Chemical Dependency Counselor

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 supports individuals with addressing and maintaining sobriety. The Chemical Dependency Counseling Associate degree exceeds the minimum 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 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 Dependency Case Manager, Behavioral Health Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor and Treatment Facilities Counselor.

Projected annual completers for 2019-2020= 5

Projected annual completers for 2020-2021= 3

The decrease in completers may be contributed by COVID-19. 

Program Goals and Objectives

1. The Chemical Dependency Counseling program will offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level for traditional and non-traditional students culminating with an Associate Degree. 
2. The Chemical Dependency Counseling program will monitor student success and progress in meeting student learning outcomes, and in retention toward degree completion.  Faculty in the program will stay abreast of current needs and trends in the industry and modify curriculum as necessary. 
3. The Chemical Dependency Counseling program will advance economic growth by providing students with the skills necessary to be successful employees in this profession and by providing education to improve the opportunity for advancement for people employed in this profession. 
4. Skills developed will include:
   1. An appreciation and respect for diversity;
   2. An understanding of professional ethics, behaviors, and legal standards;
   3. Concrete skills in screening, intake, assessment, client orientation, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, report and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals, which are developed by completing the course curriculum;
   4. A commitment toward personal and professional growth;
   5. Written and interpersonal communication skills, including an understanding of non-verbal communication, and;
   6. An understanding of the helping profession and the systems and institutions developed to meet human needs.  

The program requirements consist of a total of 36-37 units that includes an internship seminar and internship and general education requirements.

Term 1 (Total 9)

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV20 - Introduction to Chemical Dependency Studies    3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV22 - Development and Progression of Addictive Patterns of Behavior   3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV25 - Basic Chemical Dependency Counseling   3

Term 2 (Total 9)

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV23 - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Human Services   3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV21 - Introduction to Physiological and Psychological Effects of Drug Abuse   3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV11 - Working with Diverse Communities   3

Term 3 (Total 6)

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV28 - Skills and Techniques of Group Counseling   3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV24 - Introduction to Case Management   3

Term 4 (Total 12-13)

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV40 - Family and Addiction   3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV41 - Co-Occurring Disorders   3

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV44 - Chemical Dependency Internship Seminar   2.5

Chemical Dependency Counselor AS HUSEV45 - Supervised Chemical Dependency Internship   3.5-4.5