Chemical Dependence Counseling

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Chemical Dependence Counseling

The Chemical Dependency Counseling program prepares the student for positions in public and private sectors. A variety of learning experiences focus on theoretical and practical knowledge in working with chemically dependent individuals and their families. The student has the opportunity to develop skills which will enable him/her to work with individuals or groups within the area of chemical dependency counseling. The intent of the program is to facilitate meeting Texas certification standards. counseling session

The A.A.S. degree program in Chemical Dependency Counseling is designed to prepare students to function as chemical dependency counselors in a broad range of treatment settings such as residential and outpatient programs, detoxification units, and halfway houses. Program graduates may also broaden their area of study to psychology, counseling or social work at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Through the A.A.S. degree program, students will complete a core of courses in chemical dependency counseling, and general college courses in writing, science, math and communications.

Careers

Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Certificate programs in Chemical Dependency Counseling will:

Utilize a variety of counseling skills and abilities to function effectively as chemical dependency counselors in a variety of settings;
Understand addiction and the characteristics and treatment demands of chemically dependent/substance abusing clients;
Know the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs;
Apply appropriate diagnostics criteria for substance related disorders, and criteria for other mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with addictive disorders;
Express themselves professionally, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences including clients, other professionals and external monitoring agencies; and
Conduct themselves professionally and ethically as chemical dependency counselors.

Course Information: Howard College Catalog