Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate Program Details

Our certificate program will strengthen your counseling skills and prepare you for licensure in Minnesota as an alcohol and drug counselor.

Total credits

26

Finish in as few as

14 months

Courses

• Counseling Microskills (ADST445)

  Examination of effective counseling skills that combines theoretical understanding and hands-on practice of essential microskills. Engagement in development of “self of the therapist” through reflective practice and observation of self and others.

  4 credits

• Introduction to Addictions Counseling (ADST450)

  Examination of addiction from a variety of perspectives and evaluation of the twelve core functions of an addictions counselor. Description of the process of change in the context of the continuum of care. Cultivation of a personal philosophy around spirituality and addiction.

  4 credits

• Pharmacology of Addictions (ADST455)

  Examination of the biopsychosocial and the neuro-physical effects of addictive substances. Evaluation of evidence-based medical treatment options for both addictions and co-occurring disorders. Integration of spirituality with medical approaches to treating addiction in an interculturally sensitive manner.

  4 credits

• Assessment and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders (ADST460)

  Examination of the assessment and treatment, including identification of the appropriate level of care, for co-occurring disorders of substance use and various psychological disorders. Attention is given to evidence-based practices in treatment planning and intervention.

  4 credits

• Internship in Addictions Counseling I (ADST481)

  Application of theory, interpersonal skills, and professional development skills in a supervised professional addiction counseling setting. Demonstration of the twelve core functions of LADC (MN Statute 148F.01, subdivision 10). Evaluation of progress toward appropriate development goals. Integration of knowledge, experience, ethics, and faith into a worldview relevant in the addiction counseling setting. 400-hour experience.

  4 credits

• Professional Issues and Ethics (ADST485H)

  An examination of legal and ethical situations arising in the practice of helping professions, including alignment with the core functions for addictions counseling. Evaluation of legal and ethical issues in professional practice and decision making. Development of goals and strategies for continuing professional, personal, and spiritual growth.

  2 credits

• Internship in Addictions Counseling II (ADST491)

  Application of theory and professional development skills in a supervised professional addiction counseling setting. Demonstration of the twelve core functions of LADC (MN Statute 148F.01, subdivision 10). Evaluation of progress toward appropriate development goals. Integration of knowledge, experience, ethics, and faith into a worldview relevant in the addiction counseling setting. 480-hour experience.

  4 credits

Licensure 

Bethel University cannot confirm whether courses or programs meet requirements for professional licensure in states outside of Minnesota. Students should contact their program's licensing bureau to determine whether Bethel's program meets requirements for licensure in their state.