Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling

Kent State University

The Addictions Counseling undergraduate certificate prepares students with all the requisite training hours for licensure eligibility as a chemical dependency counselor in Ohio, issued by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. The certificate supplements existing Kent State health and behavioral health degree programs, such as psychology, health education, and human development and family science. The certificate also allows in-career professionals to specialize in addictions counseling (e.g., nurses, clergy, rehabilitation counselors, mental health therapists). Successful completion of the first course in the certificate provides students the opportunity to apply for the chemical dependency counselor assistant (CDCA) credential from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.

Course content includes theories and models of addiction and addictive behaviors pharmacology (i.e., review of substances typically misused, as well as medications used to treat symptoms of substance use disorders) screening and diagnostic assessment of substance use and co-occurring disorders case conceptualization and treatment planning using the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria evidence-based practices in addictions (e.g., motivational interviewing, contingency management) and legal and ethical considerations in addictions counseling.

Experiential training is infused throughout the curriculum (e.g., use of simulated clients) and culminates in a practicum in the field at an approved behavioral healthcare facility offering addictions services under the supervision of an approved licensed behavioral healthcare provider.