Undergraduate
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
Helping people overcome addictions is a difficult task. At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we prepare counseling students interested in addiction counseling to guide their patients through recovery, all with a foundation of sound Biblical teaching.
The addictions counseling cognate is comprised of three courses (or nine credits) that are specifically designed to help prepare those who hold a graduate counseling degree for the academic requirements of the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) credential from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP). This is a highly credible professional credential for counselors.
Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution.
Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate G.P.A.
Application
Official transcripts from any undergraduate or graduate institutions you have attended
Personal reference
Ministry reference
The combination of the courses listed below will complete the academic and practical components needed; this will partially fulfill the requirements for certification.
Courses required for the academic and practical component of certification include:
Following these courses, a student must:
Please go to the Michigan Certification Board website www.mcbap.com for application and instructions regarding the certification processes.
The CAADC certification is encouraged for anyone in the social services field that desires to learn more about helping people who struggle with addiction. The Michigan Board typically certifies those with any of the following degrees/licenses: master’s level in counseling (LLPC, LPC); psychology (LLP, LP); social work (LLMSW, LMSW); or marriage and family therapy (LLMFT, LMFT).
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree can also pursue certification at the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) level. Please go to the Michigan Certification Board website mcbap.com for application and instructions regarding the certification processes.
I already have a master’s degree.
Anyone who already holds a master’s degree will need to apply using the Non-Degree Application. This will allow you to take only the courses needed for certification, rather than a full degree program. 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).
I am interested in the M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and addictions certification.
If you are thinking about working as a counselor and the field of addictions intrigues you, the MA in Counseling at GRTS may be the right program for you! Apply to the 72-credit MA Counseling program using the Main Application for Admission and choose the Addictions Counseling cognate specialization.
Upon completion of the three addictions courses and the ethics course, you will need to do the following in order to receive the full certification:
Travis Gordon (M.A. ’19)My awareness of my own privilege and bias has grown immensely in my time at GRTS. I see the world differently since engaging with issues of diversity at GRTS, thinking through the lenses of both biblical mandates and social justice issues.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary offers several rigorous programs for counseling, including online programs. Take a look at some of the other degrees we offer.
MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.