Addictive Disorders Counseling, Associate of Science (AS)

Program Overview

Addictive Disorders Counseling, Associate of Science (AS)

Overview

The Addictive Disorders Counseling Program is designed to prepare students to work in the field of addictions counseling. Both a Certificate of Achievement and Associate Degree are available. The program provides students with the education and training to develop paraprofessional expertise and to qualify for employment as entry-level addictions counselors. A required fieldwork component offers students invaluable hands-on experience working at a facility dedicated to the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. Licensed clinicians seeking expertise in addictions can complete the new non-fieldwork based Certificate of Achievement in Post-Professional Practice in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

• Complete all of the following:
  • All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
  • One of the following three General Education options:
    • OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
    • OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
    • OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
  • A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
  • A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

Course List

Learning Outcomes

• Implement a systematic approach to screening and assessment of individuals thought to have a substance use disorder and who are being considered for addiction-related services in a crisis situation.
• Use a collaborative process in which professionals and the client develop a written document that identifies important treatment goals within measurable, time-sensitive action steps toward achieving those goals with expected outcomes.
• Employ the administrative, clinical and evaluative activities that bring the client, treatment services and other resources together to focus on the issues and needs identified in the treatment plan.
• Facilitate the client’s progress toward mutually determined treatment goals and objectives, including counseling methods that are sensitive to individual client needs and to the influence of significant others, as well as the client’s cultural and social norms.
• Present clients, families, significant others and community groups with information on risks related to psychoactive substance use, as well as available prevention, treatment and recovery resources.
• Record the screening and intake process, assessment, treatment plan, clinical reports and progress notes, discharge summaries and other client-related data.
• Adhere to the obligations of an addiction counselor within accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct and professional development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Addictive Disorders Counseling Program prepares students to work in the field of addictions counseling, offering both a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate Degree. The program equips students with the education and training necessary for paraprofessional expertise and entry-level employment as addictions counselors. A required fieldwork component provides hands-on experience in facilities specializing in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. Licensed clinicians seeking expertise in addictions can pursue the non-fieldwork Certificate of Achievement in Post-Professional Practice in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

Objectives:

• Develop paraprofessional expertise in addictions counseling.
• Qualify for employment as entry-level addictions counselors.
• Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork in addiction treatment facilities.
• Provide licensed clinicians with expertise in addictions through the Certificate of Achievement in Post-Professional Practice in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

Outline:

Content:

The program covers various aspects of addictions counseling, including:

• Alcohol and other drugs
• Basic interviewing and counseling skills
• Pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs
• Group treatment
• Chemical dependency and the family
• Co-occurring disorders
• Diversity and cultural issues in counseling
• Chemical dependency counseling case management and treatment
• Substance abuse prevention
• Legal and ethical issues in addictive disorders counseling
• Clinical process
• Work experience in alcohol and drug counseling

Structure:

The program consists of the following components:

• Department requirements (40-41 units)
• General Education requirements (18 units)
• Institutional requirements (1 unit)