Missouri State student veterans continue to succeed during their college careers and beyond. The latest success story is one involving Mike Davis, a senior psychology major.

Davis recently earned the Recognized Associates Substance Abuse Counselor-1 (RASAC-1) certificate from the state of Missouri. With this certificate, he is able to conduct group therapy sessions, which is what he does at Burrell Behavioral Health, where he is employed. Davis works with adolescents (ages 13-17) as a substance abuse counselor.

“I was given the choice of working with adults or working with adolescents,” Davis said. “I prefer adolescents because adults are set in their ways, so to speak. In this type of work, you’re only able to reach a certain percentage. Whereas adolescents are at a young enough age that you can make a tremendous impact in their lives.”

For Davis to get the RASAC-1, he had to earn an associate’s degree, complete 280 hours worked as a counselor, pass a Missouri background check so he can be qualified to work with children and have a written recommendation from his supervisor. Once all of this was completed, he applied to the state of Missouri certification board.

Davis plans to earn his baccalaureate degree in May. Once he graduates, he will earn the RASAC-2, which would allow him to conduct one-on-one therapy sessions.

Davis wants to further his education after completing his undergraduate program. He wants to pursue a Master’s degree and become a licensed professional counselor for the state of Missouri.

Davis is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served during the Vietnam War.

The MSU veteran student community prides itself in the fact that many of its members have gone on to successful ventures after furthering their education. Davis is no different.