The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies (CPAAS) is designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The impact of addiction on the individual, families, and society is addressed.
The sequence of courses in the Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies offers a holistic and integrative approach to working with substance use and related disorders. Individualized services informed by evidence-based practices are explored. Areas covered include theories of addiction, current intervention strategies, ethics, communication skills, comprehensive case management, documentation, relapse prevention, and the recovery process. Strong consideration is given to culture, diversity, stigmatization, and special populations as related to substance use recovery. A model of personal and professional growth is presented to promote resilience and longevity for counselors in the field of addiction.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Promote the integration of practical psychological knowledge with formal academic learning.
- Foster growth in intellectual accomplishment and an opportunity to develop an executive level perspective on practices in the behavioral sciences.
- Provide graduate study that does not commit to a full graduate program, but allows learners an option to pursue a graduate degree program upon the successful completion of the graduate certificate program in the behavioral sciences.
- Promote the acquisition of psychological concepts, principles, standards, and processes as it relates to the behavioral sciences.
- Encourage legal and ethical behavior as it relates to the behavioral sciences.
- Encourage ethical behavior regarding information technology skills as it applies to mental health environments.
- Promote the analysis and evaluation of information critically and effectively.
- Foster the integration of an understanding and awareness of human diversity as it relates to the behavioral sciences.
Licensure and Certification
Since credential requirements vary by jurisdiction, by level/type, and are subject to change, learners are advised to verify these requirements directly with the applicable board or jurisdictional authority. CalSouthern makes its best effort to assess applicability of this program to the requirements for credential eligibility in each of the jurisdictions listed, but the final decision regarding credential eligibility is made by the jurisdiction, not the institution.
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: CA, MD, NV, UT. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which may be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Last Update: 7/1/2024
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
California Southern University is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). CCAPP and its Education Board (CCAPP Institute) have granted approval to CalSouthern’s Graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies.
This certificate program provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education The optional practicum experience may be required for some levels of certification.
Persons interested in certification in the state of California are encouraged to contact the CCAPP Credentialing Board for more information and to obtain a complete listing of all requirements for certification at https://ccappcredentialing.org/index.php/career-ladder. Outside of California, learners are encouraged to contact their local certification authority.
The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
California Southern University is recognized as a NAADAC Approved Academic Education Provider. This program meets nationally approved standards of education developed for the addiction counseling profession. Program participants are assured that the contact hours and continuing education (CE) credits/units provided will be accepted toward national credentialing by the NAADAC Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC-AP). NAADAC Approved Education Provider # 111110 is responsible for all aspects of its programming.
Persons interested in national certification eligibility are encouraged to contact NAADAC at www.naadac.org for more information and to obtain a complete listing of all requirements for certification. Certification requirements vary by jurisdiction, by level/type, and are subject to change. Learners are encouraged to contact applicable credentialing authorities for more information.
Required Courses (18 Total Credits Required)
| PSY 6511 | Substance Use and Related Disorders | 3 |
| PSY 6309 | Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 7534 | Dual Diagnosis | 3 |
| PSY 7307 | Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 7007 | Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention And Aftercare | 3 |
| PSY 7316 | Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor | 3 |
Note for Doctor of Psychology learners pursuing the Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies through specific elective choices:
PSY 7736: Addiction Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention must be taken in place of PSY 6511. Please notify your academic advisor and the Registrar’s office of your intent to earn the certificate and to ensure the appropriate elective courses are added to your degree plan.
Optional Course
| PSY 7508 | Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies | 6 |
If the learner chooses to complete this course, the learner’s placement site must be located in a jurisdiction where the curriculum meets the educational requirements for credential eligibility (see Licensure and Certification section). Detailed information regarding practicum is provided at the time of eligibility or upon request from the Programs Manager, School of Behavioral Sciences.
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means students enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.