Master’s in Christian Counseling for Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

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Overview

Help Others With Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

Faith and spirituality can be integral components of substance abuse and addictive disorder recovery. Christian substance abuse counseling focuses on integrating biblical principles and truths with evidence-based treatment modalities. The intersection of faith and addiction recovery can help give patients a strong foundation to move forward with a substance-free life. If you feel called to deliver counseling services rooted in theological wisdom, you can apply for the Master of Science in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders program at Grand Canyon University.

Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this master’s program is an intensive survey of psychological theory and counseling practices presented within a biblical framework that expands upon the Christian worldview. You will explore the cultural, familial and sociological influences on people with substance use and addictive disorders. There is an emphasis on character formation, stages of spiritual growth and personal spiritual health for the counselor. 

Go to College Online at GCU!
A student studies on a laptop, highlighting the flexibility of GCU’s online MS in Christian Counseling with an emphasis on Substance Use and Addictive Disorders.
Why GCU

Earn Your Online Master’s in Christian Counseling

At GCU, our online degree programs provide a flexible, convenient pathway that can help you enhance your academic credentials while continuing to meet other responsibilities. You can apply for enrollment in this master’s program and enjoy the same quality of instruction and interactive class discussions on our online learning platform as you would in an in-person classroom. Complete your graduate substance abuse courses from virtually anywhere as you work to reach the next level in your professional career.

Coursework

Addictive Disorders and Substance Abuse Courses 

Immerse yourself within GCU’s learning environment as you expand your knowledge of Scripture and biblical truths. Benefit from the diverse perspectives of your peers and instructors as you work through the curriculum. You will be encouraged to develop your communication skills and qualities of servant leadership, as well as to think analytically about matters of professional ethics.

You will be taught to make genuine connections with your clients by integrating Christian wisdom and ethics into your practice. The substance use and addictive disorders curriculum is designed to inspire you to deepen your own understanding of biblical truths while preparing to discuss addictive disorders and related issues from the Christian perspective. 

Topics Explored in Your Courses

Some of the topics include the following:

  • The theological principles of humanity and salvation and their application to Christian counseling
  • Personal spiritual health and character development for the counseling practitioner
  • The integration of biblical perspectives into counseling theory and practice
  • The behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of substance use and addiction
  • Behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of psychoactive substances
  • The stages, processes and effects of substance use disorders
  • Substance use disorders in family systems
  • Screenings, assessments and treatments of individuals with co-occurring disorders
  • Assessment and diagnostic tools, and appropriate treatment interventions

In addition, all students in the master’s in Christian counseling program are required to complete the Pre-Practicum and the Practicum/Internship. These two in-person supervised fieldwork experiences can give you the opportunity to apply your counseling skills under the guidance of a clinical supervisor.

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With an MS in Christian Counseling 

Graduates may have the opportunity to serve and lead individuals, families and communities in God’s name as you work toward becoming a Christian substance abuse counselor. Counseling licensure requirements may vary from state to state. You are encouraged to understand the licensing requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.

This master’s degree provides you with the chance to pursue counseling positions in the following settings:

Private practices

Hospitals and substance abuse clinics

Inpatient and outpatient recovery programs

Jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers 

Social service agencies

Faith-based organizations

 71,500 Jobs

Estimated number of job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032.1

Accreditation

Complete Your MS in Christian Counseling at an Accredited University

A master’s degree is one of the eligibility requirements for pursuing a substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling license in most states.2 This online master’s in Christian counseling program may prepare you to seek licensure in Arizona as a licensed associate substance abuse counselor (LASAC). Speak with your university counselor to learn more.

GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

As you work to finalize your career plans, it can be helpful to learn more about the counseling field. Explore these questions and answers before deciding if a career in service to others is the right choice for you.

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Start Your Journey Today  

This online master’s in Christian counseling program welcomes students interested in integrating God’s Word into their counseling work.  

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1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved on Sept. 19, 2023. 

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Oct. 24). How To Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 2023. 

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