Our Addiction and Recovery Studies academic certificate program will prepare you to work in a behavioral health and human services field that relates to understanding substance abuse. You will learn how to demonstrate a basic set of helping skills (warmth, empathy, reflective listening) needed for entry employment in the addictions field, work as a culturally sensitive ethical practitioner, demonstrate a stronger sense of self resulting from personal growth experiences, and use critical thinking and writing skills needed for working with clients. Individuals working in the addictions field require diverse backgrounds, training and experience. Students come to the program degreed, non-degreed and from various academic disciplines, bringing with them varied levels of understanding and expertise in the assessment and treatment of mental health and substance abuse.
Addiction and Recovery Studies Academic Certificate
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
Mental Health Counselors - est. salary $66,221*
Social and Human Service Assistants – est. salary $38,801
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors – est. salary $54,737
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHHS 121 - Foundations of Addiction Studies | 3 credits | Major course | |
| BHHS 101 - Introduction to Behavioral Health & Human Services | 3 credits | Major course | |
| BHHS 111 - Introduction to Helping Skills | 3 credits | BHHS 101, must be taken concurrently | Major course |
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | Writing Research/Info Lit 1 | |
| CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts* | 3 credits | Students with computer experience may apply for credit by exam through the Computer Technologies Department. | Technological Competency |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) | 3 credits | Quantitative Reasoning |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHHS 105 - Introduction to Group Dynamics | 3 credits | Major course | |
| BHHS 131 - Faith and Spirituality in Human Services or BHHS 102 - Social Determinants of Behavioral Health |
3 credits | Major course | |
| BHHS 191 - Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care | 3 credits | Prerequisite: BHHS 111 with a grade "C" or better | Major course Cultural Analysis and Interpretation |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade "C" or better | Writing Research/Info Lit 2 |
| BHHS 222 - Assessment and Service Planning in Recovery | 3 credits | Prerequisite: BHHS 121 | Major course |
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention
$42,128
1,422
in the region
+5.1%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
- Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
- Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
- Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $28,763. Normal pay for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is $42,128 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $61,685.
Program Information
Addiction and Recovery Studies Academic Certificate
Degree Type:
Academic CertificateCredits Needed to Graduate:
33