Chemical Dependency Counseling, Associate of Arts
(94 credits)
Program Description
The two-year Chemical Dependency Counseling Program is designed to prepare students for employment as chemical dependency counselors both on and off the Flathead Indian Reservation. The CDAR (Chemical Dependency/Addictions Recovery) courses assist students in developing competencies in the professional, legal, ethical, and cultural aspects of chemical dependency counseling, including clinical evaluation, treatment planning, documentation, referral, service coordination, counseling, client and community education, and professional ethical responsibility.
The curriculum is designed to meet the academic requirements for the State of Montana Licensed Addiction Counselors Program licensure and to align with the Addiction Counseling Competencies that are delineated in the Technical Assistance Publication Series #21. (DPHHS publication No. (SMA) 06-4171. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2006.) However, as the licensing requirements vary by state and may change during the course of study, it is students’ responsibility to check the current licensing requirements in the state in which they plan to seek employment after graduation.
State of Montana Licensed Addiction Counselors Program
According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, “Individuals who want to practice addiction counseling in Montana must apply to the Montana Licensed Addiction Counselors Program for licensure. The Program evaluates the applicant’s fitness to practice and assures the basic requirements are met. Applicants for licensure must have an associate of arts degree in addiction studies or a Baccalaureate or advanced degree that meets the academic standards for addiction counselors.”
For most up-to-date information about the licensing process and requirements please visit the Montana Department of Labor and Industry website at http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/lac_board/board_page.asp
Career Outlook
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors work in a wide variety of settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Most work full time. Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to a master’s degree, depending on the setting, type of work, state regulations, and level of responsibility. Workers with a high school diploma typically go through a period of on-the-job training.
The median annual wage for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors was $38,520 in May 2012. Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow 31 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as addiction and mental health counseling services are increasingly covered by insurance policies.
(Information retrieved on March 10, 2015 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-and-behavioral-disorder-counselors.htm)
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of the A.A. in Chemical Dependency Counseling degree, the graduates are expected to:
Demonstrate basic knowledge about substance abuse disorders.
- Demonstrate an understanding of treatment models in behavior change and recovery.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply intervention and recovery knowledge to practice.
- Demonstrate professional readiness and an understanding of issues related to self-awareness, diversity, ethics, and continuing education.
“We believe that the knowledge and skills offered in our program could serve our students for a lifetime, and that families, loved ones and community will benefit.”
- Dean Furukawa, DSW, LCSW, Program Director
Curriculum
Fall (First Year)
Winter (First Year)
Spring (First Year)
Fall (Second Year)
| SCWK201 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| CDAR259 | Chemical Dependency Assessment and Case Management I | 3 |
| CDAR262 | Chemical Dependency Counseling I | 3 |
| CDAR245 | Multicultural Competency and Ethics in CD | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Native American Studies General Education Open | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Winter (Second Year)
| PSYC230 | Developmental Psychology | 5 |
| CDAR260 | Chemical Dependency Assessment and Case Management II | 3 |
| CDAR263 | Chemical Dependency Counseling II | 3 |
| CDAR261 | Treatment Planning & Documentation in CD | 3 |
| CDAR270 | Gambling and Gaming Disorders Assessment and Counseling in CD | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Spring (Second Year)
| PSYC361 | Abnormal Psychology | 5 |
| SCWK263 | Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances | 3 |
| CDAR264 | Chemical Dependency Counseling III | 3 |
| CDAR251 | Co-Occurring Disorders in CD | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Students who are planning to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work Program should also take SCWK 320 in Spring quarter, second year.
Total Credit Hours: 94