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, 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.
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. All individuals seeking admission to the Certificate in Addictions Counseling must complete a formal application.
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.
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.
Program Quick Facts
Next Start Date | March 8, 2021 |
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Estimated Program Length | 2 semesters |
Credit Hours | 12 |
Course Lengths | 8 weeks |
Delivery Methods | 100% online |
Cost Per Credit | $690* |
Admission Requirements |
*Cost per credit reduced 50% upon enrollment
Curriculum
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.
Counseling News and Events
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Program ranked No. 1 for second consecutive year
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Events
Tue, Feb 16
DeVito Lecture to host virtual event with Dr. Nicholas Pearce
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The Buzz
Fri, Feb 12
Waynesburg MBA graduate appointed to Familylinks’ executive team
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The Buzz
Fri, Sep 18
Waynesburg DNP student gains attention for National Nurses Week vocal performance
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