Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies

About

The Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services offers an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies. The certificate program is designed for individuals already holding master's degrees in counseling who are seeking to enhance their professional counseling practice and licensure options.

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addictions Studies meets the needs of health professionals such as marriage and family therapists, community counselors, rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and behavioral health therapists by providing graduate addiction training to help them address client needs.

Faculty members in the Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services endeavor to promote excellence in counselor education and counseling research. Our graduate counseling programs prepare students to:

Serve as professional counselors, advocates, and leaders who maximize opportunities for individuals, groups, and communities with a particular emphasis on helping underserved and oppressed client populations;
Address developmental, academic, career, mental health, socio-cultural, and wellness needs of clients seeking counseling;
Help individuals, groups and communities strive to find meaning, involvement, worth, and dignity in their lives;
Engage in action research and program evaluations to further the knowledge base and best practice initiatives of the counseling profession; and
Advocate with local, state, and national organizations to promote client and societal wellbeing.

Available Options

Con-Current Master’s Track
Post-Master’s Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes associated with the certificate in addiction studies are consistent with the guidelines set forth by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. Upon completing the certificate, students will have acquired and demonstrated knowledge and skills in accordance with the following standards:

Knowledge

Students will be able to identify and describe major theoretical perspectives on addictions
Students will be able to identify and discuss the biopsychosocial effects of addictions
Students will be able to identify, choose the proper addictions screening and assessment tools, and discuss addiction treatment options
Students will be able to describe the ASAM criteria, different levels of care, and treatment settings
Students will be able to discuss the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders and non-substance-related disorders

Practice and Skills

Students will be able to determine and demonstrate appropriate intervention and addiction counseling skills
Students will be able to develop comprehensive treatment, discharge, and after care plans
Students will be able to identify and choose evidence-based treatment approaches for individuals and families affected by addictions
Students will be able to identify and determine appropriate referral sources in the community

Professional Responsibilities

Students will be able to identify personal and professional biases and demonstrate cultural competencies
Students will be able to develop and demonstrate professional attitudes and ethical decision making skills in working with the population of individuals and families affected by addictions
Students will be able to adhere to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct
Students will be able to commit to continuing educational and professional development

Career Possibilities

Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor
Certified Problem Gambling Counselor (CPGC)
Problem Gambling Supervisor

Requirements

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