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Addiction Treatment and Recovery
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Expand your counseling knowledge and skills in the areas of substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Treatment and Recovery specialization. You’ll explore developmental and societal considerations and ethical and legal issues associated with providing treatment/interventions for a variety of populations.
You’ll also complete two foundational addiction courses and choose two out of three other courses specific to work with addiction and recovery.
As part of the 90-credit CACREP-accredited* program, this specialization is designed to help prepare students to pursue professional licensure as a clinical mental health counselor.**
*Capella University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in Clinical Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028.
**This specialization is not designed to prepare students to pursue professional licensure in the addictions field. It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- GuidedPath
- Online & in person
- 13 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Residencies
- 1 Practicum
- 2 Internships
- CACREP accredited
Reduce your tuition up to $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master's degree.
Explore clinical mental health counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum and two internships
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COUN5258
Group Therapy and the Treatment of Substance-Related and Addictive Behavior
4 quarter credits
Learners explore group counseling as an important aspect of addictions treatment, recovery, and relapse prevention. Learners develop a personal model of group treatment for substance-related and addictive disorders that is informed by counseling and group theories; ethical, legal, and cultural considerations; and group development models.
4 quarter credits
COUN5260
Theories of Addiction Treatment
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate the nature of addiction problems, studying various theories and models of addiction to evaluate the validity and efficacy of associated treatment approaches. Learners also utilize critical thinking skills in the application of theory to therapeutic work with specific populations.
4 quarter credits
COUN5261
Interventions for Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate current treatment interventions for substance-related and addictive disorders. In addition, learners evaluate diagnoses for substance-related and addictive disorders and apply appropriate treatment. Topics include inpatient and outpatient treatment options, self-help groups, the use of alternative treatment modalities, and continuum of care including community resources, relapse prevention, and recovery planning.
4 quarter credits
COUN5266
Family Systems and Psychoeducation in Addiction
4 quarter credits
Learners apply the lens of systemic thinking to examine how addiction impacts family systems. Learners assess the role of psychoeducation in treating and preventing addiction with individuals and families as well as other complex facets of addiction that include the role of family dynamics, the relationship between professional systems, models of recovery, and pathology. Learners also develop psychoeducation-informed family group therapy lesson plans.
4 quarter credits
COUN5268
Psychopharmacology and Medication Management
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the neurobiological, behavioral, psychological, and physical effects of psychoactive substances on individuals and analyze the classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medication. Learners also apply principles of psychopharmacology to the clinical practice of counselors and therapists, including consultation and interfacing with the medical community and other systems of care.
4 quarter credits
What you’ll learn
Help improve the lives of people with addictive disorders and behaviors using theory and research-based methods in the Addiction Treatment and Recovery specialization in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Identify and apply ethical, legal and professional standards related to addictions treatment and recovery
- Integrate knowledge of addictions counseling theory, research and professional literature to choose activities that promote optimal well-being and recovery in individuals, families, groups and systems.
- Develop diagnoses and treatment plans/interventions for substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors that integrate awareness of multicultural and social justice competencies.
- Communicate in a manner that is ethical, scholarly, professional and consistent with the expectations for members of professional communities
How much does the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $497 per credit
- $175 resource kit
- 90 total quarter credits
- 20 max transfer credits
$44,730
NO ADDITIONAL CREDITS 42 months
$48,209
ADDITIONAL CREDITS 60 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
“No additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and intend to practice in a state for which no additional credits are recommended for state licensure. “Additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and reside in a state for which additional coursework may be necessary for state licensure requirements. It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for state licensure or certification, including total credit requirements, in the state or territory for which you intend to practice. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: MD, PR, WV.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What are the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts with a minimum grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1- 866-736-1751 to discuss alternate admission options
- Your official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A goal statement that includes five short-answer responses about your professional goals, aptitude, and potential for success in the counseling profession
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: MD, PR, WV.
Get licensure details or contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Treatment and Recovery specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- Counselor
- Peer support specialist
Employment settings to explore*
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.