Chemical Dependency Counselor

The Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of settings including outpatient or residential care centers, mental health, and substance abuse facilities. Chemical dependency counselors work with individuals and/or families. Coursework addresses a wide range of issues and ethics in chemical dependency treatment, including the twelve counselor core functions: screening, intake, assessment, client orientation, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, report and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. Students will also complete a 255-hour supervised internship. This certificate meets the standards for entry into the Basic Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) and CATC I certification process established by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and certification agencies in the State of California. Certificate completers will qualify to apply for CATC or CATC I certification through state-approved certification boards.

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 placement.
• 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 explain and demonstrate ethical behavior in a variety of challenging and diverse environments and situations.
• Students will illustrate respect and inclusivity with people from diverse backgrounds and communities, including, but not limited to, cultural elements, gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation/identification, religion, ability/disability, and socio-economic status.
• Students will understand the process of certification required for entry level employment as Addiction Treatment Counselors, and the career ladder opportunities open to them with further education.

Required Courses for Major