Chemical Dependency Counselor
Associate in Science Human Services · Yuba College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Chemical Dependency Counseling program develops and strengthens specific skills and abilities needed to provide comprehensive chemical dependency treatment. Course work 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. Chemical Dependency Counselors support individuals with addressing and maintaining sobriety. The Chemical Dependency Counseling Associate degree exceeds the minimum standards for entry into 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 and includes a 260 hour supervised internship. 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 Dependence Case Manager, Behavioral Health Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor and Treatment Facilities Counselor.
Students who complete this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate skills and abilities and appropriately apply knowledge to chemical dependency counseling settings and situations.
- 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.
- Demonstrate communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, and written) the ensure that they can work effectively with clients and other professionals in diverse communities.
- Understand and demonstrate ethical behavior in a variety of challenging and diverse environments and situations.
- Display an appreciation and respect for people from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to, cultural elements, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation/identification, religion, ability/disability, and socio-economic status.
Required courses
| 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 | Introduction to the 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 |
| HUSEV-44R | must be taken for two semesters. (3.5 units per semester) to complete the 7 unit requirement | |
| Total units required for degree major | 37 | |
Students earning an AA/AS degree must complete a minimum of 21 units of General Graduation Education requirements and the health requirement, in addition to the program units listed here. Students must complete a total of 60 degree applicable units to earn an AA or AS. Please see your counselor for additional information