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Chemical Dependency Specialist

Certificate

The Chemical Dependency Specialist Program provides training for students interested in working with those affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The program meets Washington State educational requirements for Chemical Dependency Professional certification. State requirements include a minimum A.A.S. degree and 45 credits of chemical dependency specific curriculum (WAC 246-811-030). Additional Washington State Department of Health requirements must be satisfied to obtain certification. Consult the division counselor and/or the Washington State Department of Health before enrolling.
Students with a higher level of formal education may also obtain the 45 credits of chemical dependency curriculum through the Chemical Dependency Specialist Program. A Washington State background check may be required for Field Practicum. A 2.0 is required in all Chemical Dependency certificate courses.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Certificate Full Time: 4 to 5
Part Time: 		52.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

There are no entry requirements for this program

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.

Job tests this program will prepare you for:

  • Courses meet the State of Washington Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and the Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board requirements for chemical dependency qualification.

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (206) 934-4068. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

The following fee is associated with the program:

  • Books and supplies: $1,368

Hours may vary based on specific program requirements.

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Intro to beginning-level interviewing and counseling skills in multicultural settings. Demonstration of human services values and knowledge of diverse populations' needs through counseling techniques: developing relationships; identifying problems, solutions, and goals; and evaluating progress.

 SHS 106 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Introduction to group work, including group processes, communication patterns, group and individual goal-setting, leadership, and decision-making. Includes group participation, role-playing, and simulations.

 SHS 108 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Includes history, trends, transmission, infection control, testing, counseling, BRI, and psychosocial issues. Meets requirements for human services and chemical dependency professionals. Approved by the WA State Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

SHS 150 1.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Examines U.S. society and the diversity within it, as well as the effects of societal structures on clients. Topics include an overview of general principles of cultural diversity and cross-cultural services delivery to individuals from many diverse backgrounds.

 SHS 210 3.0

This class provides an introduction to suicide assessment and prevention. Students will be introduced to topics such as signs and symptoms of suicidal/self-harm behavior, facts and myths about suicidal behavior, conducting an assessment interview, risk factors and protective factors, the treatment of suicidal individuals, the contagion effect, and self-care for those working with suicidal/self-harm individuals.

 SHS 230 3.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Studies pharmacological addictions of alcohol and other drugs. Explores the physiological and psychological effects of drugs, clinical signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with addiction, effects of drug and alcohol use on the nervous system, drug classifications and medication assisted treatment (MAT). Prereq: SHS 235 with 2.0 GPA; eligibility for ENGL&099, and Math 087 or 091. Meets educational requirements for courses for Substance Use Professional included in WAC 246-811-030.

 SHS 231 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Explores adolescent and family addiction issues from developmental, clinical, social, cultural and treatment perspectives. Focus is on family theories and conceptual frameworks, the impact of addiction on adolescent and family development, assessment and diagnosis, the progression of addiction/disease for families and adolescents, implications for treatment, aftercare and relapse.

 SHS 232 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Introduction to addiction counseling. Evidence-based therapeutic methods such SBIRT, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed Care, Relapse Prevention and Seeking Safety will be investigated in the context of cultural diversity. Prerequisites: SHS 235 with 2.0; eligible for ENGL099; and MATH087 or MATH091. Meets educational requirements for courses relating to the substance use disorder professional included in WAC 246-811-030.

 SHS 233 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Introduction to misuse of and addiction to psychoactive drugs. Includes history, theories, current research, and treatment practices, and the nature of successful recovery as well as prevention concepts.

 SHS 235 5.0

Overview of mental health and co-occurring disorders. Identification of referral processes, treatment options, barriers unique to this population, services available to the co-occurring disorder consumer in the context of culture, race and ethnicity

 SHS 255 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Explores the WA Administrative Codes, federal codes, and professional codes of ethics that apply to human services and substance use disorder professionals. Examines ethical theory, ethical decision-making, and ethical practice in a multicultural context. Meets educational requirements for courses for Substance Use Professional included in WAC 246-811-030.

 SHS 270 5.0

This course meets current minimum state requirements for registration as Chemical Dependency Counselors with the Department of Health.

Examines the roles of human services and substance use disorder professional case managers. Students explore all aspects of case management, including service coordination, screening, ASAM Criteria, assessment and treatment planning.

 SHS 280 3.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Survey of human physical, psychological, and sociocultural development from conception through death. Emphasis on major developmental theories, research and research methods of studying lifespan development.

 PSYC& 200 5.0