The PSU Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling is an academic series of courses providing a broad overview of addictions counseling, concepts of treatment, and clinical skills. It can also be taken as a noncredit Certificate of Completion.

This certificate program is designed to help meet the course requirements for specialty certification through NAADAC, NBCC, NASW, and CADC I through ACCBO. Check with your respective professional association for their complete requirements.

This certificate prepares participants for work with substance-abusing clients. The program is intended for mental health and addictions treatment professionals in the community and graduate students in related fields enables participants to acquire training and education in science-based practices and provides the knowledge essential to working with addicted populations.

Licensed mental health professionals, such as social workers or professional counselors, can greatly increase their employment opportunities by obtaining addictions treatment training. Many addiction treatment programs are beginning to require a master's degree qualification for hiring as a minimum as well as training and education in addictions treatment. It has also become increasingly important for healthcare professionals to have the ability to work with clients who present both mental health and substance abuse issues.

Designed for:

The courses are designed as an informal cohort program with participants beginning together with the first course and continuing through the program on the same schedule. Most courses are a prerequisite for the following courses. The series includes seven 3-credit courses, six of which are required to complete the series. One course is offered each term.

The Graduate Certificate or Certificate of Completion in Addictions Counseling is presented on successful completion of the program.

Documentation is issued after the completion of each course for licensed mental healthcare professionals needing to verify contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in the treatment of alcohol—and drug-related disorders as required by OAR 415-51-057 (3).

For program advising, please call 503-725-8165.