Dec 07, 2025  
Fall 2025 - Summer 2026 Academic Catalog 
    
Fall 2025 - Summer 2026 Academic Catalog

Addiction Counseling Certificate


School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Education and Human Services
HEGIS: 5506
 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2025 to Summer 2026. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description


The Addiction Counseling Certificate at SUNY Westchester Community College offers a focused, intensive pathway to start a career in addiction counseling. This program delivers the full 350 educational hours required for the CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor) certification, preparing students to meet the standards set by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Through courses in ethics, counseling methods, and field experience, students gain hands-on practice and essential knowledge in addiction counseling, positioning them for meaningful roles in addiction recovery and support services.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of ethical and effective addiction counseling using organized, clear and precise written and oral communication skills.

Accreditation


Credentialing Organization:

NY State Office of Addiction Services and Supports ETP
1450 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Phone: 518-473-3460

Status: Continued certification approved on June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2028

Next Full Review: 2028

 

Program Note


No additional notes for this program.

Program Map


The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

 

Semester 1

Course Credits
AC 102 - Ethics in Addiction Counseling   3
AC 110 - Addiction Counseling Methods   3
AC 111 - Case Management in Addiction Counseling   3
AC 202 - Addiction Field Experience 1   4
CHEM 145 - Biochemistry of Addiction (Lecture and Lab)   3
Semester Total Credits 16

Semester 2

Course Credits
AC 101 - Psychosocial Issues in Addiction   3
AC 103 - Addiction and Family Dynamics   3
AC 201 - Addiction Group Counseling   3
AC 203 - Addiction Counseling Models   3
AC 204 - Addiction Field Experience 2   4
Semester Total Credits 16

Minimum Total Credits: 32