The Associate of Applied Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling offered by Mountwest is designed to prepare students for credentialing in the Alcohol and Drug Counseling profession.

In West Virginia, the West Virginia Certification for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) governs the certification of the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) credential. This credential requires six years and six thousand supervised hours of practice to obtain. The AAS trains students in Alcohol and Drug Counseling through academic work and field experience. Upon completion of the AAS, students will have logged experience that counts towards the WV ADC credential and will be aware of expectations and timeline to achieve the credential.

Interested in becoming a licensed professional, but don’t know where to start? 

In beginning your journey to become a licensed professional, you will need to consider the following:

• What type of license do you want? (LADC, LCDC, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.)
• What are your state’s rules and regulations for the license?
• What is the education requirement? Do I need to consider program accreditation?
• What level of education am I interested in pursuing?

While many states offer licenses to candidates with appropriate training at the associate degree level, others do not. Additionally, some will offer certifications and others will not. Most states will require at least a master’s degree for most of these licenses. It is highly recommended to check with your state’s credentialing board before committing to any program of study.

Wondering about the curriculum and how it was put together? 

The AAS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling program focuses on the four professional domains of Alcohol and Drug Counseling as established by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC):

• Screen, Assessment, and Engagement
• Counseling
• Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
• Professional Responsibilities and Ethics

Most states have a member board participating in the IC&RC. This means that once a recognized ADC credential has been obtained, reciprocal agreements are in place between your IC&RC member credentialing board and many other credentialing boards.

How are classes taught and when are they offered? 

Currently, every class will be offered with either an online or live remote delivery option. Most classes will require synchronous learning activities since counseling skills are best developed through practice and peer feedback. It is important to note that while classes may be taken remotely, three semesters of field experience are required to complete the degree.

Is an associate’s degree necessary? 

It depends. Some states require a minimum of an associate’s degree in a relevant field to qualify for a license. West Virginia does not offer a license specific to Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Instead, the WVCBAPP offers certification to qualified individuals with or without a license. An associate’s degree is not required to pursue this credential. However, obtaining a relevant associate’s degree can reduce the amount of experience required to obtain the certification while also helping you determine whether or not you want to pursue a higher-level credential, such as the AADC or the LPC (both of which require at least a master’s degree).

Different credentials have different training/educational paths forward. 

Trying to figure out the efficient path forward can be intimidating. While this program targets training around substance use intervention, students will be introduced to the wide range of helping professions and training required to obtain certain credentials including for the following professions:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor; Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor)
• Licensed Social Worker (Licensed Graduate Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Psychologist

Completion of this program does not guarantee licensure or certification of any type. Students are encouraged to discuss career and educational goals at the time of enrollment. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Distinguish between different philosophical approaches to understanding and solving the problem of substance use.
2. Summarize a variety of treatment options for substance use disorders.
3. Assemble information regarding ADC credentialing in their respective jurisdiction.
4. Use motivational interviewing to enhance the likelihood of successful change.
5. Screen for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
6. Make appropriate referrals for treatment and other human services.

The Certificate of Applied Science in Addiction Studies offered by Mountwest enables students to develop essential skills for growth as helping professionals. The focus of the program is understanding the roles of different practitioners and serving those who struggle with substance-related and addictive disorders. Students will learn theories and techniques of professional counseling, social work, and the broader human services. Students will become familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders (DSM-V-TR) and be able to recognize formal diagnoses.

In West Virginia, the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) governs the certification of the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) credential. This credential requires six years and six thousand supervised hours of practice to obtain. The CAS will help students determine a professional path forward in the helping professions.