About
The Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services offers an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies. The certificate program is designed for individuals already holding master's degrees in counseling who are seeking to enhance their professional counseling practice and licensure options.
The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addictions Studies meets the needs of health professionals such as marriage and family therapists, community counselors, rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and behavioral health therapists by providing graduate addiction training to help them address client needs.
Faculty members in the Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services endeavor to promote excellence in counselor education and counseling research. Our graduate counseling programs prepare students to:
- Serve as professional counselors, advocates, and leaders who maximize opportunities for individuals, groups, and communities with a particular emphasis on helping underserved and oppressed client populations;
- Address developmental, academic, career, mental health, socio-cultural, and wellness needs of clients seeking counseling;
- Help individuals, groups and communities strive to find meaning, involvement, worth, and dignity in their lives;
- Engage in action research and program evaluations to further the knowledge base and best practice initiatives of the counseling profession; and
- Advocate with local, state, and national organizations to promote client and societal wellbeing.
Available Options
-
Con-Current Master’s Track
-
Post-Master’s Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes associated with the certificate in addiction studies are consistent with the guidelines set forth by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. Upon completing the certificate, students will have acquired and demonstrated knowledge and skills in accordance with the following standards:
Knowledge
- Students will be able to identify and describe major theoretical perspectives on addictions
- Students will be able to identify and discuss the biopsychosocial effects of addictions
- Students will be able to identify, choose the proper addictions screening and assessment tools, and discuss addiction treatment options
- Students will be able to describe the ASAM criteria, different levels of care, and treatment settings
- Students will be able to discuss the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders and non-substance-related disorders
Practice and Skills
- Students will be able to determine and demonstrate appropriate intervention and addiction counseling skills
- Students will be able to develop comprehensive treatment, discharge, and after care plans
- Students will be able to identify and choose evidence-based treatment approaches for individuals and families affected by addictions
- Students will be able to identify and determine appropriate referral sources in the community
Professional Responsibilities
- Students will be able to identify personal and professional biases and demonstrate cultural competencies
- Students will be able to develop and demonstrate professional attitudes and ethical decision making skills in working with the population of individuals and families affected by addictions
- Students will be able to adhere to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct
- Students will be able to commit to continuing educational and professional development
Career Possibilities
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor
- Certified Problem Gambling Counselor (CPGC)
- Problem Gambling Supervisor
Requirements
Documents/Downloads
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Heather Dahl-Jacinto, Ph.D.
Degree Contact
Tam Villar, Ph.D., LCADC, NCC
Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services
The Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services (CSH) prepares advocates and leaders who apply theoretical, educational, and clinical models to practice and research within a variety of mental health and human service professions.
Website
Phone
College of Education
The College of Education creates an intellectual environment that promotes quality instruction, significant research, and professional service. With four unique departments, graduates receive the necessary tools and experiences to make an impact on local, national, and global scales.