The Addiction Counseling Certificate is a 12-hour graduate certificate designed for individuals seeking specialized education in addictions counseling.
Students may pursue the certificate on its own, alongside a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Professional School Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy, or in combination with another clinical-based master’s program. The certificate also provides an opportunity for professionals in the addiction field to expand their knowledge and skills.
Graduates are prepared to work with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders or in recovery and to pursue supervision toward credentials through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB).
Mission
To provide specialized education in addictions counseling for bachelor-level helping professionals and graduate students in counseling or related fields at Appalachian.
Vision
To prepare counselors with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in the field of addictions counseling.
Admissions
Admissions and deadline information for the Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate
- Applicants not currently enrolled in a master’s program at Appalachian: Apply for the certificate through the Graduate Admissions Portal.
- Current App State graduate students: Submit a Change of Graduate Program Form to add the certificate (login required).
Program Requirements and Considerations
- A minimum grade of B or better is required in all certificate courses.
- Courses from other universities will not be accepted as substitutes.
- Students transferring from the certificate into the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. program may, at faculty discretion, apply the full 12 hours toward their degree.
- The certificate will be noted on the transcript upon completion of all requirements.
- No independent studies are offered for certificate courses.
Licensure Information
This program has been approved by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) for board-eligible candidates.
Please note: The NCASPPB licensure process for addiction counselors is separate from this certificate program. Graduates seeking Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credentials must complete additional supervised experience and apply directly through the Board.
- Students in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy programs completing this certificate may register under Criteria C.
- Students in other clinical master’s programs (e.g., Social Work or Professional School Counseling) will register under Criteria A and must complete 4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised substance use counseling experience.
For details, visit the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) website.