Advance your career in addictions counseling.
Courses for addictions counselor certification provide the necessary education for application toward Nebraska state licensure for drug and alcohol counseling.
Affordable
Among the lowest tuition cost per credit hour in the U.S.
Attainable
No entrance exams. Complete in as little as two semesters or up to 10 years.
Flexible
100% fully online with several start dates available.
High quality
Our graduate programs are nationally ranked for excellence.
Online graduate certificate in Addictions Counseling
The graduate certificate in Addictions Counseling is designed for counselors and graduate students seeking specialized preparation for working with substance abuse and addictive disorders. Addictions counselors assess client needs and develop individualized treatment plans, and this certificate strengthens the clinical skills needed to do so effectively.
The courses for the graduate certificate in Addictions Counseling at Wayne State College are aimed at providing education typically needed in addition to a graduate counseling degree for application toward Nebraska state licensure for drug and alcohol counseling. Coursework emphasizes alcohol and drug assessment, level of care placement, treatment planning, case management, documentation, ethical practice, and evidence-informed counseling approaches for diverse populations.
Students and professionals may pursue this certificate if they are completing coursework in a graduate counseling program or related field, or have completed a graduate degree in counseling or a related field.
Fast facts
Delivery format: Fully online
Total classes: 4
Total credit hours: 12
Questions? Contact:
Counseling Department
Benthack Hall, Room 111
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 402-375-7389
Estimated program cost
Credit hours:12
Cost per credit hour: $412 (includes fees)
*Based on 12 credit hours at the current online tuition rate for 2025-26. Does not include indirect costs. For more information on costs of graduate tuition, visit the Cost of Attendance page.
Get started today!
Our free application can help you decide if Wayne State College is the right choice for you and your career goals. You can apply up until the first day of the term!
Next term starts: Monday, July 13, 2026 (5-week summer session)
Upcoming start dates:
- Aug. 24, 2026 (8- and 16-week fall sessions available)
- Oct. 26, 2026 (8-week fall session)
- Jan. 11, 2027 (8- and 16-week spring sessions available)
Courses for the graduate certificate in Addictions Counseling
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Addictions Counseling consists of four courses (12 credit hours). Certificates of Advanced Studies may be earned separately or while working toward a master’s degree. The Addictions Counseling certificate is open to students and professionals who are completing coursework in a graduate counseling program or related field or have a completed graduate degree in counseling or a related field.
Credit hours: 3
Description: This course is a conceptualization of how mental health disorders relate and exacerbate addictive disorders in the counseling relationship. Topics include: drug/alcohol assessment and diagnosis, level of care placement, record keeping, treatment planning, clinical case review, discharge planning, case management, program development, cultural impact, treatment intervention and referral strategies, ethical concerns, and overall client experiences.
Credits: 3
Description: This course focuses on counseling approaches for persons with substance-related and addictive disorders and special issues including dual diagnoses, relationship(s) with family members, problems associated with a specific drug of choice and problems common to the populations of women, adolescents, and the elderly. Specific counseling approaches will be suggested for each. Suggestions for helping family members of persons with these issues will also be explored.
Credit hours: 3
Description: This course describes processes involved in collecting self-report and assessment data as a basis for making decisions regarding the diagnosis and selection of appropriate level of care of persons with substance-related and addictive disorders. Two or more alcohol/drug assessment instruments will be studied. This course will provide opportunities to study and practice maintaining confidentiality, as well as creating treatment plans, progress notes, discharge plans, and clinical reviews.
Select one of the following:
- CSL 605 Clinical Psychopharmacology (3 credits) - An in-depth examination of the behavioral and central nervous system effects of pharmacologic substance use and abuse, and the application of such substances to the prevention and treatment of psychopathological dysfunction. Topics include basic neuronal function, pharmacology principles, medication selection and side effects, novel application of various medications, and assessment of clients considered for treatment. The course will also examine the cultural and ethical concerns of prescribing medication and the role of the pharmaceutical industry in drug development, research, and sales.
- PSY 540 Psychopharmacology (3 credits) - A study of the physical changes and psychological effects that drugs have on the brain and nervous system. Topics will include the basic organization and function of the brain and nervous systems and a history of the use of drugs. The course will emphasize how the functions of the brain are altered by the use of drugs, from both illegal and prescription uses. An overview of the mental disorders for which drugs are prescribed, and the mental disorders that result from drug use is included.
Related programs
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