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Program Description
The Certificate in Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling introduces students to basic concepts related to chemical dependency, its prevention and treatment, and helping those with problems associated with chemical dependency. The certificate provides students with the academic background to understand content, models, theories, and research relevant to working with chemically dependent persons and their families.
What is Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling?
Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling focuses on evidence-based practices used in the prevention of substance use disorders and intervention of individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You find it meaningful to work with individuals and families impacted by substance abuse and addiction.
- You aspire to help people enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.
- You value working in settings that focus on holistic approaches to counseling and recovery.
Program Requirements
To earn an undergraduate certificate in Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling, a minimum of 18 credits is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BBH 143 | Drugs, Behavior, and Health  | 3 |
| CNED 401 | Foundations of Chemical Dependency Counseling | 3 |
| CNED 404 | Group Procedures in Guidance and Counseling | 3 |
| or RHS 303 | Group Work in Rehabilitation Practice and Human Services | |
| HLHED 443 | Alcohol and Drug Education | 3 |
| or CNED 421 | Counseling Strategies for Preventing Chemical Dependency | |
| RHS 301 | Introduction to Counseling as a Profession | 3 |
| or HDFS 414 | Resolving Human Development and Family Problems | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Relationships and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Dependency | ||
| Chemical Dependency: Youth at Risk | ||
| Student Assistance Programs | ||
Non-Course Requirements
Courses required for the certificate in Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling have prerequisites in counselor education, psychology, sociology, or individual and family studies.
Certificate Learning Objectives
- Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Skills: Students will develop a rudimentary understanding of the counseling theories and skills that are often used in human service and rehabilitation practices (including the treatment of substance use disorders).
- Ethics: Students will develop an understanding of the professional guidelines, ethical practices, and multicultural considerations associated with treating chemical dependency.
- Foundations: Students will develop a broad understanding of the overview of diagnosis, assessment, counseling, and recovery within the context of chemical dependency treatment.
- Group Counseling Theory and Skills: Students will learn the essential elements and demonstrate the associated skills for facilitating groups sessions and various team-building activities utilized within the rehabilitation and human services field (including the treatment of substance use disorders).
- Knowledge of Substances and Effects: Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the physiological effects of recreational and therapeutic drugs along with the impact of substance use and abuse on the health and well-being of 1) the individual (and the underlying reasons for drug misuse) as well as the impact on 2) family members (and other interpersonal relationships), and 3) society as a whole.
- Prevention: Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the helping professional's role in primary and secondary prevention of substance abuse and related problems, such as delinquency, suicide, health issues, and pregnancy.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Abington
Michael Lavetsky, MA, LPC, NCC
Lecturer of Rehabilitation and Human Services
207 Cloverly Building
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7371
mbl122@psu.edu
Lehigh Valley
Teri Kistler
Program Coordinator and Lecturer, Rehabilitation and Human Services
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034-8447
610-285-5000
tpk12@psu.edu
Career Paths
This program prepares you to work in diverse settings and a variety of fields involved in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders including criminal justice systems, educational institutions, government entities, medical settings, and human service agencies.
Careers
Substance abuse counselor and case manager positions are common in the following locations: rehabilitation facilities, correctional institutions, state and local government agencies, schools and after-school programs, community mental health and substance abuse centers, hospitals, residential facilities for youth, and medication-assisted treatment centers.
Contact
Abington
REHABILITATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7371
mbl122@psu.edu
Lehigh Valley
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034-8447
610-285-5000
tpk12@psu.edu