Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate
UCSD Extension's Professional Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling provides the comprehensive course work and training needed to succeed in a very challenging and demanding career in the healthcare field. The program is designed for individuals interested in getting starting the field, as well as those working in it. NOTE: Individuals entering the program should have at least one year of sobriety, if applicable. Having less than that will make it very difficult to secure a practicum site, which could significantly delay or prevent completion of the program.
The program covers the essential areas of
- Psychopharmacology
- Recovery
- Treatment team coordination
- Counseling
- Community services
- Group leadership
Practicum
A practicum is also required to earn the certificate. In order to participate in it, you must have minimally completed the following courses (preferably all courses should be completed first):
- Chemical Dependency I
- Chemical Dependency II
- Law and Ethics for Addiction Professionals
- Applied Skills for Group Dynamics and Facilitation
- Case Management
The practicum consists of 255 hours of field work during which you also accrue 45 hours of instruction by attending workshops and other educational opportunities as directed by the practicum coordinator.
You may begin the practicum in any quarter. Contact the program representative, 858-534-9265, to get started. You are responsible for obtaining a practicum site; however, the practicum coordinator can provide suggestions. In addition to the guidance provided by the coordinator, you will also work under a site supervisor. You have one year to complete the requirements, although most students complete in much less. To extend completion time beyond one year requires students to enroll again for the full fee.
- Certificate Overview (pdf)
- Frequent Questions (pdf)
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Certificate registration is required to complete the program. Candidates are encouraged to register in the certificate program as early as possible to take advantage of program benefits. See Certificate FAQs for more information.
| Certificate Section ID: | 095916 | Add to Cart |
| Application Fee: | $60 | |
| Contact: | Healthcare, Behavioral Sciences, (858) 534-9262 | |
| E-mail: | unexhealthcare@ucsd.edu | |
Conditions for Admission
CAADAC does not have an academic degree requirement related to associate-level certification, which Extension’s certificate program prepares individuals for. Therefore, Extension doesn’t have academic prerequisites related to the certificate, with the exception of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Certificate Guidelines
To earn the certificate you must complete 33 (quarter) units of study consisting of 13 required courses including a practicum.
To receive credit toward CAADAC certification you must enroll in courses for a letter grade. For the certificate, a grade of C- or better is required in all courses. Of course, As and Bs are looked upon more favorably by CAADAC during the portfolio review.
In addition to meeting Extension's unit requirement to earn the certificate, the course work/practicum also meet the educational and training requirements of the California Board of Alcohol & Drug Counselors (CCBADC) to obtain the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate (CADCA) designation (see below).
State Requirements
To become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate (CADCA), you must successfully complete the certificate program and pass the portfolio review and written examination of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). The first step in earning the CADCA designation is to download the certification manual, which contains the academic requirements, procedures, forms, portfolio and examination schedules, and fees. To download the manual, go to the CAACAC website: caadac.org and click on "Forms/Docs."
Advisors
Al Feliciano, M.A., CADC
Program Director
Vietnam Veterans of San Diego
John C. Seaman, M.A., CADC
Interventionist and Counselor
Scripps Memorial Hospital McDonald Center
Jerry Synold, M.A., CADC, CCS
Deputy Director
Naval Drug & Alcohol Counseling School
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