Addiction Counseling Certificate

Xavier University offers an online Addiction Counseling Certificate program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, treat, and support individuals and families struggling with issues of addiction.

The certificate program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as two semesters. It consists of five courses (15 credit hours) that cover a range of topics related to addiction counseling, including theories and models of addiction, assessment and diagnosis, pharmacology and medication-assisted treatment, evidenced-based treatment approaches, and legal and ethical issues.

The program is taught by faculty with expert knowledge and clinical experience in the field of addiction counseling. Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers through online discussions, interactive assignments, and virtual meetings.

Upon completion of the program, students will have met the academic requirements to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Ohio. Additionally, the certificate program can serve as a pathway for students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in counseling.

Overall, the Addiction Counseling Certificate program at Xavier University provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals who struggle with addiction. The online format offers flexibility and convenience for working individuals, while the expert faculty and comprehensive curriculum ensure that students receive a high-quality education.

Program Outline

This certificate program consists of 15 credit hours and can be finished within two semesters. It is offered entirely online. For each course, you'll need around 5.5 hours of independent, self-paced asynchronous learning, along with a weekly one-hour synchronous virtual meeting. These meetings will be arranged by the instructor. If you have previous or ongoing work experience in addiction counseling, you could potentially earn up to three hours of credit towards your practicum experience.

Coursework

Each course in the program is structured as an accelerated 7-week session, providing three credit hours. These courses consist of a weekly virtual class session led by the instructor, supplemented by self-paced readings and assignments to facilitate your learning experience. The sequence in which you choose to complete these four courses is adaptable, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences.

• COUN 639
• COUN 710
• COUN 711
• COUN 767

Field Experience

• COUN 712

This course serves as the concluding component of the addiction certification program, focusing on hands-on experience within the addiction counseling field. You'll engage in counseling sessions with clients in a professional environment, all while being supervised by a licensed professional. Those who possess prior or current work involvement in addiction counseling might be eligible to receive practicum credit.

Funding Opportunities 

Unlock your future and make a profound impact with our full tuition scholarship for 20 dedicated students passionate about pursuing an Addiction Counseling certificate.

Students must be from counties located in the Ohio Improvement Zone:

• Adams
• Highland
• Pike
• Ross
• Scioto

Requirements: Must be a resident of Ohio and complete a one-year employment commitment post certificate at a qualifying behavioral health organization. 

Join a community committed to combating addiction, gain invaluable skills, and become a certified counselor ready to make a difference!

Upcoming Webinars 

Social Class and Substance Use Disorders: Understanding the Impact on Etiology, Outcomes, and Treatment

Fri, Jun 14, 2024 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EDT)

Social class is an important factor in mental health, access to mental health care, and lifespan experiences and expectations. In this presentation attendees will conceptualize how social class impacts substance use disorder (SUD) etiology, outcomes, and treatment. Specific focus will be on social class values, barriers, and access that impact individuals' with SUDs, specifically how social class will affect client access to resources, support, and treatment modalities. 

Registration Link: https://www.xavier.edu/graduate-admission/events 

Challenging Myths and Increasing Awareness: The Clinical Implications of Supporting Sex Trafficking Survivors

Thu, Jul 25, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EDT)

Though rates of sex trafficking are notoriously difficult to obtain, it is estimated 4.5 million people globally are victims of forced sexual exploitation. Women, children, and individuals with multiple marginalized identities are especially vulnerable to forced sexual exploitation. Mental health professionals must be prepared to identify and support survivors of sex trafficking because they will likely encounter victims through their work in communities, schools, hospitals, substance use treatment settings, and more. Mental health professionals are additionally called to identify and challenge false narratives about the nature and processes associated with the crime of sex trafficking to promote victim identification and utilize trauma-focused interventions. The session provides an overview of trauma-informed counseling strategies that can be implemented across a variety of workplace settings.

Registration Link:  https://www.xavier.edu/graduate-admission/events 

Request Information 

For further information about the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling, including an application, please complete the web inquiry form.

Contact Information

For more information about the Addiction Counseling Certificate and funding opportunities contact:

Dr. Brian R. Russ, Assistant Professor
Department of Counseling
russb1@xavier.edu
513-745-1037