The Certificate Program in Advanced Addiction Studies is designed for learners who would like to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with individuals struggling with substance use and other addictive disorders. The impact of addiction on the individual, families, and society is addressed.

The sequence of courses offers a holistic and integrative approach to working with substance use and related disorders. Areas covered include theories of addiction, current intervention strategies, ethics, communication skills, comprehensive case management, documentation, relapse prevention, and the recovery process. A model of growth is presented to promote resilience and longevity for counselors in the field of addiction.

The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education. This program is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). For more information on how to become California and/or nationally certified/licensed, contact www.ccapp.us and/or www.naadac.org. A minimum grade of “B” is required in all courses to earn the graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies.

Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact state licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.

Quick Facts:

  • Credits required: 18
  • Cost per credit: $545
  • Program length: 1 year  (full-time status)

Time to certificate completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.

Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: CA, MD, NV, UT. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern.

CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AZ, CO, IN, MA.

CalSouthern has not made a determination that this curriculum meets the State educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AK, AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.

Last update: 12/7/2023

Substance Abuse Counselor Licensure Contact Information 

What you’ll study

Promote the integration of practical psychological experience with formal academic learning.

Foster growth in intellectual accomplishment and an opportunity to develop an executive level perspective on practices in the behavioral sciences.

Promote the acquisition of psychological concepts, principles, standards, and processes as it relates to the behavioral sciences.

Encourage legal and ethical behavior as it relates to the behavioral sciences.

Encourage ethical behavior in regards to information technology skills as it applies to mental health environments.

Promote the analysis and evaluation of information critically and effectively.

Foster the integration of multicultural awareness of human diversity as it relates to the behavioral sciences.

Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies Requirements

Certificate Requirements Credits
Required Core Courses 18
TOTAL FOR THE CPAAS 18

Courses + Credits

CalSouthern’s Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies is an 18-credit program comprised of the following six (6) required courses:

Required Core Courses

  • PSY 6511  Substance Use and Related Disorders — 3 credits
  • PSY 6309 Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling — 3 credits
  • PSY 7534 Dual Diagnosis — 3 credits
  • PSY 7307   Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction — 3 credits
  • PSY 7007 Advanced Case Management:  Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention, and Aftercare — 3 credits
  • PSY 7316 Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor — 3 credits
  • Optional: PSY 7508 Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addition Studies – 6 credits

Optional Course

  • PSY 7508      Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies – 6 credits

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

CalSouthern is helping me achieve my professional/career goals while accommodating my work/family commitments. I am very happy with my studies and grateful for this program’s flexibility!

– Michelle G., School of Behavioral Sciences, 2020

Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!

Contact us to learn more about our online Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies program.

Call us at : 1.800.477.2254 | Email: admissions@calsouthern.edu

Accreditation & Approvals

NAADAC approved education provider
CCAPP approved education provider

California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education. Optional practicum course experience may be required for some levels of certification. This program is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). For more information on how to become California and/or nationally certified/licensed, contact www.ccapp.us and/or www.naadac.org directly. A minimum grade of “B” is required in all courses to earn the graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies.

Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.

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