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Addiction Studies Certificate Program
Virtual Open House
Thursday, May 2, 2024: 5-6:30 p.m.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.
Substance misuse is a serious issue that causes problems for individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The toll can be seen in hospitals and emergency departments, and is linked not only to physical and mental health problems but also to family stress, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and crime. The Department of Social Work offers a 12-credit hour Addiction Studies Certificate (ASCP) for students who are enrolled in the Master of Social Work, Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Master of Clinical Psychology programs. Additionally, the certificate is open to practitioners seeking licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS-A) and Master level Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) or for individuals seeking CEU's for their LCAS. The program meets 180-hours of substance misuse educational requirements as identified by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. It is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the field of addictive disorder practice and increase the number of qualified addictions specialists in Western North Carolina.
For additional information about North Carolina Addictions Specialist Licensure and Certificate Requirements:
NORTH CAROLINA Addictions Specialist PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE BOARD
Courses in the Addiction Studies Certificate Program are also open as elective courses to graduate students who are not in the certificate program, providing there is room. Students who choose this option may apply these courses towards licensure or certification in addictive disorder practice at a later date.
Courses contain content on the 12 core functions/ 8 Domains of addictive disorder counseling, ethics, and HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases. Students seeking to complete the ASCP must complete their specialization year field placement or internship in an addictive disorder treatment setting under the supervision of a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) of Certified Clinical Supervisor Intern (CCS-I).
Courses are taught in person and via zoom during the spring, summer and fall semesters.
SOCW 520 – Addictions - Provides an overview of complex issues related to addictions, including drug, alcohol, gambling, and eating addictions; examines addiction within the context of developmental life stages and culture. This course is taught in person at our BP instructional site and synchronously via zoom in the Spring and Summer I Semesters.
SOCW 522 - Methods of Addictive Diorder Treatment - The methods course teaches knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in a variety of clinical settings specific to substance misuse. This course is taught in person at our BP instructional site and synchronously via zoom. PREQ SOCW 520.
SOCW 524 - Cultural Humility in Addictive Disorder Treatment - Provides an overview of unique problems and needs related to substance misuse treatment among diverse populations; application of culturally sensitive intervention strategies. This course is taught in person at our BP instructional site and synchronously via zoom. PREQ SOCW 520
SOCW 525 - Science of Addiction - Explores the biological basis of addiction; physiological and psychological effects of substance misuse. This course is taught in person at our BP instructional site and synchronously via zoom. PREQ SOCW 520
Practitioners (non-students) register for courses through the Graduate School. Each
class offers 45 contact hours of continuing education credit approved by the NC Addictions
Specialist Professional Practice Board. Completion of coursework in the Addiction
Studies Certificate Program does not waive other state board requirements for the
LCAS, LCAS-A, or Master Level CADC credentials. Practitioners interested in the program
will begin in either the Spring or Summer terms. Interested practitioners should contact
Aaron Plantenberg prior to applying to the program.
APPLY TODAY
Students enrolled in the Master of Social Work, Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or M.A. in Clinical Psychology programs can apply for the Addiction Studies Certificate Program using the link below. Application to the program occurs while enrolled in SOCW 520: Addictions or COUN 617: Intro to Addiction Counseling.
Application Deadlines (Only for Practitioners)
Fall - August 1 (January start)
Spring - December 1 (June start)
For More Information Contact:
Aaron Plantenberg, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Instructor/ ASCP Coordinator
Email: aplantenberg@wcu.edu
Department of Social Work
HHS 316
Phone: 828.227.2703
Quick Links
- Open House Schedule
- BSW Program
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- Professional and Technical Standards
- Social Work Faculty and Staff Directory
- Addiction Studies Certificate
- Child Welfare Collaborative
- Culturally Based Native Health Certificate
- School Social Work Certificate
- The Brinson Honors College
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