UMass Boston

UMass Boston’s Addictions Counselor Education Program is a 3-semester certificate program designed to be completed in 11 months. Classes are offered both via Remote (Zoom) and Online (self-paced) formats. Zoom classes meet Saturdays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm during semester 1 and at night during the week semesters 2 and 3. All classes are offered in the Spring, Summer and Fall. The curriculum is below. 

Semester 1:

• Use of Alcohol and Other Substances in Society (ACDTSP001)
  The main emphasis of this course is to provide an overview of the impact of drug use in our society. 
• The Role of the Professional Counselor Treating Substance Use Disorders (ACDTSP002)
  This course will assist students to develop a skill set needed to treat clients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDS).
• Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders (ACDTSP003)
  This course will review evidence-based techniques for the successful treatment of persons with substance use disorders. 

Semester 2:

• Neurochemistry and Psychopharmacology of Substances of Use (ACDTSP005)
  This course will provide an introduction to the Neurochemistry of the brain, basic anatomy and physiology and the effects of Substances on the Brain. 
• Family and Group Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (ACDTSP006)
  This course examines the changes that occur throughout the family unit when substance use is present in one of the members.

Semester 3:

• Practicum in Alcoholism / Chemical Dependency Rehabilitation (ACDTSP007)
  The Capstone Practicum provides a supervised learning experience in a licensed treatment facility or agency that provides treatment to individuals with a Substance Use Disorder.
• Criminal Justice and Substance Use Disorders (ACDTSP018)
  This course will identify the treatment needs for individuals in the Criminal Justice system and investigate the issues and barriers that affect treatment.
• Substance Use Disorders & Co-Occurring Mental Health Illnesses (ACDTSP044)
  This course will identify research-oriented strategies to effectively integrate the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health illnesses.

Admission Requirements

• Complete the online application
• A high school diploma or the equivalent
• Completed application form
• Interview with an ACEP representative
• The Program reserves the right to review past transcripts to be sure that previous course work aligns with current program standards and the LADC requirements.

New Students - The following 3 courses should be taken first:

• Use of Alcohol and Other Substances in Society,
• The Role of the Professional Counselor Treating Substance Use Disorders,
• Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders.

How to Register for individual courses

Simply click the "Register" link, then click the “Add to cart” button found to the right of each individual course listing or at the top of the course description page when registration is open.

Cost

• This program consists of seven courses and a practicum.
• Students earn CEUs upon successful completion of the program.
• The course fee is $600 each, except the practicum, which is $1,300.
• There is a review course for the LADC exam that is $150.
• These fees do not include the cost of books.
• Students may choose to complete the program entirely online, remote, or a combination of the two.
• Total estimated cost to complete this program is $5,700.
• Estimate is based on completing program by minimum duration. Request Info to connect with a program representative for further details.