Certificate In Addictions Counseling

Expand your knowledge and grow professionally to serve the emergent need for addictions treatment in your community.

Waynesburg University offers a 12-credit, non-degree, post-baccalaureate Certificate in Addictions Counseling accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This certificate is available 100% online and can be completed in as little as two semesters. Upon completion, the Certificate counts towards the Pennsylvania Certification Board’s (PCB) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) for individuals with a master’s degree.

The Certificate in Addictions Counseling will be awarded by the University to individuals who have completed 12 credits in addiction counseling. Individuals seeking a certification in addictions counseling must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and be currently employed as a counselor at an agency providing addictions counseling. Individuals who have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field are also eligible to enroll in the certification program, even if they are not currently employed in the addictions field.

Waynesburg University also offers an exceptional addiction counseling program on the master's level for professionals seeking to obtain a master's degree in addiction counseling. The Master of Arts in Counseling is approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Click here to learn more about our Master of Arts in Counseling.

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A certificate at the right price!

Currently, this certificate is being offered at 50% off the per credit price, and is Federal Student Aid eligible.

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Program Quick Facts


Next Start Date	March 7, 2022
Estimated Program Length	2 semesters
Credit Hours	12
Course Lengths	8 weeks
Delivery Methods	100% online
Cost Per Credit	$695*
Admission Requirements	View Admission Requirements Here

*Cost per credit reduced 50% upon enrollment

CNS 527 Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances

This Addiction Specialization course covers terminology, drug classification, physiological effects, psychological effects, withdrawal syndrome, drug interactions and treatment applications. All major categories of drugs are addressed: alcohol, depressants, cocaine and other stimulants, opiates, hallucinogens, cannabinoids, inhalants and other substances. The course also explores neurological commonalities of addiction and the hypothesized role of neurotransmitters and endogenous chemicals in addictions and compulsive behaviors such as gambling, sexual behavior and shopping.

CNS 537 Addiction Counseling Techniques

This Addiction Specialization course explores evaluation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of abuse and addiction disorders. Attention is paid to individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling and intervention. Crisis intervention approaches are included as well. The course explores ways of adjusting counseling to sensitively address age, sex and cultural differences, co-occurring disorders, medical illnesses, criminal justice involvement and disabilities.

CNS 539 Addiction, Stress, and Trauma

This course addresses the role of stress and trauma in the life of individuals with addiction, specifically investigating the role of stress and violence as both etiologically relevant and to addictions and how addictive behavior is used as a maladaptive coping response to stress and trauma. The course will examine how repeated exposure to traumatic events affects development, interpersonal relationships and neurological functioning and development. Specific counseling techniques for the treatment of trauma with co-occurring addiction will be presented.

CNS 558 Family Counseling in Addiction

This Addiction Specialization course involves an exploration of family issues in abuse and addiction. Topics include system theory and family dynamics; codependency; abuse issues; the family life-cycle; developmental issues in families; the role of culture in families; co-occurring disorders, including medical and psychological disorders; and models of family counseling.

Cultivating Substance Use Disorder Counselors of Tomorrow Grant

The non-degree Certificate in Addiction Counseling Program at Waynesburg University was awarded a capacity building grant totaling $25,000 from the Staunton Farm Foundation. The grant entitled Cultivating Substance Use Disorder Counselors of Tomorrow has offered scholarships to five eligible students enrolled in WU’s non-degree Certificate in Addiction Counseling program from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022. These five students will receive a 50% scholarship from the grant to cover the cost of the four addiction courses and WU will match the 50% scholarship. Additionally, grant funding will support the development of WU’s very own overdose task force, distribution of overdose prevention kits, and will be used to enhance recruitment and retention of substance use disorder counselors in the behavioral health workforce.

The goal of this capacity building grant is to address the needs of our communities by strengthening the behavioral health workforce with qualified professionals. To do so, Waynesburg University intends to be a champion in the field of substance use disorder counseling by answering the call for growth and change.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for this scholarship has passed.

About the Staunton Farm Foundation

Staunton Farm Foundation recognizes the importance of developing and strengthening mental health resources to survive and adapt in today’s challenging environment. Building capacity to optimize services represents a vital part of the Staunton Farm Foundation strategy. To learn more about the Staunton Farm Foundation and their commitment to behavioral health click here.