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Chicago | Certificate

Substance Abuse Counseling

Program Overview

Program Overview

This program is accredited as an Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). The certification process is based on the Illinois Model for Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors.

Specifically, coursework provides education in the theories, techniques, and core functions of substance abuse counseling, focusing on evidence-based research and best practice standards from a social justice standpoint. Specialized practicum experience complements coursework.

Curriculum

Curriculum

The Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling requires the following 12 credits of coursework:

One of the following:

  • Introduction to Addictive Disorders
  • Addictions Counseling
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Disorders

And one of the following:

  • Professional Development, Issues, and Ethics in Art Therapy
  • Professional Development: Issues and Ethics Professional Identity, Law, and Ethics in Couple and Family Therapy
  • Professional, Legal, and Ethics Issues in Counseling
  • Ethics and Professional Development in Clinical Psychology

And one of the following:

  • Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Aspects of Addictions

And one of the following:

  • Advanced Addictions Treatment
  • Advanced Treatment of Addictive Disorders
Specialized Practicum

Specialized Practicum

In addition to the specialized coursework, students pursuing the Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling will acquire and develop practical skills in the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) core functions through specialized field placements. The Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling requires the following four semester credit hours of practicum (500 field hours) and seminars:

  • Substance Abuse Counseling Practicum and Seminar I
  • Substance Abuse Counseling Practicum and Seminar II
Student Outcomes
Professional Development & Training

In addition to the specialized coursework, students pursuing the Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling will acquire and develop practical skills in the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) core functions through specialized field placements. The Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling requires the following four semester credit hours of practicum (500 field hours) and seminars:

  • Substance Abuse Counseling Practicum and Seminar I
  • Substance Abuse Counseling Practicum and Seminar II
Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution and graduate standing in a master’s degree or doctorate program in an area of mental health, licensure as a clinical psychologist, or a related health care license (graduate standing is not applicable for applicants to the Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling program)
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate and graduate coursework
Accreditation

Accreditation

This program is accredited as an Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). The certification process is based on the Illinois Model for Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors.

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Faculty

Chicago Campus

Located in the heart of the city, the Adler Chicago campus was designed to provide and inspire the learning and living experience. To that end, we have created an environment that caters to your mental, emotional and intellectual growth. Our classrooms are bright and spacious with windows to the outside world. Our technology is the very latest and best. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form and shape your journey. At Adler, we have made it our mission to create a space with more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.

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