CIP 51.1501
Degree: Certificate
Program Code: 403-01
Program Length: 1.5 year - 3 Semesters
Minimum Credits: 40
Distance Learning Option Available

Program Advisor:
Seth Helmandollar
276.964.7385

 

Purpose:
The career studies certificate in Substance Abuse is for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, typically in a Human Services or related field and wish to add the substance abuse counseling credential to their academic record in pursuit of becoming a certified substance abuse counselor or an entry-level position in a substance use treatment program. See additional requirements for certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor on your state’s Department of Health and Human Services website. This certificate does not make you a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. You must fulfill additional criteria for your state. 

 

Occupational Objectives: 
Expansion of career opportunities into positions as human service workers in the following settings:
Alcohol Treatment Programs, Residential and No-Residential Treatment facilities for Substance Use, Domestic and Sexual Violence Shelters, Correctional Institutions, Group homes and Clubhouses, and Juvenile Treatment Centers. 

Admission Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree. Submit transcripts to Admissions@sw.edu or to the college’s mailing address for evaluation to determine the courses needed to complete this certification. 

*Please note that aside from these courses, the state of Virginia has additional requirements to obtain certification.*

Virginia Department of Health Professions Requirements for CSAC and CSAC-A Credentials

Coordinated Internship:

Many sites require a background check and/or drug screening prior to placement. Please visit the Virginia Board of Counseling’s website, or the board of your state, for questions related to criminal history, misconduct, and future licensure eligibility. 

 

Certified Substance Abuse Counselors

CSAC and CSAC-A Certification Process Handbook

CSAC Supervisee applications are now accepted through our online system. Click here to begin the CSAC Supervisee Initial or Add/Change Registration of Supervision License Application.

Sample of a CSAC Supervisee Supervisory Contract

CSAC applications are now accepted through our online system. Click here to begin the CSAC application by Examination or Endorsement.

Reinstatement

Reinstatement Application for Certified Substance Abuse Counselors

Reinstatement of Certificate Following Revocation or Suspension for Substance Abuse Counselor or Counseling Assistant  

 

Additional CSAC Forms

Verification of Clinical Supervision Form for CSAC Certification

Didactic Training Verification Form for CSAC Certification

Request for Termination of Supervision Form

Request for Verification of VA License or Certification Form

Out of State License or Certification Verification Form

Supervisor Out of State License or Certification Verification Form

 

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistants

 

CSAC and CSAC-A Certification Process Handbook

CSAC-A applications are now accepted through our online system. Click here to begin the CSAC-A application by Examination.

Reinstatement

Reinstatement Application for Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant

Reinstatement of Certificate Following Revocation or Suspension for Substance Abuse Counselor or Counseling Assistant  

 

Additional CSAC-A Forms

Verification of Experience Form for CSAC-A Certification

Didactic Training Verification Form for CSAC-A Certification

Request for Verification of VA License or Certification Form