Substance AbusePost-Baccalaureate Certificate

Students in a group setting from the Social Work Department

Substance abuse is a serious issue and causes problems for individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The toll can be seen in hospitals and emergency departments and is linked not only to physical and mental health problems but also to family stress, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and crime. The Department of Social Work offers a Substance Abuse Studies Certificate Program for students who are enrolled in the Master of Social Work or the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at WCU.

What You'll Learn

This Post Baccalaureate Certificate is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the field of substance abuse practice and increase the number of qualified addictions specialists in Western North Carolina. The four courses (12 credit hours) focus on the twelve core functions of substance abuse counseling, twelve core competencies of substance abuse counseling, ethics, and HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases.

Where You'll Go

This program is designed for students who are enrolled in the MSW or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs as well as practitioners or who are looking to seek licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS-A). The program meets the 180-hours of substance abuse educational requirements as identified by the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. Courses may be applied towards licensure or certification in substance abuse practice at a later date. This program that meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCASA) credential administered by the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board.