Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate
Online: 8 weeks
Overview
Provide Compassionate Addiction Counseling and Care
As communities across the nation grapple with the devastating effects of substance use disorders and addiction, behavioral health professionals will be increasingly called upon to deliver effective treatment interventions. Expand and strengthen your practice with the Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate, an educational foundation in Christian values, counseling practices and addiction science provided by Grand Canyon University.
The certificate in addiction counseling program provides broad understanding of the processes, effects and foundations of substance use disorders. You will also gain the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate Christian principles with your service to those struggling with addiction.
While this post-master’s certificate in addiction counseling may lead to certain certifications, it is not intended to lead to licensure. Apply the acquired knowledge within your licensed scope of practice, distinguishing yourself among fellow professionals and broadening your organization’s approach to care.
To enroll in this program, you must possess a master's degree or doctorate in counseling, substance abuse counseling, clinical or counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, behavioral health, social work, human development, nursing or psychiatry medicine.
Degree Outcomes
Apply Addiction Expertise to Individual and Family Therapy
Upon completing the certificate in addiction counseling, you will possess specialized education in substance use and addictive disorders. This includes training in co-dependencies, adolescent and family health, chemical processes and risk management which will enhance your mental or behavioral health practice.
Utilize your understanding of theories and models of treatment, signs and symptoms of dependency, prevention techniques and drug classifications to provide holistic care for individuals facing substance dependency. Become a key resource for clients, colleagues and the community as an extension of your counseling practice.
What You Will Learn
Learn to Analyze and Address Substance Use Disorders
This post-graduate counselor certificate includes coursework in the following areas:
- Current DSM and resources for professional counseling
- Stages, processes and effects of addiction
- Evaluating the presence and severity of co-occurring disorders
- Family roles and impact of substance use disorders
- Adolescent screening, treatment and counseling techniques
Career Outcomes
Impact the Lives of Individuals, Youth and Families
Students who earn a certificate in addiction counseling are prepared to pursue a career as a substance abuse counselor, behavioral health counselor or mental health counselor. Graduates will be equipped to flourish in counseling or therapist roles within outpatient care centers, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals and residential facilities for individuals facing, mental health disorders, substance use disorders or addiction.
Channel your knowledge of treatment models and resources to recommend appropriate intervention and strategies. Recognize signs, symptoms and patterns that are unique to adolescents. Deliver strong advocacy, intervention, care and compassion for individuals fighting to reclaim their quality of life.
Course List
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This survey course provides an introduction to the graduate certificate programs in childhood and adolescence disorders, marriage and family therapy, substance use disorders and addiction, and trauma. Students are introduced to the University policies and procedures, the learning management system, the library, and proper APA formatting for academic writing. In addition, students are introduced to the current DSM and how the information relates to the field of counseling. Students also learn about researching and utilizing community resources, and becoming certified in specializations.
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 also 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 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 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 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.
Program Locations
Online
Evening
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
Online and Evening program disclosures* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.