Online Post-MS in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate
Online Post-MS in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate
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At GCU, we prioritize the quality of our education — a commitment reflected in our designation as an institutionally accredited university. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
For those considering this certificate, we’ve provided detailed answers to frequently asked questions to assist in your decision-making. Reviewing these responses can offer valuable insights into the program and help clarify any uncertainties.
Post-master certificate programs are typically designed to cultivate advanced expertise and refine skills in a specific area. A certificate program that focuses on addiction counseling teaches substance use-specific topics, such as co-occurring disorders, the impact of substance use on families and counseling techniques for chemically dependent clients.
Pursuing this certificate prepares you to examine the significant impact of alcohol and drug use on individuals, families and communities. Earning this certificate can be worth it if you want to help individuals affected by addiction as well as those around them, including spouses, children, coworkers, neighbors and community members.
Earn your certificate with the goal of emerging ready to tackle problems that adversely affect individuals, families and society as a whole. Enjoy opportunities to refine your communication skills and leadership style as you examine matters of professional ethics in the counseling field. This addiction counseling certificate is available through online courses, which are intended to provide greater flexibility and convenience to working professionals. Engage with your peers and instructors from virtually anywhere as you work through the curriculum.
Substance use and addictive disorders are complex problems that require the attention of specially trained counselors. By earning your online addiction counseling certificate, you may be better prepared to help lead individuals out of the depths of addiction, as well as to work with groups and families affected by addiction.
Substance use counselors are typically responsible for evaluating clients, identifying underlying issues, creating goals and treatment plans, leading group therapy sessions and working with clients in one-on-one sessions. They may also teach clients coping techniques, help them find jobs to get their lives back on track and provide updates to court-mandated programs.
This certificate may help prepare you to pursue positions in any of the following settings:3
Outpatient substance use treatment centers
Hospitals
Private practice (serving individuals affected by substance use)
Community-based individual and family service organizations
Residential substance use facility
Mental health treatment facilities with co-occuring focus
Correctional facilities
Estimated job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2022 to 20324
Median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors as of May 20235
Every day, drug use and overdoses affect the lives of countless Americans, their families and their communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. occurred in 2023.1 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported in 2023 that 46.3 million people aged 12 or older met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year.2 These individuals need the help of qualified professionals to guide them through difficult times and toward recovery from addiction.
If you feel called to work toward saving lives and strengthening communities, consider earning an advanced certificate at Grand Canyon University. The Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate program is designed for working professionals who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, behavioral health, social work, nursing or a related field.
In this certificate program, you will explore opportunities to specialize in counseling, best practices in academic research, writing and the use of community resources.
Throughout this program, you’ll work through curriculum centering on topics such as:
Critical issues and treatment needs in families with addictive disorders
Signs, symptoms and patterns of adolescent substance use, plus screening and assessment tools
Identifying and treating co-occurring disorders such as bipolar, depressive and anxiety disorders
Stages and effects of substance use disorders, focusing on prevention, intervention and aftercare
Prepare to help others change their lives for the better through addiction counseling services.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this certificate examines the assessment, treatment and aftercare of substance use and addictive disorders. It explores co-occurring disorders and best practices in working with chemically dependent adolescents. At our private Christian university, there is a focus on Christian principles and biblical truths. Aspiring counselors are encouraged to explore addictions in light of the Christian worldview and to look for appropriate ways of integrating faith into their practice.
Pursuing this certificate allows professionals to gain specialized skills in addiction counseling, enhancing their abilities and credentials in this critical area. You will be taught how to provide impactful support and effective treatment to those struggling with addiction.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
