The Addictions Counselor Certificate (ACC) at Cape Cod Community College provides the required coursework and fieldwork experience to be eligible for Massachusetts certification as a substance abuse counselor. The new certificate reduces the number of credits from 42 to 29.
Upon completion of the Addictions Counselor Certificate (ACC), students are prepared to take the required certification and state licensing examinations. Students are provided an in-depth knowledge of alcohol/addictions treatment programs and current treatment modalities. Students must take two field placement courses, totaling 300 hours, in an alcohol/addiction treatment facility.
This experience allows students to work on the core functions of substance abuse counseling: assessment, treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, client education and documentation. The program is completed through a three-semester curriculum, which includes 300 hours of practicum experience, and totals 29 credits.
Requirements
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
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Upon successful completion of the Addictions Counselor Certificate, students are able to:
- Articulate the connection among social issues such as poverty, mental health, domestic violence, and addiction.
- Practice observation and interpersonal communication techniques.
- Demonstrate ethical practices when working with diverse populations.
- Recognize the extent of services that addictions professionals provide and identify theories and treatment modalities used in the prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.
- Describe addiction and its consequences for family and individual systems.
12 Core Functions: Addictions counselors are expected to show competency in the following 12 core functions of substance use treatment:
1. Screening
2. Intake
3. Orientation
4. Assessment
5. Treatment Planning
6. Counseling
7. Case Management
8. Crisis Intervention
9. Client Education
10. Referral
11. Report and Record Keeping
12. Consultation
Program Completion
Completion of a program is based on full time enrollment. Many of our students attend part time and may not complete within the one year timeline.
Prerequisite Statement
To graduate within this program in the specified time, students must begin in the Fall semester and successfully place into required courses based on placement test results and/or high school GPA. Academic advisors can assist with questions.