different ways.”

To learn more about the Military Families Counseling program or University of Phoenix, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/programs/continuing-education/certificate-programs/human-services/cert-mlfc.html.

About the College of Social Sciences

University of Phoenix College of Social Sciences offers programs in human services, psychology and counseling. The college’s curriculum seeks to empower individuals who wish to enhance their skills for career entry or advancement in the helping professions. Curriculum is regularly updated to meet accreditation and/or national and state professional standards. University of Phoenix College of Social Sciences faculty members are experienced professionals, holding advanced degrees. Many sit on state licensure and accreditation boards as well as professional committees. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/socialsciences.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

This certificate program is available to Master in Counseling program graduates or current mental health professionals. This program does not lead to professional certification or licensure as a mental health provider.

For more information about each of these programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.

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