Chemical Dependency Counselor
Associate in Science Human Services · Woodland Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Students who complete the required courses and 255-hour internship for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate may complete additional graduation requirements to earn the Chemical Dependency Counseling Associate in Science. This degree meets the standards for application for certification as a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor II (CATC II) established by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and certification agencies in the State of California. Degree completers will qualify to apply for certification as a CATC II through state-approved certification boards. Completion of the Associate of Science degree will assist students in obtaining multiple career opportunities including, but not limited to, Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency Case Manager, Behavioral Health Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor and Treatment Facilities Counselor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Students will acquire sufficient hours of experience in the twelve core counseling functions as required by California certification agencies in the context of a field work practicum.
- Students will demonstrate communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) that insure that they can work effectively with clients and other professionals in diverse communities.
- Students will demonstrate skills and abilities and appropriately apply knowledge to chemical dependency counseling settings and situations.
- Students will display an appreciation and respect for people from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to, cultural elements such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation/identification, religion, ability/disability, and socio-economic status.
- Students will understand and demonstrate ethical behavior in a variety of challenging and diverse environments and situations.
Required Courses for Major
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HUSEV-11 | Working with Diverse Communities | 3 |
| HUSEV-20 | Introduction To Chemical Dependency Studies | 3 |
| HUSEV-21 | Introduction to Physiological and Psychological Effects of Drug Abuse | 3 |
| HUSEV-22 | Development and Progression of Addictive Patterns of Behavior | 3 |
| HUSEV-23 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Human Services | 3 |
| HUSEV-24 | Introduction to Case Management | 3 |
| HUSEV-25 | Basic Chemical Dependency Counseling | 3 |
| HUSEV-28 | Skills and Techniques of Group Counseling | 3 |
| HUSEV-40 | Family and Addiction | 3 |
| HUSEV-41 | Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 |
| HUSEV-44R | Chemical Dependency Counseling Seminar and Internship | 7 |
| Total units | 37 | |
*HUSEV44R should be taken for two semesters (3.5 units each) to complete 7-unit requirement.
†To earn an Associate degree, students will complete at least 60 units of degree-applicable coursework, including required courses for the major (listed above), General Education, and Graduation Requirements.