Addiction Counseling
Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (MA)
Credits
60 qualifies for licensure in PA
Avg. Completion Time
3 - 4 years
Delivery Method
Hybrid
Why Study Addiction Counseling through LBC | Capital?
Our master’s program in addiction counseling prepares you for success in the field as a professional counselor and puts you on the path to eligibility to apply for state licensure in PA (Licensed Professional Counselor) and professional certification (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor). In addition to the core clinical mental health curriculum, you’ll be exposed to evidence-based theories specific to addiction counseling from professors who are licensed and currently practicing.
Additionally, the LBC | Capital graduate program experientially immerses you in the Integrated Psychotherapy Model, which systematically intertwines faith-based methods of recovery with research-driven counseling methods. Fully acknowledging God as our ever-present help in time of trouble, as a graduate you will embark on your missional career thoroughly equipped with practical and scholarly professional skills.
If you are ready to experience a program designed to provide you with the skills and training necessary to work alongside individuals struggling with the many forms of addiction present across cultures, apply today.
Course Length
16 weeks
Residency Requirement
Each course meets monthly in person for a minimum of 4 times per semester.
Capstone Requirement
Internship experience
Addiction Counseling Program Cost & Financial Aid
Transfer Agreement
May request to transfer a maximum of 18 graduate credits (6 courses)
License, Certification, Credential Information
When can I start?
The Counseling program has three enrollment points per year: August, January or May.
Admission Requirements
Begin by completing the online graduate admission application and submitting an official transcript of your bachelor’s or master’s degree. Click for more details.
Program Plan
MA in Addiction Counseling (60 Credits)
Intro to Prof. Counseling Core Courses 15 Credits
Professional Core Courses 18 Credits
Advanced Addiction Counseling Courses 12 Credits
Professional Counseling Practice Courses 9 Credits
Electives 6 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and program details.
Schedule a Time to Chat
Want to learn more about this master’s degree in counseling or LBC | Capital’s Seminary & Graduate School? Consider scheduling an appointment to talk virtually or in person with an Admissions Counselor, who will be glad to answer all your questions.
Program Distinctives - What makes LBC | Capital's program unique?
- Earn your MA in Addiction Counseling in as little as three years.
- Graduate prepared to sit for the CAADC, the state licensure exam required for all certified addiction counselors.
- Passing the CAADC exam automatically gives an individual the additional PA Professional Counselor License (LPC) without having to take a second exam.
- We integrate both faith and science for professionals who hold a Christian view of persons.
- Maintain your busy work and family schedules with convenient evening, weekend and online classes.
- You’ll learn under the tutelage of experienced licensed professional counselors.
Career Paths
The Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling program will prepare you for a wide range of service and/or ministry professions, such as at the local church level, within para-church organizations, or at counseling organizations, private practices, hospitals, prisons, retirement centers and a variety of human service settings.
Program Goals – In this program, students will develop…
The Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling Program will equip students for the field of counseling by:
- Recognizing the history, development, legislation, government policy, ethics and professional identity development of counselors within the field of addiction counseling.
- Evaluating theories, models, techniques and interventions related to addiction counseling and substance use, as well as philosophies of addiction-related self-help through a biblical perspective.
- Learning the application of principles, models and documentation formats of biopsychosocial case conceptualization, etiology, treatment planning, diagnostic process, referral, application to testing and assessment, and prevention of addictive and substance use disorders.
- Enhancing culturally and developmentally relevant skills necessary to raise awareness and support addiction, substance abuse prevention and the recovery process at various delivery modalities within the continuum of care.
- Developing an understanding of scholarly literature and its application within the neurological, behavioral, psychological, physical and social effects of psychoactive substances and addictive disorders in order to develop skills to assess symptoms of psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, resiliency to psychoactive substance abuse disorders and withdrawal while utilizing reduction techniques for negative effects of substance use, abuse, dependence and addictive disorders.
- Determining the classifications, indications and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation, while understanding the potential of substance use disorders mimicking and/or co-occurring with a variety of medical and psychological disorders.
- Identifying the role of wellness and spirituality within the addiction recovery process, while incorporating vocation, family, social networks and community systems within the recovery and treatment process.
- Acquiring an understanding of ethical principles and applications to prospective addiction counseling situations that reflect an open and collaborative approach to resolve legal and ethical dilemmas.
- Assisting clients in recognizing life problems caused by addiction and continued harmful use or abuse, versus the benefits of life free from addiction.
- Synthesizing information and knowledge into practice through supervised counseling experiences.
Course Plan
The following is the proposed schedule for this degree program.
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CPS 501 Orient. to Prof Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics | 3 |
| CPS 505 Research & Program Evaluation | 3 |
| CPS 508 Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 510 Human Growth & Develop. Across Lifespan | 3 |
| CPS 514 Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| CPS 515 Counseling Theory & Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 525 Assessment Techniques in Counseling I | 3 |
| CPS 530 Professional Ethics in Counseling & Psychotherapy Casework | 3 |
| CPS 531 Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 541 Group Counseling Leadership Skills | 3 |
| CPS 572 Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 573 Advanced Addictions Treatment Methods | 3 |
| CPS 575 Counseling Children & Adolescents | 3 |
| CPS 583 Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 588 Career & Lifestyle Development | 3 |
| CPS 601 Professional Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| CPS 602 Professional Counseling Internship I | 3 |
| CPS 603 Professional Counseling Internship II | 3 |
| CPS *CPS Elective | 6 |
Hear from Our Students: MA in Counseling
Get an overview of LBC | Capital’s counseling programs, hear from our faculty and students, and see if LBC | Capital is where God is leading you.
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