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Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior
Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Take your career in behavioral health to the next level with a focused course of study on addiction and addictive behaviors. Learn theories of addiction treatment, explore interventions for substance use disorders, and examine contemporary issues impacting addiction.
This certificate is not designed to meet state licensure requirements for the counseling professions.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 4 Core courses
- 1 Elective
Reduce your tuition by $1,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $1K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your certificate. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore counseling courses
- This certificate requires a total of 20 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five courses
| COUN5258 |
Group Therapy and Treatment of Substance-Related and Addictive Behaviors
In this course, 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. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MSW, MSW—Advanced Standing, and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN5260 |
Theories of Addiction Treatment
Learners in this course 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. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MSW, MSW—Advanced Standing, and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5261 |
Interventions for Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Learners in this course 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. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MSW, MSW—Advanced Standing, and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5264 |
Contemporary Issues in the Treatment of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
In this course, learners gain and apply the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career as an addictions counselor. Learners analyze the history of addiction treatment as well as approaches to treatment and examine case management, including continuum of care. Learners also develop an understanding of ethical considerations, special populations, and general terminology for the field of addiction treatment. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MSW, MSW—Advanced Standing, and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
In addition, choose one from the following courses:
| COUN5108 * |
Foundations of Addiction and Addictive Behavior
This course provides learners with fundamental knowledge of addiction from its historical roots through contemporary issues. Learners examine theory and research that guides treatment for substance use disorders and related addictive behaviors, including the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. In addition, learners review empirically supported interventions for individuals, families, groups, and diverse populations, as well as emerging issues in the field based upon current research. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior graduate certificate, MSW, and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5223 or COUN5260 or SWK5013. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN5266 |
Family Systems and Psychoeducation in Addiction
Learners in this course 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. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5268 |
Psychopharmacology and Medication Management
Learners in this course 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. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
- Theories of addiction and its application to human behavior
- Individual and group approaches to the treatment of addiction and addictive behavior
- Ethical and professional standards governing the treatment of addiction and substance use disorders
How much does a graduate certificate in counseling cost?
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See 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 term
$9,940
estimated tuition*
$497 per credit, 20 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
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. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for certificates?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Approved Education Provider
Capella University is an Approved Education Provider of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, for its MS in Addiction Studies and Graduate Certificate in Addictive Behavior.
What are the graduate certificate in counseling admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Counseling, Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- 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.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a certificate student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your certificate with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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