Best Online Graduate Certificates in Addiction Counseling

Addiction counselors work with people one-on-one and in small groups to help them explore the reasons for their dependence on alcohol or illegal drugs. Some people also struggle with abusing prescription drugs by taking them to alter their mental state rather than for their intended purpose. Counselors strategize with clients to determine the best ways to overcome their addiction, including referring them to outside support groups.

People who work with clients struggling with addiction must be empathetic and abide by the strictest standards of confidentiality. Discussing patients outside of the work setting or even inside the work setting with people who don't need to know the details could result in addiction counselors losing their jobs.

The field of addiction counseling is growing at a rapid rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that 77,500 new jobs will become available in addiction counseling between now and 2031. The number is equal to an annual growth rate of 22 percent, which is much higher than the growth rate of most other occupations. Addiction counselors at the midpoint of their careers earn an average annual salary of $48,250.

A successful career as an addiction counselor starts with education. An online graduate certificate in addiction counseling can give you the boost you need to secure employment in this field.

What Will I Learn in an Online Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate Program?

Examples of coursework students can expect to complete at this level include:

• Basic and Advanced Chemical Dependency Counseling

• Dual Dependency

• Family Counseling

• Group Counseling Techniques

• Mental Health Disorders

• Psychopharmacology

• Research Methods in Addiction Counseling

• Trauma-informed Therapy

Learning outcomes for students in a graduate certificate program for addiction counseling may include:

• The ability to apply information technologies and contemporary theories to live interactions with clients and engage in ongoing research in the fields of addiction and psychology.

• Evaluate the sociocultural, individual, legal, and ethical implications of high-level decisions in these fields.

• Apply conceptual and theoretical psychological foundations to enable them to develop professional practices with clients.

Students should also expect to complete a supervised internship where they will receive feedback from a licensed addiction counselor.

Admissions Requirements for a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling

The entry requirements for an online graduate certificate in addiction counseling vary by program, but typically you’ll need:

• Three letters of recommendation from a person whom the student knows in a professional capacity. Previous instructors, supervisors, or spiritual leaders are all good people to ask to write a recommendation letter. Letters from family or friends are not acceptable.

• Complete an online application and submit payment for the processing fee, which is $35 for Loma Linda University applicants.

• Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities.

Upon acceptance, students should attend an online information session that provides more details about the school and the graduate certificate program in addiction counseling.

The average time it takes to earn a certificate is six months. However, each student's timeline varies depending on how many courses they take per term, and whether they transferred credits from another institution.

The option for 100 percent delivery of course materials is becoming increasingly popular due to the maximum flexibility it offers students.

List of Addictions Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs

Find an online or campus-based graduate certificate program in addiction counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Tara Moretti, LMHC

Tara Moretti is a writer and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in the field of mental health. Tara specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their relationships. Tara has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice and university counseling centers. She is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed advanced training in trauma-focused therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. In her spare time, Tara enjoys crossword puzzles, practicing yoga, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Zeus.