Addictions Counseling Certificate

Certificate in Addictions Counseling

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Enhance your degree with an addictions counseling certificate.

Available for matriculated and non-matriculated students, this 24-credit certificate focuses on the basic competencies associated with helping people recover from substance abuse disorders. Courses are offered though the Department of Health Sciences, the Department of Criminal Justice, and the Department of Psychology and provide students with content knowledge in addictions counseling that map to core competencies outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS). Worcester State University has been recognized by the BSAS as an approved Addictions Education Provider. Completing the Certificate in Addictions Counseling makes it possible for the student to pursue state licensing (CADC) after completing 4,000 hours of supervised work in the field (if bachelor’s degree is in a behavioral science major).

What you will do:

  • Gain knowledge of the factors and cultural implications leading to addiction
  • Understand the assessment, clinical evaluation, treatment planning, and case management skills related to addictions counseling
  • Gain knowledge of patient, family and communication education issues related to addiction
  • Gain knowledge of coexisting issues related to addiction
  • Gain applied experiences though the practicum in working in an addictions counseling program

The coordinator of the program will work with students and local substance abuse counseling centers in securing practicum placements.

Explore sample courses in this program.
CJ-285 Drugs and Society
This course examines the history of alcohol and other mood-changing drugs in the U.S., the myths and stereotypes of alcohol and drug use, sociocultural factors that contribute to the use of drugs, and the patterns and progression of substance use disorders.
3 credits
PS-270 Psychopharmacology
This course explores the effects of psychotropic drugs on the brain and subsequent effects on behavior.
3 credits
HE-208 Systems of Addictions Treatment
This course provides an overview of counseling modalities and techniques used in addiction treatment and recovery settings, including for those with co-occurring disorders. A family systems approach is employed to understand how the criminal justice system, the mental health system, and the larger community relate. Legal and regulatory restrictions, ethical codes, and legal sanctions also are discussed.
3 credits
CJ-354 Addictions Counseling of Individuals and Families
This course provides students with an applied understanding of counseling skills, techniques, and strategies in addiction treatment. The psychology of addictions and various treatment modalities are discussed. Engagement, assessment, treatment planning, brief and ongoing treatment, continuing care, and work with special populations are considered. Dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness practice techniques, and motivational interviewing concepts are introduced, and students apply them in role-playing scenarios. Boundaries, ethics, and counselor self-awareness are also covered.
3 credits
CJ-406 The 12 Core Functions of Addictions Counseling
This culminating course prepares students to enter the field of substance use disorders and/or addictions counseling through an intensive review of the 12 Core Functions of Addictions Counseling. Students further develop the skill sets from prior coursework to serve as a foundation for gaining practical experience in addictions counseling.
3 credits
CJ-407 Pre-Practicum Seminar in Addictions Counseling
The course is designed for students who wish to complete the course Practicum in Addictions Counseling in pursuit of CADC licensure. Students are prepared for fieldwork through practice of counseling techniques, reviews of case studies, and study of counseling theories. All core functions of addictions counseling are reviewed and reinforced, with particular emphasis on assessment, counseling, and case management. Students practice in role-play using a variety of modalities while considering the needs of special populations and the opportunities and constraints of various treatment settings. Ethical and legal considerations for addictions counselors are also explored.
3 credits
CJ-409 Practicum in Addictions Counseling
Field experience in which students complete 150 hours of direct care experience in a substance use disorders counseling setting. To qualify for CADC licensure, the practicum must be repeated for a total of 300 hours and 6 credits. Course may be repeated.
3 credits

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