The Certificate in Addiction Studies (CPAS) integrates theory and the practical application of skills necessary to work with the substance abuse population. The curriculum in this program focuses on various aspects of addiction including theories of addiction, current intervention techniques, ethics, communication skills, the roles and responsibilities of a case manager, growth and self-care as an addiction counselor, documentation, the recovery process, and relapse prevention. Learners may also choose to have these courses apply towards a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at CalSouthern to continue their studies in the discipline.
Licensure and Certification
Since credential requirements vary by jurisdiction, 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. 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, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, 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 Certificate in Addiction Studies.
The 315 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education provided by this program may fulfill the educational requirement for the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC I) or Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC II) as required by CCAPP.
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 an Approved Academic Education Provider by NAADAC. 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). Approved Education Provider # 111110 is responsible for all aspects of its programming.
Persons interested in national certification 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 (27 Total Credits Required)
| PSY 3306 | Foundations of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 3309 | Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3318 | Culture and Diversity in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3307 | The Physiology and Pharmacology of Substance Use | 3 |
| PSY 3317 | Individual, Family and Group Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3507 | Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention and Aftercare | 3 |
| PSY 3316 | Personal and Professional Growth in the Field of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 3508 | Supervised Practicum & Fieldwork in Addiction Studies | 6 |
Practicum
The learner’s placement for practicum must be located in a state where the curriculum meets the educational requirements for credential eligibility . Detailed information regarding practicum is provided at the time of eligibility or upon request from the Programs Manager, School of Behavioral Sciences.
Optional Course
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.