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Online Addiction Counseling Programs
4 Online Program Options
Skilled counselors are increasingly needed to combat a growing epidemic of substance addiction. If you want to help others struggling with these issues, consider enrolling in Beal University’s Addiction Counseling Degree and Diploma programs. You can earn your education online while gaining practical experience in the field. Choose from three flexible programs to match your career goals: a Bachelor of Science Degree (42 months, 100% online), an Associate Degree (20 months, 100% online), or a Diploma (14 months, online). Complete coursework from anywhere and acquire the skills to enter this vital and rewarding profession.
Beal University’s Addiction Counseling Degree and Diploma programs are structured to equip you with essential skills to guide clients through recovery. You will study topics such as assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, case management, crisis intervention, vocational rehabilitation, trauma and recovery, client education, and community resources. The curriculum also addresses important issues such as sexual harassment, gender, aging, disabilities, cultural differences, and co-occurring disorders.
In our online addiction counseling program, you will delve into the theories of addiction, conduct substance assessments, and master counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing. You'll also gain a deep understanding of the neurobiology of addiction, the impact of addiction on family dynamics, and the unique challenges faced by special populations.
The program strongly emphasizes ethics and boundary considerations, preparing you to engage thoughtfully and professionally with individuals in the field of addiction counseling. Furthermore, you'll cultivate an appreciation for diversity and develop tolerance and empathy for others throughout your educational journey.
Beal University’s Addiction Counseling Degree and Diploma programs are structured to equip you with essential skills to guide clients through recovery. You will study topics such as assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, case management, crisis intervention, vocational rehabilitation, trauma and recovery, client education, and community resources. The curriculum also addresses important issues such as sexual harassment, gender, aging, disabilities, cultural differences, and co-occurring disorders.
In our online addiction counseling program, you will delve into the theories of addiction, conduct substance assessments, and master counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing. You'll also gain a deep understanding of the neurobiology of addiction, the impact of addiction on family dynamics, and the unique challenges faced by special populations.
The program strongly emphasizes ethics and boundary considerations, preparing you to engage thoughtfully and professionally with individuals in the field of addiction counseling. Furthermore, you'll cultivate an appreciation for diversity and develop tolerance and empathy for others throughout your educational journey.
Addiction Counseling Training
Online Diploma Program
Our 14-month* diploma program is an excellent choice for those who want to jumpstart a career in the field. The program offers flexible and student-centered options to prepare for a career in Addiction Counseling (and related fields). Our instructors represent a broad range of experience, skills and knowledge in the area. University faculty with research and training expertise, as well as experienced practitioners in drug and alcohol treatment across many demographic groups and treatment settings, make up our quality group of instructors.
Throughout the program, you will explore ethics and boundary considerations, all while working and interacting with those involved in Addiction Counseling.
Throughout the program, you will explore ethics and boundary considerations, all while working and interacting with those involved in Addiction Counseling.
Program Courses
During the Addiction Counseling Diploma program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Psychosocial and Vocational Aspects of Rehabilitation
- Case Management
- Introduction to Psychology
- Multicultural Counseling in Addiction
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Learn and apply theories of addiction, substance assessment, and counseling techniques
- Practice an understanding of diversity and tolerance for others
- Apply ethics and boundary considerations when working and interacting with people in addiction counseling
- Gain counseling skills including motivational interviewing
- Understand the neurobiology of addiction, family addiction dynamics, and special population considerations in addiction counseling
- Demonstrate knowledge of group process, case management, crisis intervention, trauma and recovery, and vocational rehabilitation
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Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Career Path & Expectations
Upon graduation, you may choose to seek immediate work in the field or pursue licensure and/or certification through examination administered by the state in which you reside.
Who’s this Diploma for?
- Those who wish to complete a short program to enter the field more quickly and take the first steps to becoming an Addiction Counselor.
- Anyone who is interested in pursuing a fulfilling career helping others overcome addiction, including students who have overcome addiction themselves or have loved ones who have.
Take the Next Step
Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Addiction Counseling Programs Overview
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The best way to see if Beal University is the right fit for you is to contact an admissions representative. Get more information on the Nursing Associate’s Degree program, class schedules, and financial aid options so that you can make an informed decision about your future.
Addiction Counseling (A.A.S.)
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program
Our 20-month* addiction counseling online degree program includes the same coursework as our diploma program but builds upon that foundation to enhance students’ opportunity for advancement in the field. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug or other dependency problems, learning from a diverse group of instructors that include university faculty with research and training expertise, as well as experienced practitioners in drug and alcohol treatment.
This program is ideal for those who wish to enter the field with more education or advance an existing career within Addiction Counseling. Throughout the program, you will explore ethics and boundary considerations, all while working and interacting with those involved in Addiction Counseling.
This program is ideal for those who wish to enter the field with more education or advance an existing career within Addiction Counseling. Throughout the program, you will explore ethics and boundary considerations, all while working and interacting with those involved in Addiction Counseling.
Program Courses
During the Addiction Counseling Degree program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Crisis Identification and Resolution
- Group Process
- Co-occuring Disorders
- Addiction and the Family
- Motivational Interviewing
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
- Develop critical and analytical thinking through disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.
- Learn and apply theories of addiction, substance assessment, and counseling techniques.
- Practice an understanding of diversity and tolerance for others.
- Apply ethics and boundary considerations when working and interacting with people in addiction counseling.
- Gain counseling skills including motivational interviewing.
- Understand the neurobiology of addiction, family addiction dynamics, and special population considerations in addiction counseling.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group process, case management, crisis intervention, trauma and recovery, and vocational rehabilitation.
Take the Next Step
Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Career Path & Expectations
Upon graduation, you may choose to seek immediate work in the field or pursue licensure and/or certification through examination administered by the state in which you reside. Earning an Associate or Bachelor’s Addiction Counseling Degree is a prerequisite to becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – an accomplishment that tells the world you have the commitment and dedication needed to promote change and save lives.
Who is this Degree for?
- Those who wish to pursue greater employment opportunities with the credential of having an addiction counseling degree.
- Anyone who is interested in pursuing a fulfilling career helping others overcome addiction, including students who have overcome addiction themselves or have loved ones who have.
- Those seeking counseling careers and related support roles at reentry centers, detention facilities, residential and outpatient counseling programs, employee wellness programs, hospital detox facilities or other counseling centers.
Take the Next Step
Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Addiction Counseling (B.S.)
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Program
Our 42-month* addiction counseling online degree program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to provide direct client services in sincere and compassionate relationships. Upon completion of this program, you will have a comprehensive academic foundation and advanced core classwork to enhance an existing career or begin a career as an Addiction Counselor. Our instructors represent a broad range of experience, skills and knowledge in the area. University faculty with research and training expertise, as well as experienced practitioners in drug and alcohol treatment across many demographic groups and treatment settings, make up our quality group of instructors.
Program Courses
During the Addiction Counseling Degree program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Addiction Services
- Community Psychology
- Addiction Prevention: Theories and Techniques
- Human Services Organizational Systems
- Spirituality and Addiction
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Evaluate the social, political, and historical milestones and trends in substance abuse counseling in relation to the human services professionals’ role in advocating for individuals, families, and communities in need
- Apply culturally responsive strategies across diverse populations to strengthen professional practice and enhance human services outcomes
- Apply legal and ethical standards in the administration and delivery of human services systems to provide comprehensive and well-informed care.
- Employ professional, interpersonal communication skills in formal and informal networks to improve human services delivery.
- Evaluate the policy development cycle for advocacy avenues, communication strategies, and coalition building opportunities to effect social change.
- Develop knowledge and skills in inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and decision-making to create and implement appropriate assessment and intervention strategies.
Take the Next Step
Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Career Path & Expectations
Upon graduation, you’ll be fully prepared to take on a variety of roles, such as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsel (CADC), Chemical Dependency Counselor, Psychiatric Tech, Child/Youth Provider and other positions. You may also choose to pursue licensure certification through examination administered by the state in which you reside. Earning an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Addiction Counseling Degree is a prerequisite to becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – an accomplishment that tells the world you have the commitment and dedication needed to promote change and save lives.
Who is this Degree for?
- Anyone seeking employment in a cannabis science-related field, such as research, cultivation, testing, or processing.
- Those who are interested in the science of cannabis and the role it plays in human health and industry.
- Existing cannabis-industry workers who wish to further their careers.
Take the Next Step
Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
Is It Right for You?
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.
Clinical Mental Health
Master's Degree Program
Beal University’s 22-month* Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will prepare you with essential tools to not only navigate complex emotional and mental health challenges but to do so with a deep understanding of ethical considerations and professional standards.
Career Opportunities
Counseling Jobs & Statistics
Why consider an addiction counseling degree or diploma? It’s a critically important field that is growing quickly as the demand for counselors continues to rise. Here are some of the latest figures from this rewarding field.
19%
Growth Rate
Careers for addiction counselors and substance abuse specialists are projected to grow at a rate of 19% between 2023 and 2033.
Source
#1
Career Ranking
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors are ranked number one for best social service jobs.
Source
$53,710
Median Salary
The median salary is approximately $53,710 for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors.
Source
84,500
New Jobs
Labor experts estimate that more than 84,500 new jobs for counselors in this field will be created between 2023 and 2033.
Source
What Makes Beal University Unique?
We have over 130 years of experience in educating career-focused professionals
Accelerated Programs
Our unique accelerated programs allow you to take 8-week classes year-round, enabling you to complete your degree faster.
Transfer Credits
We accept up to 75% of transfer credits earned at other accredited schools into our degree programs.
Flexible Schedules
To meet your lifestyle needs, we offer classes in person, online, or in a hybrid format (online/in-person), with day and evening class schedules, making it flexible for you.
Founded in 1891 as Bangor Business College, Beal University has evolved into a comprehensive institution with diverse academic offerings that serve a wide range of students in the state of Maine and beyond. From the beginning, Beal has remained focused on providing programs that give students real-world skills for careers in high-demand fields. Today, Beal offers programs from diploma to graduate-level degrees facilitating all levels of academic pursuits.
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