Chemical Dependency Counseling, Associate of Arts
(95 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
Note: Students with a history of criminal convictions (whether felony or misdemeanor) relating to crimes such as, but not limited to, physical assault, use of a dangerous weapon, sexual abuse or assault, abuse of children, the elderly or infirm and crimes against property, including robbery, burglary and felony theft, may not be eligible for licensure as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. Students with concerns in this area should consult with the program director.
The College has not determined whether the program meets specific licensure requirements in other states. Students planning to work as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in another state should consult that state’s requirements.
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 $44,380 in May 2017. 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 June 15m 2018 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)
| NASD101 | History of Indians in the United States | 3 |
| MATH103 | Contemporary Math | 5 |
| SCLG110 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| OR | |
| SCLG308 | Social Psychology | 5 |
| SPCH100 | Basic Communications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fall (Second Year)
| CDAR259 | Chemical Dependency Assessment and Case Management I | 3 |
| CDAR262 | Chemical Dependency Counseling I | 3 |
| CDAR245 | Multicultural Competency and Ethics in CD | 3 |
| CDAR105 | CDAR Writing Tutorial | 1 |
| SCWK201 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| HMNT101 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 |
| OR | |
| PHIL100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Winter (Second Year)
| CDAR260 | Chemical Dependency Assessment and Case Management II | 3 |
| CDAR261 | Treatment Planning & Documentation in CD | 3 |
| CDAR263 | Chemical Dependency Counseling II | 3 |
| CDAR105 | CDAR Writing Tutorial | 1 |
| PSYC230 | Developmental Psychology | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Students planning to transfer to the Bachelor in Social Work Program should add ENGL 306, Writing Research Papers (3 credits), or PSYCH 210, Psychological Literature (3 credits)
Spring (Second Year)
| CDAR251 | Co-Occurring Disorders in CD | 3 |
| CDAR264 | Chemical Dependency Counseling III | 3 |
| CDAR105 | CDAR Writing Tutorial | 1 |
| PSYC361 | Abnormal Psychology | 5 |
| SCWK263 | Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Total Credit Hours: 95