CMHC - Concentration in Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling

The first two years of your 63-credit program are identical to the clinical mental health counseling track. During your last year, you complete specific coursework in substance abuse/addictions counseling and participate in an addictions-focused professional seminar. Students in this concentration must also complete one of their two practicum/internship years in a substance abuse or addictions-focused setting.

Third-year CMHC students may elect a Concentration in Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling. Students in this concentration take two concentration courses in addictions treatment, professional seminars focused on addictions counseling, and additional coursework in psychopharmacology. They must also secure an internship of at least one year in an addictions counseling setting and should work carefully with their advisors to plan the appropriate program. This program allows students to complete most of the academic requirements for certification as drug and alcohol counselors.

Certification and Licensure

Students who elect the Concentration in Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling meet the academic requirements for licensure as clinical mental health counselors in most states, as well as the academic requirements for certification and licensure as alcohol and drug counselors in most states which have such certification or licensure.

Selected Student Practica and Internships

Students who elect the substance abuse/addictions counseling concentration must complete one of their two clinical years with a substance abuse/addictions focus. The wide variety of placements for students include: high school student assistance programs, residential placements, in-patient addictions units, community mental health centers, women's centers, and prisons.

Program Delivery

63-credit program completed in 6 semesters
Begins in Fall or Spring
Classes 1 day a week*
Internships start in the second year. One internship must be in a substance abuse/addictions treatment facility.

*Spring entrants attend classes 2 days a week in their first Summer semester.

Steve McLellan MA '04

Coordinator
Promoting Youth and Family Services
LUK Crisis Center Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Undergraduate: History of Religion and English, MBA; Whittier College

How did you come upon Antioch University New England?
I was self-employed when a catastrophic event changed my life. Business has lost its attraction, and counseling seemed a natural next step. Initially, I entered the program as a generalist, but I switched to Addictions Counseling at the suggestion of Dr. Kurinsky. The commonality of substance abuse and addiction in individuals and families made the decision a no-brainer.

Why does the world need you, and others like you, now?
Clinical work is demanding but is incredibly rewarding. I work to reunify and stabilize families—part of my job is holding hope for those who cannot hold hope for themselves. I am continually amazed at the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

What makes Antioch different?
Antioch graduates are well-prepared by professors who care deeply. I felt honored to participate in class with gifted teachers and clinicians-in-training. Antioch seemed successful at creating a safe environment that promoted insight.

Last Updated: 10/25/10