The purpose of the Addiction Counseling Certificate program is to prepare professionals for specialized clinical work with clients suffering from substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol or drug abuse/dependence). The program is intended for individuals who already have some background in a counseling-related field.

The 18-credit program is designed to be completed in one academic year. Courses are offered in the evening, following the 8-week "module" format. Students typically attend classes on two evenings per week. Enrollments permitting, students will be able to begin either in Mod 1 (late August/early September) or Mod 3 (late January). Those beginning in Mod 1 can graduate the following May; those beginning in Mod 3 should graduate in December.

The curriculum guides students from the basic science of drug action, through the roles played by drug use and abuse in society, to the essential elements of clinical practice: all the way from understanding receptor mechanisms to deciding what next to say to a troubled client. The clinical emphasis is on empirically supported treatments.

Upon completion of this program, students will have completed all educational requirements for certification or licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of Connecticut as well as certification by the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB), an affiliate of the IC&RC. Licensure (LADC) is available only to persons holding an appropriate master's degree; those with lesser academic credentials may, however, pursue certification. Supervised experience in the field and a passing score on the International Certification Examination are also necessary before licensure or certification may be conferred.