Master’s in Christian Counseling for Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Learn to 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.
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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.
Some of the topics explored in your courses 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
- Screenings, assessments and treatments of individuals with co-occurring disorders
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. Other key topic areas include the following:
- The stages, processes and effects of substance use disorders
- Substance use disorders in family systems
- Assessment and diagnostic tools, and appropriate treatment interventions
- Behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of psychoactive substances
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.
Career Paths for Graduates With an MS in Christian Counseling
Graduates of this program 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. 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
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.
Earn Your MS in Christian Counseling From an Institutionally 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.
Master’s in Christian Counseling for Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders FAQs
As you work to finalize your career plans, it can be helpful to learn more about the counseling field. Explore the following FAQs and answers before deciding if a career in service to others is the right choice for you.
Aspiring Christian substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors will typically need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a related subject area, such as psychology, social science or counseling. A master’s degree, like the MS in Christian counseling, and supervised clinical hours are both requirements for obtaining a license in most states.2 Degree, experience and licensure requirements can vary by state for counselors working outside of private practice.2
Biblical counseling and Christian counseling may sound alike, but they are quite different. A Christian counselor is a substance abuse and mental health disorder professional who is trained and licensed to deliver counseling-based therapy for clients struggling with substance abuse and other mental health issues. They incorporate the Christian worldview into their work. A biblical counselor, on the other hand, is a theological professional who has typically earned a degree from a seminary and has been trained to consider the applications of biblical principles to everyday life. A biblical counselor approaches each session from a wholly spiritual lens, rather than a clinical one.
You may consider the following questions during your decision-making process: Do you seek a career that would allow you to help others? Are you excited by the potential to transform lives through the application of God’s wisdom to the counseling practice? Do you feel called to a counseling career? If your answers are “Yes,” then pursuing a master’s in Christian counseling might be the right move for you. Every career path will have its own unique challenges, but these are opportunities to learn, grow and serve God by helping others.
This online master’s in Christian counseling program welcomes students who are interested in integrating God’s Word into their counseling work. Apply today to be considered for enrollment in online or on-campus evening courses.
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, October 24). How To Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the health sciences. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course provides a broad understanding of the stages, processes, and effects of substance use disorders, social and psychological dynamics of substance use disorders, and the professional's role in prevention, intervention, and aftercare, including recovery and relapse prevention. This course explores theories and models of treatment of substance use disorders, drug classification, and assessment. It also continues building foundational knowledge, utilization of professional resources, and exploration of standards to help students prepare for licensure/certification within the counseling industry.
Course Description
This course provides a broad understanding of counseling ethics, legal standards, and responsibilities, including professional identity, report writing, record keeping, and service reimbursement for addiction counselors. Also covered are the history of and current trends in counseling. Important goals of this course are to help students develop a strong personal and professional ethic, as well as an appreciation for the value of professional collaboration and identity.
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the major counseling theories and principles. Coursework includes the following theories: psychoanalytic, Adlerian, existential psychotherapy, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, reality therapy/choice theory, and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT).
Course Description
This course provides a broad understanding of issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society. Studies in this area include the following: attitudes and behaviors based on such factors as age, race, religious preference, physical disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, family patterns, gender, socioeconomic status and intellectual ability; individual, family, group, and community strategies for working with diverse populations; theories of multicultural counseling and identity development; and multicultural competencies. Students examine a variety of cultural populations in multiple regions of the United States, exploring issues and trends that are associated with each population. Cultural considerations for immigrants, refugees, and undocumented immigrants are also addressed.
Course Description
This course provides a broad understanding of group development, group dynamics, group counseling theories, and ethical standards with reference to professional and substance use disorders counseling. The course also addresses group process components, appropriate selection criteria, developmental stage theories, group members' roles and behaviors, and group leadership styles and approaches. The course includes didactic and experiential group learning. Required synchronous group experience: 12 hours.
Course Description
This course is a narrative approach to the theology of God, humanity, and salvation. Students learn to apply the story of the Bible to the life and practice of the Christian counselor.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to spiritual formation with attention to classical spiritual disciplines and stages of growth. This course includes an exploration into personal spiritual health and character development with implications for counseling practice. Prerequisite: CCN-601.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the basic principles of psychopharmacology and the effects of psychoactive substances. Students examine the behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of psychoactive substance use, and learn to recognize symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal, and toxicity. The class covers various screening options, limitations, legal implications, and the utilization of pharmacotherapy as part of substance addiction treatment.
Course Description
This course introduces students to co-occurring disorders. Students examine screening and assessment tools to reveal and evaluate the presence and severity of co-occurring disorders. This course also explores the treatment needs of persons with co-occurring disorders. Strategies for risk management associated with treating individuals with co-occurring disorders are presented.
Course Description
This course explores relational health in connection with topics including self-assessment, forgiveness, reconciliation with God and others, and the pursuit of spiritual health. Personal practice and implementation in professional counseling are emphasized. Prerequisite: CCN-650.
Course Description
This course examines the impact of substance use disorders in family systems. Various treatment interventions are discussed. The treatment roles and responsibilities of addicted individuals and their families are also examined.
Course Description
This course provides a conceptual framework for the use of assessment and diagnostic tools for the development of appropriate treatment interventions for a variety of behavioral health and substance use disorders. Included is an introduction to the use of the diagnostic tools, including the DSM, and the integration of diagnostic and assessment information, in the development of treatment plans.
Course Description
In this course, students explore the integration of the Christian worldview into counseling theory and practice. Emphasis is placed on the nature and purpose of human beings from a biblical perspective as well as ethical issues pertinent to the Christian counselor, while critically evaluating contemporary secular theories and practices. Prerequisite: CCN-655.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to adolescent substance use disorders prevention and treatment techniques and interventions. Signs, symptoms, and patterns of adolescent substance use are examined. Students also explore adolescent screening methods and assessment tools.
Course Description
This is a supervised fieldwork experience under the supervision of a faculty member and an on-site clinical supervisor approved by the college or university. Documentation of a minimum requirement of 150 hours of counseling-related activities, which include 50 direct contact hours, is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. Students may not progress to PCN-662A without the required amount of hours submitted and proper approval. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Students must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. Practicum/field experience hours: 150. Prerequisites: Completion of all didactic coursework in the program; a GPA of 3.0 or better; and maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million.
Course Description
Students use this supervised practicum/internship experience to develop their counseling skills and to perform all the activities that a regularly employed professional counselor would be expected to perform in a supervised setting. The practicum/internship is performed under the supervision of an on-site clinical supervisor approved by the Office of Field Experience (OFE). Documentation of 150 hours of counseling-related activities, which include 50 direct contact hours, is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. Addiction Counseling students will need to complete 300 hours total, 150 total hours per course. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Students must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. Practicum/field experience hours: 150. Prerequisites: PCN-622A; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.