Addictions Counseling

Associate of Applied Science degree

Career advancement program

Certificate also available

The A.A.S. in Addictions Counseling degree is designed to prepare students for careers in addictions counseling. The curriculum provides theoretical coursework along with practical, hands-on instruction and field experience necessary to attain certification as a certified supervised alcohol and drug counselor (CSC-AD) in the state of Maryland. Successful graduates are also prepared for transfer to a 4-year institution for further study in psychology, social work, or related human services programs.

Students already possessing a bachelor's degree who are seeking the coursework and supervised fieldwork needed to become certified in addictions counseling may benefit from the one-year certificate program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Garrett’s Addictions Counseling program are prepared to begin the application process to sit for the exams needed to receive certification as a certified supervised alcohol and drug counselor (CSC-AD) in the state of Maryland. Graduates may also be eligible for Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) status, which is not a certificate or license, but a status of limited duration meant to serve as an entry-level position for those pursuing careers in alcohol and drug counseling.

For complete details on all licensure and certification requirements, students should contact the MD Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists at 410-764-4732 or visit https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/.

Degree coursework

Certificate coursework

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and explain the classification system for psychoactive drugs and the physical, psychological, behavioral, and social impact of these drugs on individuals struggling with abuse and dependency, as well as on their significant others and the community.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical models used to explain the etiology of substance abuse and dependency based on well-supported evidence.
Students will be able to identify, explain and evaluate the philosophies, policies, and models of treatment, recovery, and relapse prevention for addiction and co-occurring disorders based on well-supported evidence.
Students will be able to identify established diagnostic criteria and appropriate screening instruments used to complete a comprehensive assessment of substance use disorders that is sensitive to age, gender, ethnicity, religion and disabilities; and to explain how to use that information to determine the need for in-patient services, community-based treatment interventions and/or family involvement based on well-supported evidence.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of individual, group, family and multicultural counseling modalities that facilitate behavioral change in the treatment of substance disorders and co-occurring disorders based on well-supported evidence.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the core components for developing a successful client-counselor relationship and maintaining professional and ethical records in the field of counseling; as well as an understanding of an addiction counselor’s obligations with respect to legal, ethical and behavioral standards of conduct.
Students will be able to develop effective treatment plans that reflect knowledge of community resources, incorporate appropriate referral and case management skills, and that provide for the coordination of services delivered by a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Program Highlights

Features career-related coursework such as Drugs & Human Behavior, Addictions Treatment Delivery, Ethics in Human Services & Addictions Counseling, Intro to Counseling & Case Management, and more.
Includes a supervised fieldwork placement giving students the opportunity to practice assessment and implement theories and techniques used in the treatment and case management of counseling individuals struggling with substance abuse and chemical dependence.
Graduates of the program can build upon the A.A.S. by transferring to a four-year institution that offers a baccalaureate program in a related area of study, such as West Virginia University (learn more).
The Addictions Counseling program has received Health Occupation Shortage status from the State of Maryland. Verifiable Maryland residents who meet enrollment criteria will receive the in-county tuition rate.
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