Chemical Dependency Counseling, Associate of Arts
(96 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.) 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 in Montana is $48,900 in 2024. The U.S. Department of Labor states that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029.
(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.
Academic Criteria
Applicants who took MATH 103 and/or ENGL 202 or an equivalent course more than five (5) years ago may be required to complete the SKC placement testing in math and English and follow the placement recommendations issued by the respective departments.
Social Work professional core courses that were completed more than five (5) years ago will be subject to department review and may not be counted towards the degree.
In the event that a student discontinues his or her students for any length of time after being accepted and subsequently returns to finish the program, the student will have to complete the graduation requirements as per catalog year in which the re-entry occurs.
Options After Graduation
Graduates with an A.A. in Chemical Dependency Counseling can pursue the State of Montana Licensed Addiction Counselor certification or continue on in the B.S.W. program.
Other Behavioral Expectations
CDAR students are subject to all provisions of the SKC Student Handbook and the Social Work Department Student Handbook during their program of study. They are expected to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and to exhibit behavior appropriate to someone pursuing a career as a professional social worker and addictions counselor. Violation of the stated codes may result in dismissal from the program, Program and college personnel are available to advise students who feel they are in a situation that may require outside assistance, and designated college personnel may suggest counseling or other such assistance as deemed necessary. Problems affecting the CDAR candidate's ability to perform the functions of a professional social worker/counselor may delay or terminate the student's progress through the Program.
Curriculum
Fall (First Year)
| ENGL101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| IDST101 | SKC Seminar | 3 |
| SCWK160 | Introduction to Addiction Studies | 3 |
| SCWK140 | Suicide Awareness: Risk and Resiliency Factors | 2 |
| ELECTIVE | Natural Science General Education from List | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Winter (First Year)
Spring (First Year)
| SCID272 | Introduction to the Science of Indigenous Health and Well-Being | 5 |
| SCWK170 | Adventure Based Counseling | 2 |
| SCWK271 | Trauma Sensitive Teaching and Practice | 3 |
| SCWK271 | Trauma Sensitive Teaching and Practice | 3 |
| SPCH100 | Basic Communications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fall (Second Year)
| CDAR262 | Chemical Dependency Counseling I | 3 |
| CDAR245 | Multicultural Competency and Ethics in CD | 3 |
| SCWK160 | Introduction to Addiction Studies | 3 |
| MATH103 | Contemporary Math | 5 |
ELECTIVE
| NASD OPEN | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
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 |
| CDAR105W | CDAR 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)
Total Credit Hours: 95