Chemical Dependency Counseling certificate

The Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate program provides students with an array of 31 hours of specialized curriculum that develops the skills and knowledge base required for addiction counseling. This program is a direct response to the needs of professionals who already have associate, bachelor, and/or master degrees, or those who are seeking a fast-track to achieving CASAC training status through OASAS.

Targeting a professional audience, the CDC Certificate program offers courses during the day, evenings, Saturdays and online. Students can attend the program on a full-time or part-time basis.

Core courses provide OASAS training hour equivalency and may be applied towards CASAC training.

SUNY Schenectady offers two Chemical Dependency Counseling programs, the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and the Certificate, which lead to New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) trainee status.

These programs would appeal to professionals from all disciplines who want to strengthen their existing knowledge and acquire skills that they can apply in their work setting.

Programs and core courses may interest:

• substance abuse counselors;
• mental health professionals, educators, and substance abuse prevention specialists;
• employee assistance professionals, managers, and administrators;
• social workers;
• psychologists;
• clergy;
• probation officers and other law enforcement professionals; and
• nurses and health care professionals.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will apply supportive and facilitative communication techniques—including active listening, empathy, and appropriate feedback—in simulated and real counseling interactions.
• Students will evaluate ethical principles and professional standards in chemical dependency counseling and articulate their developing identity as practitioners.
• Students will apply theoretical models and core counseling techniques to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and deliver services across the continuum of care.
• Students will evaluate how cultural identity, systemic factors, and stigma influence substance use and treatment outcomes, and demonstrate culturally competent practices in service delivery.