Addictions Program
The University of Idaho Addictions Program is designed to provide all coursework required for an individual to become an Addiction’s Counselor in Idaho or Washington. This includes all classes required by licensing agencies in both states. All classes have been approved by the Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification.
Classes focus on basics of addictions counseling basics (e.g. theory, psychopharmacology, counseling skills) as well as emphasis areas (e.g. blood and airborne pathogens, relapse prevention, screening, assessment, and placement). Classes are taught by faculty with either addictions counseling and/or research experience.
When Classes are Offered
Classes are offered online each academic semester, including summer. Also all classes are offered through Independent Study in Idaho (ISI). ISI allows students to start classes at any time and are not time restricted within a specific semester.
Curriculum Options
The Addictions Minor can be added to any bachelor's degree, or a second option is to enroll in the two Academic Certificates: Chemical Addictions: Principles and Practice and Professional Skills in Chemical Addictions Counseling. Academic Certificates can also be sought independently of a bachelor's degree making them a choice for those who are not enrolled in a UI bachelor's degree or those who have a bachelor's degree from another institution.
The requirements for the Addictions Minor or the two Academic Certificates are the same cohort of eight classes; refer to the Catalog for details.
Current students can add the Addictions Minor or two Academic Certificates through Student Profile using the Change My Major link.
Other Certification Issues
- At UI, certification classes are set up to be completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
- It is critical that you visit the appropriate certification board website. There you will find additional requirements you will need for certification. For example, depending on your academic degree, you may be required to have between 2000-6000 hours under clinical supervision.
- Considering addiction’s clients may have other psychological issues, the Addiction’s Program believes all students should complete the following Psychology Courses:
Introduction to Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Learning or Applied Behavior Analysis.
See: General overview of Idaho requirements.
Questions? Contact Ben Barton: barton@uidaho.edu.