Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
Acquire the knowledge to become an effective substance use disorder counselor. Learn the skills to help clients identify and change addiction-related beliefs and behaviors. Format: Remote (Required Courses). Internship is in person.
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What you can learn.
Pursue a substance use disorder counseling career.
Addiction is one of the most pressing public health challenges in society today. With nearly 21 million Americans—a number that is greater than all cancer diagnoses combined—suffering from substance use disorders, there is an urgent need for competent and knowledgeable counselors in the field.
To help address this serious issue, the UCLA Extension Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate program prepares students for professional certification and careers in substance use disorder counseling.
Format: Remote (required courses). Internship is in person.
Duration: 1.5 years
Practical training and coaching
Our program prepares individuals interested in getting started in the field, as well as those already working in it, to identify addiction-related behaviors and help clients find their motivation to change them using evidence-based practices. Students emerge with a comprehensive set of skills; program graduates are trained to counsel clients and families, and participate in treatment planning.
The UCLA Extension difference
UCLA Extension works to ensure students are provided with the most current, relevant and scientifically sound curriculum and training available.
Students participate in a supervised field work practicum, where they not only have the opportunity to put their skills into practice, but are able to contribute to the community while still in school. Further, graduates meet the educational requirements for professional certification through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).
Information Session and New Student Orientation
Attend our free information session and new student orientation to learn more about the growing profession of substance use disorder counseling and meet instructors who teach in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate. Attendance is required to complete the application to the program.
The UCLA Extension Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals Education Institute (CCAPP-EI).
Cost and Fees
This program begins in Fall quarter. All prospective certificate candidates must complete an application process prior to enrolling in required courses.
To apply:
- Apply for the certificate candidacy by clicking "Apply Now" below
- Enroll in and attend the New Student Orientation offered in Summer quarter
- Enroll in and complete the Study Skills course offered in Summer quarter
You may waive this course requirement if you have successfully completed an associate degree or higher. To waive the prerequisite, please upload unofficial transcripts when applying for the certificate.You can also mail transcripts if you prefer to the following address:
UCLA Extension
Department of Health Sciences and Sciences
10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600
Los Angeles, CA 90024-3802
Upon completion of steps 1-3, successful applicants will be assessed a $125 nonrefundable candidacy fee, payable once permission to enroll in the program is granted
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate program includes:
- A convenient schedule that allows completion of all required courses in 1½ years (6 quarters) if coursework begins in the fall
- Completion of all prerequisite courses to sit for the CCAPP certification exam
- Over 343 hours of education
- 255 Supervised Field Work Practicum hours
Additional benefits exclusive to UCLA Extension certificate students:
- Access to Handshake, UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings
- Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and a nationwide network of Bruin family
- Join us for the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate all your hard work
- Get access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate*
- Open an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card* for a number of student-related benefits
- PLUS, all UCLA Extension students have access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops and networking events
Practical training is offered through fieldwork experience—including an opportunity to participate in a two-quarter Supervised Field Work Practicum course.
Both experiential and didactic, this practicum incorporates information learned in prerequisite courses and serves as the capstone experience in the curriculum. Students spend 255 hours in direct agency internship, and complete 18 classroom sessions that utilize role playing, case studies and other exercises to troubleshoot counseling issues.
Students are encouraged to research facilities of interest to them at the beginning of their coursework, and must secure their field work practicum site and complete paperwork prior to enrolling in the Supervised Field Work Practicum course.
Learn more
The Zappala Family Scholarship, established in 2013, supports students enrolled in the UCLA Extension Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate.
When it comes to the cycle of addiction, skilled and well-trained substance use disorder counselors make all the difference in the lives of those who struggle with the disease. This scholarship was created to provide qualified individuals the opportunity to pursue professional careers as addiction counselors.
The Zappala family has been personally touched by the devastating effects of addiction and strongly believes in supporting the education of those seeking to help individuals and families overcome addiction, achieve recovery, and return to a healthy way of living. Thanks to the support of qualified and compassionate counselors, a member of the Zappala family successfully received treatment for addiction, rebuilt a sober life, and later pursued his own career in substance use disorder counseling after completing his certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling at UCLA Extension. In gratitude for that support, the Zappala family offers assistance to those pursuing careers in substance use disorder counseling to ensure that expert counselors are readily available for other families like theirs.
Please note: Applications will be accepted Monday, April 1, 2024, at 8am through Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11:59pm (PT).
UCLA Extension alumna Cara Sandweiss and her partner Trevis Smith overcame addiction – and launched the Profound Scholarship to help others do the same.
The Profound Scholarship, established in 2025, and funded by a generous gift from Cara Sandweiss and partner Trevis Smith, supports students enrolled in the UCLA Extension Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate. When it comes to the cycle of addiction, skilled and well-trained counselors can make all the difference in supporting people experiencing substance use disorders. This scholarship stems from a desire to ensure that people in recovery are getting the best care available. It was created to provide qualified individuals with the opportunity to pursue professional careers as addiction counselors. “We wanted to find a way to encourage more people who want to do this work, and who want to do it well, to have the tools they need to get started.” – Cara Sandweiss
Submission Deadline: Aug 15, 2025
Required Courses
Prerequisite
Information Session and New Student Orientation: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate
Attend this free information session and new student orientation to learn more about the growing profession of substance use disorder counseling and meet instructors who teach in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate. Attendance is required to complete the application to the program.
Study Skills and Other Key Preparations for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate
Required
Bringing Recovery to Diverse Populations
Co-Occurring Disorders for Addiction Professionals
Developmental Aspects of Psychology and Addiction
Family Counseling Skills
Group Counseling Skills
The UCLA Extension Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate meets the educational requirements for those seeking professional certification from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and its certification board, CCAPP Credentialing.
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