Chemical Dependency Counselor

The Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate develops specific skills and abilities needed to provide comprehensive alcohol and other drug treatment. Course work addresses a wide-range of issues and ethics in substance abuse 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. The Chemical Dependency Counseling program exceeds the minimum standards for entry into certification for 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 and includes 7-units of supervised field work. Certificate completers will qualify to apply for certification through state-approved certification boards. Completion of the Certificate will assist students in obtaining entry-level employment toward CATC Basic and CATC I certification, and increase promotional opportunities for employees of substance abuse treatment programs

Projected annual completers: 5

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

✓ 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.

✓ 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 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.

✓ Students will demonstrate skills and abilities and appropriately apply knowledge to chemical dependency counseling settings and situations.

The program requirements consist of 8 core courses, 2 supervised field work core courses, and 1 elective course.