Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders (certificate)

21 credit hours

Required Core (18 credit hours)
PSY 570 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSY 601 Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
PSY 602 Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 603 Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 604 Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 605 Group Therapy for Substance Use-Related Problems (3)

Other Requirements (3)
PSY 591 Topic: Ethics (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For students interested in pursuing licensure in substance abuse counseling, this graduate certificate meets all seven of the core content curricular requirements for the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. In addition, the program is in compliance with national certification curriculum guidelines.

PSY 591 can be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

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

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any health, behavioral health or counseling-related field from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

1. graduate admission application and application fee
2. official transcripts
3. curriculum vitae or resume
4. one letter or recommendation
5. personal statement
6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Substance abuse counseling can be incredibly rewarding, and the field offers a wide variety of experiences. Jobs are available in substance abuse treatment centers; community mental health agencies; primary care, integrated health and criminal justice facilities; hospitals; schools and universities; and military and veterans affairs centers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of substance abuse counselors to grow 22% between 2018 and 2028, much faster than other occupations. Job prospects are expected to be very good for counselors who are licensed.

Career examples include:

• addiction counselor
• licensed addiction counselor
• licensed substance abuse counselor
• substance abuse counselor
• substance abuse technician