Addictions Counseling

The Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling (GCAC) is available for:

• Current UNCP Clinical Mental Health Counseling Students: You can earn the GCAC while completing your degree requirements. You may also complete an addictions-specific internship to fulfill the field placement for LCAS-A licensure.
•  Applicants holding a master's degree: If you have completed a qualified master’s degree with a clinical internship from a regionally accredited college or university, you can apply for the GCAC. 

Important Note: To remain in the GCAC, you must earn a B or higher in CNS 5860, CNS 5870, CNS 5890 and CNS 5900. If you receive a C or lower in any of these courses, you will be removed from the certificate program.

View Course Curriculum

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Choose the application that applies to you:

• Application for current UNCP Clinical Mental Health Counseling students   
• Application for other graduates with a master’s degree 

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Through the Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling (GCAC) you will:

• Learn about substance use and addictive disorders
• Develop skills for effective assessments and interventions
• Understand co-occurring disorders and their treatment.
  Explore the role of psychopharmacology in addiction
• Gain insight into family dynamics and substance use issues
• Stay informed about current trends and special populations in addiction

This program will prepare you for counseling careers, leadership roles and advocacy positions. It also meets the North Carolina Addictions Specialists Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) educational requirements. You will be able to apply to be a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in North Carolina.

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• CNS 5900: Issues in Addictions for Counselors [Prerequisite]
  Offered in the Spring, & Summer I
• CNS 5860: Contemporary Issues and Special Population in Addictions
  Offered in Summer I
• CNS 5870: The Family and Addictions
  Offered Summer II
• CNS 5890: Diagnosis, Treatment and Psychopharmacology in Addictions
  Offered in the Fall

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GCAC Advising Checklists

• CMHC Wilmington Plan with GCAC
• CMHC Pembroke Example Plan with GCAC

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