Program Overview
The Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate prepares students for impactful careers in the behavioral health and human services fields. This credit-bearing program provides foundational knowledge and practical experience for individuals interested in supporting people affected by substance use disorders. Whether you're beginning a career in addiction services or looking to enhance your professional qualifications, the certificate covers key areas such as addiction theory, counseling techniques, case management, ethics, and cultural competence. The program aligns with the core competencies required for licensure/certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Massachusetts (LADC & CADC).
Program Highlights
- Meets the academic requirements for licensure as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor (LADC) in Massachusetts.
- Students gain hands-on experience through a supervised field placement in a substance use treatment or recovery setting.
- Courses are taught by professionals with direct experience in addiction counseling and human services.
- Emphasizes trauma-informed care, diversity, equity, and inclusion in service delivery.
- All credits apply toward the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Associate in Science degree for those interested in continuing their education.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Courses in the program provide a balanced mix of theoretical foundations and applied practice. Sample courses include:
- Addiction and Society
- The Human Services Worker
- Individual Counseling for Addiction
- Group Counseling for Addiction
For a full list of courses visit our .
Graduates of the Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate are prepared for entry-level roles in the addiction and recovery services field. Possible job titles include:
- Substance Use Counselor (with additional credentialing)
- Recovery Specialist
- Case Manager
- Outreach Worker
- Addiction Support Specialist
This certificate is stackable and fully aligned with NSCC鈥檚 Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Associate in Science program, allowing students to continue their education seamlessly. For those pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree, NSCC鈥檚 transfer agreements help ensure that credits transfer easily to many four-year public institutions in Massachusetts. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Steven M. Chisholm, MA
Faculty/Program Coordinator
NSCC Drug & Alcohol Programs
Scott Barry, MS
Graduate & Youth Trauma Specialist
Robert Champagne, MS
Criminal Justice & Addiction Policy Specialist
Denise M. Croken, NP-C, CARN-AP
Nurse Practitioner & Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist
Jennifer Faretra, LICSW, LADC1
Addiction Services & Program Management Specialist
Brent Munson, Ed.D., LMFT
Faculty/Program Coordinator, NSCC Human Services
Michelle Simons, MSm LADC1, CADC, RCP-F
Recovery Coaching & Prevention Specialist
Cynthia Wigfall, M.Ed., CADAC
Clinical Supervision Specialist
Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program
Program Questions
781-477-2215
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC鈥檚 virtual concierge.
Accreditation
9I果冻制作厂 is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
MA Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
NSCC鈥檚 Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program is accredited by the MA Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.