Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling
Certificate Program

Become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

Counseling and human development programs are rapidly emerging as the employer's response to the alcohol, drug and emotional problems of today's work force. Experts claim that 20% of America's work force suffer from serious personal or emotional problems during their careers, and industry sustains a loss of more than $100 billion yearly as a result.

Long Island University offers an OASAS-approved certificate program which leads to New York State Certification as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). This program satisfies the minimum 350-hour educational requirements as set forth by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and prepares you for the CASAC examination. This certification is recognized in 39 states, Canada and Mexico.

Courses are taught by distinguished practitioners drawn from the fields of counseling, family therapy, psychology, and the private sector.

Through both theoretical and experiential components, you learn about alcoholism and substance abuse. You will develop skills in individual and group counseling techniques, assessment and case management, and discharge planning. The counselor's professional and ethical responsibilities, including child abuse reporting, are also central to the program.

CASAC Requirements
Applicants for the CASAC are required to take written and oral examinations after completing the program and fulfilling work experience requirements. State-required work experience to take the CASAC examination is as follows:

• With a Masters Degree --- 1 year of work
• With a Bachelors Degree --- 2 years of work
• With a H.S. Diploma/GED --- 3 years of work

Graduate Credit
Our program is also approved by the New York State Education Department for those students who wish to take courses for graduate credit. Students accepted and registered in LIU's graduate department of Counseling and Development may be awarded 12 graduate credits for ALCX 674, ALCX 675, ALCX 677 and ALCX 678 only. For further information about graduate credits, contact the Department of Counseling and Development at (718) 488-1069.

Application Procedures:
1. Call the School of Continuing Studies at (718) 488-3439 to request an application. You should try to apply at least two weeks before classes begin.
2. When the completed application and attachments are received, you will be contacted.
3. To work towards graduate credits, you must complete a Long Island University Graduate Admissions Application and be accepted as a graduate student in addition to completing the application for the School of Continuing Studies.

Program and Certificate Requirements
ALCX 674 must be taken at the start of the program. That course and selected courses are offered each semester (Fall, Spring and Summer).

On completion of the program, the student is eligible to receive New York State's OASAS's CASAC Trainee License.

To be eligible to receive the certificate, you must successfully complete:

ALCX 674 Theories and Principles of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling
ALCX 675 Introduction to the Techniques of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling

ALCX 677 Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Substance Abuse
or
ALCX 678 Physical and Pharmacological Effects of Substance Abuse

ALCX 680 Counseling Techniques/Practical Applications
ALCX 681 Counseling Special Populations
ALCX 682 Treatment Approaches for Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors
ALCX 683 Effects of Chemical Dependency on the Family System
ALCX 684 HIV/AIDS/STDs and Substance Abuse
ALCX 685 Relapse and Relapse Prevention
ALCX 686 Intervention Training Techniques
ALCX 690 Assessment, Evaluation & Treatment Planning
ALCX 691 Case Management & Discharge Planning
ALCX 692 Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Prevention Education
ALCX 700 Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

with a grade of "C" or higher for each course.

There is a $30 certificate fee, payable at the beginning of the last course in the program.

Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling Courses

OASAS Section I:
Knowledge of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

Theories and Principles of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling (ALCX 674)
This course introduces basic theories and principles of alcoholism and substance abuse counseling as well as techniques for motivating the chemically dependent client to engage in treatment. Emphasis is placed on theories of vocational counseling and the relationship between work, self-esteem and recovery. In addition, you will learn how to explore various resources for counselors, and find ways to advance in your profession. (30 hours)

ALCX 674 $355
Section 1: Mondays, 6:10 - 8:20 p.m.
September 8 - December 8
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Introduction to the Techniques of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling (ALCX 675)
This course provides a foundation in the basic techniques of counseling. You will receive an overview of chemical dependency treatment and explore counselor interventions, qualities and skills. (30 hours)

ALCX 675 $355
Section 1: Wednesdays, 6:10 - 8:10 p.m.
September 10 - December 10
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *

Note: One of the following two courses --- ALCX 677 & ALCX 678 --- is required.

Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Substance Abuse (ALCX 677)
This course provides you with a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of drug use and its cause factors. Exploration of what addiction is and who is an addict is examined through a study of psychological and sociological concepts. (30 hours)

ALCX 677 $355
Section 1: Tuesdays, 6:10 - 8:10 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Physical and Pharmacological Effects of Substance Abuse (ALCX 678)
This course examines how substance abuse affects the body. Psychoactive drug categories are explored in relation to their history, administration, and how the body processes licit and illicit drugs. (30 hours)

ALCX 678 $355
Section 1: Thursdays, 6:10 - 8:10 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff


OASAS Section II:
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling

Counseling Techniques/Practical Applications (ALCX 680)
You will learn group leadership skills and various therapeutic techniques of group counseling through lecture and practical applications. Emphasis is placed on understanding the therapeutic process, developing listening skills, and utilizing therapeutic communication. (30 hours)

ALCX 680 $355
Section 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Counseling Special Populations (ALCX 681)
In this course you will learn to identify the special needs of substance abusers from different critical populations such as MICA, homeless, gay and lesbian, HIV+, and the physically challenged. You will develop an understanding of specific counseling and treatment needs related to gender, ethnicity, age and co-dependency. (30 hours)

ALCX 681 $355
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Treatment Approaches for Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (ALCX 682)
This course provides extensive knowledge about formulating treatment approaches to address specific drugs, symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal. A variety of treatment approaches are explored including methadone maintenance, detoxification and self-help programs. (30 hours)

ALCX 682 $355
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Effects of Chemical Dependency on the Family System (ALCX 683)
This course examines the deterioration of the family system when a member suffers from chemical dependency. You will explore the effects of the chemical dependency progress upon the non-dependent family members and on the system as a whole. Techniques in family/collateral counseling are also discussed. (15 hours)

ALCX 683 $230
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
HIV/AIDS/STDs and Substance Abuse (ALCX 684)
This course prepares you with a basic understanding of HIV, AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases, and related health care issues as they relate to substance abuse counseling. (15 hours)

ALCX 684 $230
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Relapse and Relapse Prevention (ALCX 685)
In this course you will develop an understanding of the process of relapse, its relationship to the recovery process, and how the counselor can assist in relapse prevention. (15 hours)

ALCX 685 $230
Section 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Intervention Training Techniques (ALCX 686)
This course introduces you to the concept of intervention in the treatment of addiction and explores different methods of intervening. You will learn the dynamics of interventions and become familiar with the counselor's role. (15 hours)

ALCX 686 $230
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff


OASAS Section III:
Assessment; Clinical Evaluation; Treatment Planning; Case Management;
Patient, Family and Community Education

Assessment, Evaluation & Treatment Planning (ALCX 690)
This course covers evaluation of the client's psychosocial, vocational, educational and health history. You will learn to assess substance abuse status and develop treatment plans. (30 hours)

ALCX 690 $355
Section 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Case Management & Discharge Planning (ALCX 691)
This course prepares you for the implementation of the treatment plan. You will become knowledgeable about the relationships between intake, case management and discharge planning. Clinical record keeping and effective discharge planning is also covered. (30 hours)

ALCX 691 $355
Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Prevention Education (ALCX 692)
In this course you learn the significance and application of substance abuse prevention education at various levels. You will address prevention education as it relates to patients, families and communities in general --- and will learn to develop culturally relevant education programs to raise awareness. (30 hours)

ALCX 692 $355
Section 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff


OASAS Section IV:
Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Professional and Ethical Responsibilities (ALCX 700)
You will address ethical principles of alcohol and substance abuse counselors. You will learn about issues specific to the counselor-client relationship, the Ethical Canon, and the Federal Code of Confidentiality. This course also provides content on counselor wellness and its significance to the profession, as well as a special seminar on child abuse reporting requirements. (45 hours)

ALCX 700 $495
Section 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Staff


Elective Course

CASAC Test Preparation (ALCX 701)
This 20-hour workshop provides you with an overview to prepare for the New York State Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) exam. Designed for persons who have completed or are near completion of the state-mandated education and work experience requirements, this workshop places emphasis upon the following: test content (including a knowledge of alcoholism and substance abuse); evaluation and assessment; referral; counseling techniques and treatments; professional settings and ethical principles. Ways to prepare for the exam and exam-taking skills are also covered. (20 hours)

ALCX 701 $325
Schedule to be announced.

Independent Seminars

Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse (ALCX 702)
This seminar equips professionals with the information necessary to fulfill licensure application/renewal requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Education. (2 hours)

ALCX 702 $50 ($30 for LIU School of Education students with LIU ID)
Section 1: Saturday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Desiree Chung, MS
* * * * *
Violence Prevention and Intervention (ALCX 703)
This seminar is in response to the ever-increasing violence in schools in New York State. It brings awareness of the problem to school personnel and provides them with violence prevention and intervention skills and techniques. This seminar meets New York State certification requirements and is for professionals who work in New York State schools. (2 hours)

ALCX 703 $50 ($30 for LIU School of Education students with LIU ID)
Section 1: Saturday, 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Schedule to be announced.
Instructor: Desire Chung, MS