Addiction and substance abuse is one of America's top public health problems, and there is a growing need for a well-trained workforce. The Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders program pairs state-of-the-art research from internationally recognized experts in addictions with expertise from licensed psychologists and counselors with decades of substance abuse treatment experience.
Tuition
ASU Online offers start dates every 7.5 weeks.
Multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Required number of credits to complete this certificate.

Substance abuse and addiction counseling certificate

Become a substance abuse counselor and provide your communities a needed service and support. Substance use and addiction constitute one of the largest preventable health problems facing the U.S. today, but less than 20% of those in need receive any substance use treatment, and only a small fraction of those in treatment receive evidence-based treatment. This gap between treatment research and current practices is due in large part to deficits in the education and training available in the field of addictions. There is a growing need for a well-trained workforce, but most medical professionals are not sufficiently trained to treat addictions, and many counselors do not have the knowledge, skills, or credentials necessary to provide the full range of evidence-based services.

The online graduate certificate in Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders will improve the transfer of scientific knowledge to clinical practice, increase competence to address the opioid crisis and marijuana legalization, develop expertise to work with special populations and individuals with co-occurring disorders, and expand the use of evidence-based treatments, resulting in an increase in the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment. This graduate certificate can serve the needs of aspiring professionals (individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or currently in a Master’s or Doctoral program in a behavioral health field), or current behavioral health professionals with a Master’s or Doctoral degree who want additional education in addictions and substance use disorders to help them address their clients’ needs.

Substance abuse counselor jobs can be incredibly rewarding and offer a wide variety of experiences. Jobs are available in substance abuse treatment centers, community mental health agencies, primary care, integrated health, criminal justice, hospitals, schools and universities, and military and Veteran’s Affairs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of substance abuse counselors to grow 23% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than other occupations. Job prospects are expected to be very good for counselors who are licensed. The certificate program consists of seven courses, totaling 21 semester credit hours. The courses cover the core addiction-related content areas required for licensure in Arizona, as well as most other states.

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Next Start Date:

03/16/2020
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Faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members including:

  • 306 Endowments
  • 12 Named Chairs
  • 14 Named Professorships
  • 1 Pulitzer Prize Winner
  • 1 MacArthur Fellow
  • 3 Nobel Laureates

Program Summary

Total Hours:

21

Related Careers

Graduates with an ASU Online Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders Graduate Certificate have countless career opportunities.
This graduate certificate can serve the needs of aspiring professionals (individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or currently in a Master’s or Doctoral program in a behavioral health field), or current behavioral health professionals with a Master’s or Doctoral degree who want additional education in addictions and substance use disorders to help them address their clients’ needs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of substance abuse counselors to grow 23% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than other occupations. Job prospects are expected to be very good for counselors who are licensed. All states require either certification or licensure to practice as a substance abuse counselor. Most states have multiple levels of licensure, typically a bachelor’s-level license that requires ongoing supervision, and a master’s-level license that allows independent practice.

Example Careers

A career in substance abuse counseling can be incredibly rewarding and offers a wide variety of experiences. Jobs are available in:

  • substance abuse treatment centers
  • Community mental health agencies
  • Primary care
  • Integrated health
  • Criminal justice
  • Hospitals
  • Schools and universities
  • Military and Veteran’s Affairs

Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a master’s degree in any health, behavioral health, or counseling related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") from a bachelor's or higher degree in any health, behavioral health, or counseling related field.

Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify after completing a FAFSA.

All applicants must submit:

  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Proof of English proficiency is required. A TOEFL score of at least 100 on the Internet-based test
  • Official transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Personal statement

Certification and Licensure

All states require either certification or licensure to practice as a substance abuse counselor. Most states have multiple levels of licensure, typically a bachelor’s-level license that requires ongoing supervision, and a master’s-level license that allows independent practice. For example, the Arizona state licensing board offers three levels of licensure: Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC), and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC). Additional information can be found at the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners website, https://www.azbbhe.us/.

The Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders Graduate Certificate program meets the core educational content requirements for licensure in the state of Arizona. This certificate also meets the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S. In addition, we are pursuing NASAC and NAADAC certification. However, we cannot guarantee that this program will satisfy all of the requirements for licensure. Refer to the document below for information about certification and licensure requirements in your state. Please be aware that certification and licensure requirements are subject to change. Check with your state’s professional regulatory board before applying for certification, licensure or renewal to verify accurate and up-to-date requirements.

View more information around your state's certification and licensure

Affording College

Learn about the different types of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available. ASU offers a Cost Calculator, Budget Worksheet and Scholarship Search to make the college planning process easier.

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