Addiction Counseling, Certificate

Xavier University offers an online Addiction Counseling Certificate program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, treat, and support individuals and families struggling with issues of addiction.

The certificate program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as two semesters. It consists of five courses (15 credit hours) that cover a range of topics related to addiction counseling, including theories and models of addiction, assessment and diagnosis, pharmacology and medication-assisted treatment, evidenced-based treatment approaches, and legal and ethical issues.

The program is taught by faculty with expert knowledge and clinical experience in the field of addiction counseling. Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers through online discussions, interactive assignments, and virtual meetings.

Upon completion of the program, students will have met the academic requirements to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Ohio. Additionally, the certificate program can serve as a pathway for students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in counseling.

Overall, the Addiction Counseling Certificate program at Xavier University provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals who struggle with addiction. The online format offers flexibility and convenience for working individuals, while the expert faculty and comprehensive curriculum ensure that students receive a high-quality education.

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Program Outline

This certificate program consists of 15 credit hours and can be finished within two semesters. It is offered entirely online. For each course, you'll need around 5.5 hours of independent, self-paced asynchronous learning, along with a weekly one-hour synchronous virtual meeting. These meetings will be arranged by the instructor. If you have previous or ongoing work experience in addiction counseling, you could potentially earn up to three hours of credit towards your practicum experience.

Coursework

Each course in the program is structured as an accelerated 7-week session, providing three credit hours. These courses consist of a weekly virtual class session led by the instructor, supplemented by self-paced readings and assignments to facilitate your learning experience. The sequence in which you choose to complete these four courses is adaptable, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences.

  • COUN 639 - Substance Use Recovery and Prevention
  • COUN 710 - Relationships and Addictions
  • COUN 711 - Addiction Special Topics
  • COUN 712 - Addiction Counseling Practicum
  • COUN 767 - Treating Addictive Disorders

Field Experience

  • COUN 712 - Addiction Counseling Practicum

This course serves as the concluding component of the addiction certification program, focusing on hands-on experience within the addiction counseling field. You'll engage in counseling sessions with clients in a professional environment, all while being supervised by a licensed professional. Those who possess prior or current work involvement in addiction counseling might be eligible to receive practicum credit.

Contact Information

Certificate Questions: 

Dr. Brian R. Russ, Assistant Professor
Department of Counseling
russb1@xavier.edu
513-745-1037

Admissions Questions:

Cris LeBlanc, Admissions Counselor
Office of the Graduate School
leblancc1@xavier.edu
513-745-3057


State Authorization

Due to state regulations regarding the delivery of distance education, as well as requirements of each individual state board of nursing, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all states into all of its online programs.

View the complete list of approved states on the State Authorization page. Students must reside and complete practicum hours in approved states only.

International Admission

Regulations related to international students enrolling in U.S. online education programs are complex. It is the student’s responsibility to understand these regulations before enrolling at Xavier University. Please consult the Information for International Applicants to Online Programs for more information before submitting your application.

In addition, Xavier is not accepting applications from students in countries and regions currently under economic and trade sanctions from the United States, as identified by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.