Chemical Dependency Counseling Coursework

Contact

• Social Work:  Patricia Stoddard-Dare, E-mail:  p.stoddarddare@csuohio.edu
• Counseling:  Stephanie S. J. Drcar, Ph.D., E-mail:  s.drcar@csuohio.edu

Program Overview

The Cleveland State University Chemical Dependency Counseling Program, offered jointly between Social Work and Counseling, is designed to prepare social workers and counselors for specialization in addictions counseling, based in the latest research in addictions studies. Multiple course options are available to help student achieve their career goals.

Click here for a video explanation of the program:

https://csuohio.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=bee354a0-7cb6-4cd1-80a9-b06200cc8b0f

Option 1:

CDCA PRE: Students who successfully complete SWK 494 (undergraduate level) or SWK 694 (graduate level) can apply for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary (CDCA PRE) from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.  This endorsement is valid for 13 months. Individuals must hold the CDCA PRE for a minimum of 10 months before applying for the next CDCA endorsement. 

CDCA: After holding their CDCA I for at least 10 months, students who successfully complete CNS 501 can apply for the Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDCA).  This credential is renewable every two years for life.

Option 2: Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate

CSU offers a five-course package (12 credits) which is accredited by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board as providing 180 hours of chemical dependency specific education in nine content areas required for the following licenses: LCDCII, LCDC III, LICDC that can be completed in one semester, with course offerings in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters for optimum schedule flexibility. All of the courses can be taken entirely online but some courses provide in-person attendance options for students who prefer in-person learning.  Students with a master degree in education counseling or social work who complete the five courses may earn a Graduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling.  Students without a master degree in social work or education counseling are not eligible for the graduate certificate; however, they can use the five courses to count towards the 180 hours chemical dependency requirement for licensure. The five courses include SWK 694, CNS 501, SWK 615, CNS 502, and CNS 503.

To learn more about eligibility, application, and coursework, and supervised field hours requirements for the LCDC-II, LCDC-III, LICDC, and CDCA PRE and CDCA, please visit Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Please visit the Bursar’s webpage for current information on tuition and fees.

Career Opportunities

• One of the fastest growing job markets in the mental health disciplines is chemical dependency counseling. 
• Students will be able to place the letters CDCA after their name, distinguish their resume, and enhance their job marketability.
• Students who major in a field where it is difficult to obtain a license, such as a bachelor’s degree in psychology, have an opportunity to work in the field as a counseling professional.

Admission Requirements

Students who have a high school diploma, who enroll as a degree seeking or nondegree seeking student, are eligible to take SWK 494. All students holding a master's in counseling or social work, or who are currently enrolled within such a program at CSU, are eligible for the graduate certificate program. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree are also eligible to take all five certificate courses.

Application Deadline:  No deadline.  Applications accepted on a rolling basis and students can begin the program during any semester.

Certification Requirements:  Certificates are processed up graduation once the Graduate Certificate Completion Form is completed by the student and Faculty Advisor.

Course Schedule

FALL SEMESTER	CREDIT HOURS	DAYS AND TIMES
CNS 501 – Chemical Dependency:  Assessment, Prevention, Treatment	4 credits	Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
CNS 502 – Pharmacology of Addiction	1 credit	Saturdays (3 Saturdays for 4 hours each). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
CNS 503 – Legal Ethical Issues in Substance Dependence	1 credit	Saturdays (3 Saturdays for 4 hours each). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
SWK 615 - Group Work Practice (or CNS 623 for counselor education students)	3 credits	Web-based asynchronous
SWK 694 – Theories and Procedures in Addictions Studies	3 credits	Web-based asynchronous
SPRING SEMESTER	CREDIT HOURS	DAYS AND TIMES
CNS 501 – Chemical Dependency:  Assessment, Prevention, Treatment	4 credits	Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
CNS 502 – Pharmacology of Addiction	1 credit	Saturdays (3 Saturdays for 4 hours each). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
CNS 503 – Legal Ethical Issues in Substance Dependence	1 credit	Saturdays (3 Saturdays for 4 hours each). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
SWK 615 - Group Work Practice (or CNS 623 for counselor education students)	3 credits	Web-based asynchronous
SWK 694 – Theories and Procedures in Addictions Studies	3 credits	Web-based asynchronous
SUMMER SEMESTER	CREDIT HOURS	DAYS AND TIMES
CNS 501 – Chemical Dependency:  Assessment, Prevention, Treatment	4 credits	Monday, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. (Summer Session 1). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
CNS 502 – Pharmacology of Addiction	1 credit	Saturdays (3 Saturdays for 4 hours each, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Summer Session 1). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
CNS 503—Legal Ethical Issues in Substance Dependence	1 credit	Saturdays (3 Saturdays for 4 hours each, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Summer Session 2). (Face to face or synchronous virtual attendance options)
SWK 615 - Group Work Practice (or CNS 623 for counselor education students)	3 credits	Web-based asynchronous
SWK 694 – Theories and Procedures in Addictions Studies	3 credits	Web-based asynchronous

Downloadable Forms 

Graduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency - Program of Study

Graduate Certificate Completion Form