Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate of Achievement

Upon successful completion of the Substance Abuse Counselor certificate, the student demonstrates skills, knowledge, and training to counsel people in recovery, while under the supervision of licensed professionals. Skills learned include but are not limited to: an understanding of substance abuse counseling techniques; the impact of drugs on society; interviewing skills that maximize the information obtained from clients necessary for determining needs and services; assessment and evaluation; relapse prevention; the ability to prepare case plans, an understanding of the basic aims and processes involved in facilitating groups; an understanding of the basic process of individual counseling and problem solving, and an understanding of the basic principles and methods related to working with family systems. Students completing the course work are eligible to take the California state exam to become a certified substance abuse counselor. Note there are several licensing boards. To apply to be a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CAADAC), students will need to complete an additional 65 internship hours in an approved facility.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills for entry level employment in the industry.
2. Demonstrate the knowledge and requirements to take the state certification.