Program Overview

Substance Use Disorder Counseling Program

The Substance Use Disorder Counseling Program at UC San Diego Extended Studies provides comprehensive coursework and training for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field, specifically in substance use disorder counseling. This program is designed for those looking to enter the field or advance their current career.

Program Overview

The program covers essential areas such as:

• Psychopharmacology
• Recovery
• Treatment team coordination
• Counseling
• Community services
• Group leadership

A practicum is also required to earn the certificate, which provides students with hands-on experience and supervision in core areas like intake, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports, record keeping, and consultation.

Certificate Benefits

Through this certificate program, students will:

• Learn to operate in real-world situations, culminating in field-based practical experience
• Obtain focused career-oriented training in a field with increasing demand for trained professionals
• Receive the educational background to enter into or advance within the addiction counseling discipline
• Meet CCAPP CADC-I and CADTP SUDCC certification educational requirements

Target Audience

The program is designed for individuals interested in entering into or advancing within the field of substance use disorder counseling, including those looking to complete an educational program that meets CCAPP and CADTP minimum requirements to become a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC-I) or Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC).

Program Requirements

• Individuals entering the program should have at least one year of sobriety, if applicable.
• To receive credit toward CCAPP and CADTP certification, students must enroll in all courses for a letter grade.
• The program consists of 13 required courses, including a practicum, totaling 33 quarter units of study.
• A grade of C- or better is required in all courses to earn the certificate.

Required Courses

• Cultural, Social, and Historical Overview of Alcohol and Drug Related Problems
• Introduction to Counseling Models
• Addiction and Recovery: Etiology and Physiology
• Addiction Science: Psychology and Pharmacology
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery
• Applied Skills for Group Dynamics and Facilitation
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Addiction Problems: Prevention, Public Health, and Public Policy
• Advanced Intervention
• Law and Ethics for Addiction Professionals
• Crisis Intervention: Theory and Practical Skills
• Basic and Advanced Counseling Skills and Characteristics
• Practicum for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

Demand and Job Prospects

Employment of substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to recent U.S. Department of Labor projections.

Important Information Regarding the Practicum

• Students must select a practicum site prior to enrolling into the section.
• Once enrolled in the practicum, students must complete it within three quarters.

Conditions for Admission

• Extended Studies does not have academic prerequisites related to the certificate, with the exception of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete the application and pay the application fee.

Certificate Guidelines

• To earn the certificate, students must complete 33 quarter units of study consisting of 13 required courses, including a practicum.
• For the certificate, a grade of C- or better is required in all courses.

Industry Requirements

• To become a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC-I), students must successfully complete the certificate program and pass the portfolio review and written examination of the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).

Advisory Board

The program's advisory board includes professionals from various institutions and organizations, ensuring the program's curriculum and training are relevant and effective in preparing students for careers in substance use disorder counseling.

Related Programs

• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Sustainability & Behavior Change

These programs offer additional training and certification opportunities for individuals interested in healthcare and wellness fields.