Post-Master’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling


Earn a certificate in Addiction Counseling

Carlow University’s Post-Masters Addiction Counseling certificate is a four-course sequence for new as well as experienced clinicians who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of addictions. The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate is housed within the Professional Counseling Program in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology, College of Arts & Sciences. The Professional Counseling Program offers a variety of CACREP-accredited programs: 60-credit Masters of Science in Professional Counseling Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Addictions Counseling; 12-credit Post-Masters Certificate in Addictions Counseling; 9-credit Post-Masters Certificate in School-Based Mental Health Counseling; and the Accelerated Masters Professional Counseling Program for Carlow Undergraduates. 

The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate (12 credits) meets the Addictions-specific education requirements for the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (AADC exam) and PA Certification Board – Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Through this program, students will build the foundation for competency in Addiction Counseling.   

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In Grace Library, spanning the third and fourth floor of the University Commons, there are numerous quiet spaces and study rooms for individuals and groups to use.
Credits required: 

12 credits

Cost per credit: 

$1,015/credit

Time to completion:

3 semesters

Delivery:

100% online

Curriculum for Addictions Counseling Certificate

view plan of study

The four certificate courses are: 

  • PRC 738 Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling
  • PRC 739 Substance Abuse Counseling Theories and Interventions
  • PRC 741 The Biological Bases of Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction
  • PRC 743 Co-occurring Disorders: Counseling Clients with Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Disorders. 

Quick facts

  • Complete in one year
  • Accumulate 180 hours of addiction-specific coursework needed for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification
  • Degree program centered around multicultural and social justice
Personal experience. Handsome bearded young man telling his story and sharing the personal experience while participating in a group therapy session

Career opportunities for Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Admission requirements and application process

Admission Criteria

  • Master degree in Counseling or related profession from an accredited institution
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher 
  • Evidence of work and/or volunteer experience in a helping field 
  • Ability to perform all the program’s essential standards required to practice as a professional counselor 
  • Ability to demonstrate professional dispositions and behaviors 
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Admission Criteria

  1. Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended 
  1. A professional essay describing your professional career goals in Addiction Counseling 
  1. Current resume or curriculum vitae 

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.

Counseling faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.