Online Addiction Counseling Certificate
Addiction Counseling
Program Overview
We built this certificate for working adults and current undergraduate students who want to make a real difference. The curriculum aligns directly with state requirements, and by completing three focused courses, you fulfill the 270 hours of formal classroom training required for the Level 1 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) credential in Tennessee. You will build core competencies in foundational addiction knowledge, psychopharmacology, and rural addiction treatment across all eight required domains.
This certificate serves as an excellent addition for professionals already working in their communities, as well as students pursuing degrees in:
- Counseling
- Human Development and Family Science
- Nursing
- Psychology
Why Study Addiction Counseling?
Communities across Tennessee and the broader Appalachia region face a critical shortage of behavioral health workers. Rural and underserved areas experience some of the highest overdose mortality rates, creating a desperate need for trained addiction professionals.
When you study with us, you receive practical instruction grounded in extensive statewide research conducted with rural addiction treatment providers. We focus on the actual challenges you will face in the field, ensuring you can provide effective, compassionate care.
Earning this certificate prepares you for rewarding careers in:
- Addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers
- Community mental health agencies
- Rural and underserved community health settings
- Hospitals and integrated behavioral health programs
Your community needs dedicated professionals to help fight the addiction crisis. Apply today to start your journey.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma
- No required field experience is embedded in the certificate program itself. However, students pursuing the Level 1 Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) credential in Tennessee must also complete 6,000 clinically supervised counseling contact hours in an alcohol and drug treatment or rehabilitation facility under a licensed A&D counselor holding a Certificate of Qualified Supervision (CQS). These hours are obtained outside of and in addition to the certificate coursework.
Request Information
Featured Courses
This course provides foundational knowledge about addiction and substance use disorders, focusing on understanding, assessment, and treatment approaches. Students will explore theories of addiction, evidence-based interventions, cultural considerations, and the impact of addiction on individuals, families, and society. Students develop awareness of professional and ethical standards in addiction counseling.
This course examines the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use disorders and addiction through the lens of pharmacology and therapeutics. Students explore how drugs affect the brain and behavior, analyze the pharmacological properties of therapeutic and misused substances, and evaluate evidence-based treatments. Assessment, treatment planning, and case management strategies are integrated throughout.
This course examines the unique challenges, cultural considerations, and treatment approaches specific to substance use disorders in rural communities. Students will explore access barriers, community dynamics, generational patterns, innovative service delivery models, and evidence-based interventions adapted for rural contexts. The course emphasizes understanding rural culture, addressing stigma, developing community partnerships, and implementing culturally responsive treatment approaches.
