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Alcohol & Drug Counseling Graduate Certificate
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Credits:
18
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Degree:
Graduate Certificate
Program Description
A graduate certificate in Alcohol & Drug Counseling is for students seeking professional training in substance abuse/addiction treatment, education and prevention, leading to certification or licensure.
In 2021, Cambridge College's mental health counseling certificates were ranked as #1 in New England for Best Quality, #2 in New England for Best Value and #25 in the U.S. for Best Value by Healthcare Degree Search (HDS), an organization that specializes in promoting healthcare careers, and ranks programs on outcome-based factors, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more.
Learning Outcomes
Students become familiar with addictions counseling, its professional ethics, and its role in society. They learn the 12 core functions of an addiction counselor: screening, intake orientation, assessment, treatment planning, referrals, reports and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. They know and apply current theory and research in their field, and gain sufficient knowledge for competent interdisciplinary counseling practice. They exhibit socially-conscious behaviors, critical thinking, and effective communication skills in their work with individuals, caregivers, families, staff, and other professionals.
Careers and Further Study
Addictions counseling professionals help people through public health agencies, youth services, residential treatment programs, hospitals, outpatient substance abuse programs, and homeless shelters Alcohol and Drug Counseling program completers may submit applications based on:
- Bachelor’s degree – applicants may request transfer into a master’s degree program.
- Without a bachelor’s degree – applicants may request portfolio evaluation of these courses for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree program.
- LADC licensing by the Mass. Dept. of Public Health.
For more information, please contact Admissions at 1-800-829-4723.
Curriculum
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Courses
15
Credits
Please note: this certificate was reduced to 18 credits effective 2020-2021. To view previous years' curriculum, see our catalog back issues.
Alcohol and Drugs in Society
ADC 505 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of alcohol and other drugs of abuse in our society today. The common drugs of abuse will be named and their actions based on substance, setting and individual psychological set will be described and examined. We will explore the consequences of abuse and dependence to the individual, the family, and society at large. Historical approaches to this issue including understanding etiological factors, as well as scientific methods of treatment, rehabilitation and prevention will be covered. Bio-psychosocial assessment and related interventions will be identified, including medications, counseling, 12 Step support and other psychological methods.
Family Treatment of Substance Abuse
ADC 611 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the integration of various treatment models for substance use disorders (SUDs) within a family systems framework. Students will develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat SUDs in the context of diverse cultural and minority populations. Emphasis is on the creation of SMART goals for clients and culturally sensitive treatment strategies that account for the multifaceted nature of SUDs within families.
Role of the Professional in Alcohol and Drug Treatment
ADC 601 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of the professional role in alcohol and drug treatment. Students will explore the historical development of treatment services, the evolution of treatment modalities, and the influence of governmental and private entities on standards and credentials for counselors and professionals, including the core functions for substance abuse counselors.
Psychopharmacology in Addictions Treatment
ADC 625 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores the basic neurobiological processes of psychotropic medications and the use of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders while emphasizing the challenge of integrating evidence-based treatment and psychopharmacological interventions for co-occurring disorders. It delves into historical practices and the increasing use of newer, less addictive medications impacting addiction neurochemistry.
Addiction Counseling
ADC 642 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an introduction to substance abuse treatment. Students will delve into prevention and treatment strategies, the interconnectedness of substance use theories on the origins of addiction, the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, cultural influences on substance use, and the assessment and intervention techniques for individuals and their families affected by substance abuse. Special emphasis is placed on developing skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and facilitating referrals to appropriate resources. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: f: Knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students.
Practicum
3
Credits
Includes 300 hours of supervised practical experience in an approved substance abuse treatment program with appropriate supervision.
Practicum Seminar in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
ADC 521 • 3 credit(s)
Enrollment limited to 10. This course is for students beginning their alcohol and drug counseling program fieldwork. Counselor trainees become familiar with the following: basic professional counseling skills and behaviors; working with agencies/systems; the use of supervision; beginning diagnostic skills; and DSM-IV TR. The 300 hour practical supervised experience takes place in a facility or agency licensed to provide counseling services. An opportunity to provide 10 hours in each of the “12 core functions” will be part of this experiential placement. Participants complete case presentations, case scripts, process notes and take an active part in the didactic and demonstration parts of the class. Readings and active discussion are required. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts specifies that this practicum be supervised by an “approved supervisor” as described in (CMR) 262, in order for students to meet requirements for licensure as a an LMHC. Requirements for those not seeking a mental health license will be provided by the program director or your advisor.
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Program Requirements
High School Diploma, GED or Bachelor’s Degree is required.
Applicants must interview with and gain approval from the program chair.
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.
Tuition
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Credits:
18
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
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Internship/Practicum Fee:
$400
Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Certificate
Take the Next Step Toward Your Certificate
