Addictions Certification

What is it?

The Addictions Counseling cognate at GRTS is comprised of three courses (nine credits) that are specifically designed to help prepare students for the academic and practical requirements of the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) credential from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) a highly credible professional credential for Counselors.

The combination of the courses listed below will complete the academic and practical components needed; this will partially fulfill the requirements for certification. Please go to the Michigan Certification Board website www.mcbap.com for additional requirements and certification processes.

Courses required for the academic and practical component of certification include:

• The three course cognate (COU-651, COU-652, COU-653)
• One course in ethics (i.e. COU-502 Counseling Ethics and Issues)
• One 300-hour internship that provides experience in counseling people with addictive and compulsive conditions (i.e. COU 784/785).

What are the benefits?

1. Accessible to all students from anywhere as all courses will be taught in a 10 week online format.
2. Training received will allow graduates greater marketability as it addresses a core struggle for many people (substance and non-substance addictions).
3. Prepares MA Counseling graduates for LPC Licensure in other states that may require an addictions course.

Who can take the courses?

Many participants in this program are those who already hold MA Counseling or other social services degrees. GRTS encourages everyone interested in learning more about helping people who struggle with addictions to apply. 

Course Descriptions:

COU-651 Clinical Diagnostic Assessment of Addictions

This course will provide the clinical knowledge that is necessary to facilitate an initial intake and diagnostic orientation for the client in the counseling process. Students will learn the diagnostic skills necessary to administer a comprehensive and thorough evaluation for the purpose of determining effective treatment plans for clients who are suffering from diverse addictive and compulsive disorders. An emphasis will be placed on integrating and analyzing current research in the field of addictions counseling assessment from a Christian worldview.

COU-652 Sociology of Addictions

This course provides an introduction to the sociological perspective of addictions counseling by relying on studying systems perspective from a Christian Worldview. The environmental context of the client will be considered in order to promote cultural competence and an awareness of the sociopolitical and economic aspects of addictions. Special attention will be devoted to expanding awareness about collaboration, consultation, case management, client education, service coordination and how to develop a referral network in the community.

COU-653 Addictions Counseling: Treatment and Intervention

This course is designed to help the student become more knowledgeable about counseling philosophy, techniques, theory and professional/ethical standards that are most effective in counseling clients who have been diagnosed with an addictive or compulsive disorder. Current research about the most effective and practical theoretical counseling models that foster personal growth, recovery, healing and change are studied and critiqued from a Biblical perspective. There will be a concentration on documentation/record keeping, crisis intervention, treatment planning and the important aspects of clinical supervision. Students will also have an opportunity to learn and critically examine how their intrapersonal awareness can enhance the counseling process.

How do I enroll?

Current Students
Register for available courses through WebAdvisor. Courses will be available to students on a first-come-first-served basis following registration start dates. Please fill out a degree program change form if you plan to choose the Addictions Counseling cognate. (Forms can be obtained in the Admissions or Academic Office.) Addictions Counseling courses can be used to fulfill the interdisciplinary cognate as well.

New Students
Apply to the 72-credit MA Counseling program and choose the Addictions Counseling cognate specialization.

Alumni/Guest Students
Apply as a non-degree seeking student and take any or all of the 3 Addictions Counseling cognate courses. According to the MCBAP, anyone with a Master's Degree or license at a Master's level in psychology, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy with a clinical application may seek this certification as a CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor).

Admission Requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution.
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA.

GRTS Admission Process:

1. Fill out the appropriate application here.
2. Request that official transcripts from any undergraduate or graduate institutions you have attended be mailed to GRTS.
3. Notify personal and ministry references that a GRTS Admissions representative will e-mail them a link to the electronic reference forms.

How do I obtain the certification after completing the classes?

 Questions? Contact the GRTS Admissions Office at 800-697-1133 or seminary@cornerstone.edu