Professional Certificates
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Certificate Policies and Resources
Substitutions, Waivers and Transfer Credit
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Courses Available in
- Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies
- Health Advocacy
- Public Health and Health Management
- General Psychology
Stan Weisner
Director
Behavioral Health Sciences
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies
View the Brochure
EDP 402222
One of the first, and best, of its kind in the U.S., the Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies can help you start a career in addictions counseling or enhance your counseling expertise. Developed in association with the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, this certificate raises the quality of professionalism in addictions counseling. Following a three-level, developmental approach to the critical issues contributing to substance abuse, the curriculum begins with a thorough foundation in the biomedical, cultural, historical and psychological aspects of chemical dependency. It then covers the knowledge needed to work effectively in the field and culminates with intervention instruction, career-preparatory courses and internship options, providing practical experience to ensure you remain effective and positive in this demanding field. Learn the most current, evidence-based approaches to prevention, assessment, treatment and continuing care from UC Berkeley–approved instructors, who are leaders in the field. This drug and alcohol certificate program is approved by the California Foundation for the Advancement of Addiction Professionals (CFAAP), the educational board for California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). Join our email list to stay informed about this certificate.
Courses
The table contains the required courses for the Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies, as well as the terms they are typically available for enrollment.
14 Required Courses, 20 Hours of Electives
21–22 semester units, 2.0 ceu (340 Hours of Instruction)
| Required Courses (Level I) | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Pharmacology and Biomedical Foundations of Chemical Dependency | X126 | 2 | Fall Spring |
| Cultural, Social and Historical Overview of Alcohol- and Drug-Related Problems | X128 | 2 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Introduction to Counseling Techniques in Chemical Dependency | X129 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Psychological Foundations of Chemical Dependency | X127 | 2 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Required Courses (Level II) | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Addictions Counseling | X143 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Career Preparation and Self-Care in Addictions Counseling | 0.2 ceu | Fall Spring Summer |
|
| Continuing Care and Case Coordination in Chemical Dependency | X134 | 2 | Fall Spring |
| Diagnosis and Assessment in Chemical Dependency | X132 | 2 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Environmental Strategies for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems | X151 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Family Recovery in Chemical Dependency | X116 | 1 |
Fall Spring |
| Group Process and Practice With Chemically Dependent Populations | X144 | 1 | Spring Summer |
| Legal and Ethical Aspects of Chemical Dependency Treatment | X135 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Required Courses (Level III) | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counseling Interventions in Chemical Dependency | X133 | 3 | Fall Spring |
| Field Experience in Chemical Dependency or Field Experience in Chemical Dependency—CAADAC Option |
X109 | 2 | Fall Spring |
| X159 | 3 | Fall Spring |
Course availability is subject to change. You are expected to complete all courses within each level (in any order) before proceeding to the next level. Electives may be taken at any time.
To enroll, click on a course title above and choose a section.
You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies.
Who Will Benefit
This certificate is ideal if you are a licensed counselor, psychotherapist or nurse who wants to learn more about addictions counseling or maintain professional certification. If you are entering the field, the certificate thoroughly prepares you for addictions counseling and qualifies you for CAADAC certification.
Prerequisites for Admission
The Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two years in recovery for individuals with a history of chemical dependency.
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum comprises 14 required courses (21–22 semester units) and an additional 20 hours of electives (2.0 ceu) for a total of 340 hours of instruction. If you choose the CAADAC field seminar option, there are a total of 355 hours of instruction. Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate registration fee.
All coursework must be completed within five years of registering for the certificate. However, requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the curriculum in a timely fashion. For more information, please see the completion requirements and the substitutions, waivers and transfer credit policies.
How to Register for This Professional Certificate
By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register for the Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies, submit the online registration form with your credit card information or complete the mail-in registration form. The registration fee is nonrefundable.
You should register for the certificate before you complete your second course in the curriculum.
Evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent is required to register. Mail an official transcript to:
UC Berkeley Extension
Behavioral Health Sciences Dept.
1995 University Ave., Suite 100
Berkeley, CA 94704-7000
Estimated Cost
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The certificate has an estimated total cost of $5,800 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Professional Organizations
Completing the Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies qualifies you for professional certification awarded by the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). When you receive your Extension certificate, contact CAADAC to obtain your certification.
UC Berkeley Extension is an approved provider of CAADAC continuing education units (CEUs) for practicing professionals (provider 4C-99-416-0803).
Contact Information
To contact the department office, email alcdrug@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-1061.
Advisory Board
Garnette Cotton, Ph.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine and Psychiatry
San Francisco General Hospital
John Elford
CAADAC
Martha Jessup, RN, Ph.D.
Associate Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing
UC San Francisco
Lee Kaskutas, Dr.P.H.
Senior Scientist
Alcohol Research Group
Associate Adjunct Professor, Community Health and Human Development
School of Public Health
UC Berkeley
Peter Manoleas, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Community Mental Health
School of Social Welfare
UC Berkeley
Bob Saltz, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Prevention Research Group, Berkeley
James Stillwell
Manager, Community Substance Abuse Services
San Francisco Department of Public Health
Jimmie Turner, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
John F. Kennedy University
Joan Zweben, Ph.D.
Executive Director
East Bay Recovery Project
