Sample Courses For An Ms In Addiction Counseling
To earn a masters degree in addiction counseling, youll need to take classes in the science of addiction and the art of counseling. Some classes may include practical components in which youll get to try out your skills in real-life settings.
You may take classes like:
- Addiction and Mental Health Disorders: Substance abuse disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions. In this class, you can learn about providing integrated treatment that addresses multiple disorders.
- Addiction Treatment Theories: This course covers various approaches to treating substance abuse disorders and can give you a framework for how to apply certain theories best.
- Counseling Approaches for Substance Abuse Treatment: You may discuss group sessions, family therapy, inpatient care, and pharmacology in this class.
- Human Lifespan Development: This course is valuable for gaining an understanding of normal development and complications that sometimes arise.
- Tests and Assessments for Addiction Counseling: You can learn to use screening tools to help you identify substance abuse disorders and related conditions.
- Youth Addiction: In this class, not only can you learn about counseling young people with addictions, but you can also discuss prevention methods and discuss family support.
Your program may also include a practicum class in which you can gain professional experience and may be able to earn clinical hours.
The University Of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Tuition: $5,900
The affordable accelerated online Masters in Addiction Counseling degree that is available from the University of North Texas was designed for in-service professionals who need access to a degree that can be completed in three years or less. The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a low-residency program students will be required to attend campus for a lab course. All other courses in addiction counseling curriculum are available online through the schools virtual portal classes are offered live or on-demand and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. This masters degree requires that students complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework, a 100-hour practicum, 600 internship hours, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling Practice, substance abuse counselors, Transition Issues in Rehabilitation, and Topics in Rehabilitation. These programs can help those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co occurring disorders as well as many more.
Associate Degrees In Substance Abuse Counseling
Students can graduate with their associate degree in substance abuse counseling in just two years by completing 60-credit hours of required study. This concentrated track of study will help to equip students with the necessary skills to walk patients through their drug or alcohol addictions and into full recovery. Students will participate in classes like introduction to substance abuse, physiology of substance abuse, law and ethics, and case management. General education courses are also part of the curriculum at this degree level. In order to ensure students receive hands on experience that will prepare them for work in the field, some schools require students to participate in an internship, usually towards the end of their studies.
Upon graduation, individuals may be prepared to enter entry-level positions as substance abuse counselors. Individuals may also be well prepared to move forward with their education. In order to qualify for an associate degree program, applicants will need to submit their high school transcripts. If the applicant is not a high school graduate a GED certificate will be sufficient. If applicable, all college transcripts will also need to be turned in. The average tuition for this level of program ranges from $6,676 to $7,848.
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How Do I Get Certified In Addiction Counseling
In most states, you must complete a masters degree program in substance abuse counseling or a related field to become licensed as an addiction counselor. You may also need to complete an internship or accrue a set amount of professional experience.
Once youve met those requirements, youll need to pass the examination that your state uses for licensure purposes. One common example is the test for NCC AP Certification from NAADAC. After passing, submit all required documentation to your state licensing board.
NAADAC offers three levels of certification, so you can continue to advance your credentials.
What Is An Addictions And Recovery Degree
In your typical addiction and recovery program, youll gain the skills needed to assess and diagnose substance abuse problems, in addition to how to develop a treatment plan for sufferers. Youll also participate in training that will help you understand how to provide client-centric interventions with empathy and compassion.
Your program will usually include core courses in subjects like social psychology, psychopharmacology, major counseling theories, professional ethics, and more. Most programs involve a minimum requirement for the number of hours of clinical, hands-on experience youll need to gain during your studies, which usually takes place as part of an internship.
Most colleges and universities ask for a minimum GPA of 3.0 from your existing undergraduate degree, though a select few will either accept a lower GPA or invite you to attend an interview if you fall below that number. Youll also need to submit your official degree transcripts alongside your application.
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What Is An Affordable Online Masters In Addiction Studies
An online Masters degree in Addiction Studies is a graduate-level degree that will closely examine advanced elements of the addiction and substance abuse field. In general, if you are pursuing a degree in Addiction Studies, you will be examining the external, internal, social, cultural, and behavioral components that affect addictive behaviors, and how those behaviors can then affect the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of the person. While your studies at the undergrad level will focus on the fundamentals like what is addiction? or what causes addiction? your graduate studies will dive deeper into the subject matter. You will extend your studies beyond the basics and really hone in on aspects like intervention, treatment, and prevention. Youll research and, in most cases, gain real-world experience through internships and practicums. Getting your Masters degree in this field will not only help you gain more knowledge, but youll also become a more respected professional in your field. And in some cases, your Masters degree could allow you to become a certified counselor .
The University Of Massachusetts At Boston
Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Tuition: $18,433
The University of Massachusetts at Boston confers an accelerated online addiction counseling degree that was designed to be completed by working adults. The degree is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education as well as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. There are two tracks available for this degree: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling or Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. This addictions counseling program is offered primarily online there are two separate two-week residencies that are to be completed on campus in the summer. All other coursework is available online through the schools learning management system courses are either held live or on-demand and run in 16-week sessions. Students who graduate with this masters degree will meet the national requirements to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor they may also become licensed as Rehabilitation Counselors in Massachusetts. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, 100 practicum hours, 600 internship hours, and a rehabilitation counseling portfolio. Sample courses include Psychopharmacology for mental health Counselors, substance abuse counselors, Foundations of Rehabilitation, and Case Management and Planning in Rehabilitation.
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Bachelor’s Degrees In Substance Abuse Counseling
Individuals interested in earning their bachelor’s degree in substance abuse counseling can earn their degree in four years. A typical bachelor’s degree program is made up of 120-credit hours and includes courses like medical terminology, families and health, humanities choice, multicultural counseling in a diverse society, relapse prevention, and process addictions. Through participating in these classes, individuals will gain in depth knowledge of the choices that humans make when it comes to substance abuse and how to help individuals navigate through their addictions in ways that are right for them. Students will also learn to provide support and counseling to the families of individuals who are involved in substance abuse. In addition to traditional classes, students may also participate in internships in order to receive practical training in preparation for their careers.
Admission requirements include a high school transcript or GED certificate as well as any college transcripts that the applicant may have. In some cases the school may also require that the applicant participate in an admissions interview in order to showcase academic potential. Tuition will vary depending on the school and length of program, however the average tuition that students can expect to pay ranges between $16,695 and $33,390.
Professional Organizations In Addiction Counseling
While youre earning your masters degree, you can join a professional organization for addiction counselors.
Membership in a group can give you access to networking opportunities with others in the field.
- American Counseling Association: ACA is dedicated to professional development and advocacy for all types of counselors, including substance abuse counselors.
- American Mental Health Counselors Association: If you are interested in dual diagnoses, consider joining AMHCA, which offers networking, standards of ethics, and continuing education for professionals in the mental health field.
- American Psychological Association: APA represents psychology researchers, practitioners, students, and more. One of the organizations divisions is the Society of Addiction Psychology.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine: Membership in ASAM can help you network with doctors and other medical practitioners who treat people with substance abuse disorders.
- Association for Addiction Professionals: Any professionals who work with people who have addictions are invited to join NAADAC this includes people from the counseling and medical professions.
- International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors: As a division of ACA, IAAOC focuses on professionals who work with people in the criminal justice system and those with substance abuse disorders.
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The University Of Louisiana At Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Tuition: $6,490
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is home to an accelerated online Masters in Addiction Counseling degree that was designed for professionals who are interested in earning the right to sit for professional counselor licensure. This program is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students will find that this is an online degree that is available 100 percent through the schools learning management system courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and run in 16-week sessions. Students can expect to complete this masters degree in three years or less when they choose to study full-time. More information on this program and its graduation requirements can be found by contacting the schools graduate admissions office. These programs can help those with co occurring disorders as well as many more.
The University Of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Tuition: $5,670
The accelerated online Masters in Addiction Counseling degree available from the University of the Cumberlands is a great choice for students who are interested in completing a program in three years or less. This program is available online and is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This degrees coursework is available wholly online and can be accessed through the schools virtual portal courses are asynchronous or synchronous and are delivered in 16-week sessions. Students will also complete a practicum and two internships totaling 700 clinical hours that they can use towards the requirements for professional counselor licensure in their state. This masters degree requires that students additionally complete 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Psychopharmacology and Addictions, Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment, and Spirituality and Values in Counseling.
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Online Bachelors Degrees In Counseling
An online bachelors degree in counseling will help you develop your communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence skillset that can be used to market yourself as an entry-level practitioner in the workplace.
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After graduation, you will have typically completed more than 400 hours of fieldwork, which is an important factor to consider when deciding to pursue your education through online learning. Beyond the general education, counseling, and psychology credits that are standard with this degree program, you may also be able to specialize within a concentration such as:
- Holistic psychology
- Christian counseling
- Addiction counseling
While many graduates from an online bachelors degree program continue their education with masters and doctorate level degrees, there are still a number of job options available with an online bachelors in counseling degree.
Once you have earned a bachelors degree, you will be able to begin your career in addiction counseling, career counseling, and life coaching.
Place Addictions Therapist Certification Requirements
PLACE certifies individuals as Provisionally Certified Addictions Therapists and Certified Addictions Therapists . Individuals must have graduate degrees. A doctoral degree is accepted a masters degree is accepted if it meets board requirements.
The masters degree should be in addiction studies or in another field related to mental health or human services . Qualifying fields include the following: behavioral science, counseling and guidance, family and child studies, family and consumer studies, health science, healthcare administration, nursing, psychology, psychometry, rehabilitation services, social sciences, or social work. Pastoral ministries is an acceptable field if the focus was on counseling or addictions. Sociology or interdisciplinary studies is acceptable if there was a focus on addictions.
Individuals with atypical degrees may be certified if they complete additional qualifying education outside the degree. They will need a minimum of five graduate courses in areas acceptable to the board. These may include abnormal psychology, addiction studies, behavior modification, counseling, cultural sensitivity, developmental psychology, group processes, and professional ethics, among others. Acceptance of coursework is at board discretion. The Review Board notes that in no circumstances is the requirement for a degree at the masters level waived.
Active status as a CAT is held only while working within the system.
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Additional Online Student Fees
Just like on-campus students, online learners must buy supplies and books. They may also need to buy a new computer or upgrade their internet. Some schools charge technology fees to cover tech support and virtual classroom platforms.
Substance abuse counseling students may need to pay for extra software to practice entering client data. Degree-seekers should also budget for fees for background checks and certification exams.
Careers For Addictions And Recovery Majors
Careers in addiction and recovery vary you may find yourself working in a community health organization, rehabilitation center, or in a college, university, or high school for example. One of the first careers that many people think of in this field is the addiction counselor.
There are also roles such as administrative worker, social worker, and vocational counselor. More specialized roles include detox support specialist, sober companion, and drug and alcohol worker. Counseling and rehabilitation are two of the more popular choices among graduates, though to become a counselor youll typically need at least a masters degree in some cases, employers want to see a doctorate.
The licensing requirements for professions vary from state to state, and from role to role. One of the best masters in addictions and recovery on our list is offered by the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, which publishes a full list of licensure bodies in each state.
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What Are The Various Disciplines Of Addiction Counseling
Addiction counseling is a transdisciplinary field that takes into account a variety of disciplines that work in tandem to help clients beat their addiction, whatever it may be. Psychologists consider drug addiction a behavioral disorder to be treated. This requires an understanding of addiction, recovery, counseling, psychology, sociology, and biology. Professionals in the field will generally focus on addiction counseling as their sub-discipline during their education, which focuses on psychology.
Students will note that because America is a diverse country, other disciplines and sub-disciplines are increasingly at play in the field. In some parts of the country where a foreign language is common, understanding that language is essential to helping clients. Knowledge of culture and anthropology will help counselors discern the correct recovery path for their clients addiction has different implications in each culture and having an understanding of the role culture plays is imperative in ensuring that clients will complete their treatment plan.
There has been an unfortunate rise in drug use in America this includes both narcotics and alcoholism, among other forms of addiction. While much can be written about the factors that contribute to addiction, whats equally important is ensuring that professionals are well prepared to work as addiction counselors in the field.
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Clinical Mental Health Counselingmaster Of Science In Clinical Mental Health Counseling
If youâre passionate about helping people navigate lifeâs challenges, the MS in clinical mental health counseling specialization from Capella University can help you develop clinical expertise to become a practicing counseling professional. This CACREP-accredited program covers the theories and practical skills you need to assess and diagnose mental health disorders, provide evidence-based interventions, and empower people to live happier and healthier lives. Youâll emerge with the training and confidence to pursue state licensure and positively impact the mental, behavioral, and emotional health of your clients.
Blended, flexible learning
Develop expertise in clinical mental health counseling with a dynamic curriculum that combines online and in-person learning experiences.
Professional alignment
Our curriculum is designed to incorporate the values, principles, and ethical standards of national, regional, and state professional counseling associations and honor societies.
Combined theory and practice
Apply and enhance your skills and knowledge through residency, practicum, and internship requirements.
- CACREP accredited
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Admissions Requirements For No Gre Programs
Some universities can use the GRE as a method for further screening applicants for their programs. In college programs that do not utilize the GRE as a method for enrollment, students may need to provide documentation to support their previous achievements and degree programs prior to enrollment.
Typically, universities require that students provide proof of their undergraduate degree program and transcripts at the time of application. Students applying to universities with no GRE requirement may also be required to hold a minimum GPA of 3 or higher, depending on their enrollment.
Additional requirements may vary depending on the schools you are applying to. In some cases, schools may substitute graduate-level testing requirements with work experience, including a one- or two-year requirement for admissions.
Each school may have slightly different expectations for learners interested in applying to their programs. You should always review the requirements of each institution before submitting your final documentation.
