Chemical Dependency Counseling

This degree program gives you a strong foundation to prepare for a career in alcohol and substance abuse counseling and coursework is designed to meet application requirements for the Credential in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling (CASAC), which is administered by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

The program does not prepare students for practice outside the regulations of a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) as defined by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

This academic program is primarily designed for those who wish to enter the workforce immediately following graduation. Transfer agreements exist for those who wish to continue their education at a four-year college or university.

This program is offered by the Human Services and Chemical Dependency Counseling Department. The department also offers a Chemical Dependency Counseling certificate program for those are already working in the field who may have completed an associate or bachelor's degree but need to obtain their CASAC.

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Highlights

Field Experience

Excellent Reputation

CASAC Preparation

Upon graduation students will have accumulated a total of 336 work hours that can be applied towards the work requirement of the CASAC application procedure.

The Credential in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling (CASAC) Trainee certification program (CASAC-T) is administered by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), provider number 0103. OASAS administers the largest public-operated addictions counselor certification program in the country.

Substance abuse providers in New York State are approaching a workforce depletion as qualified staff are leaving the field at a rate that exceeds those entering the field. In an effort to address this problem, in certain OASAS licensed agencies, a designated CASAC trainee may be considered for the Qualified Health Professional (QHP) staffing requirement. The CASAC Trainee certificate will serve as documentation that the applicant is working towards his or her CASAC.

Students in this program may be eligible for this certification upon graduation.

Classes needed to be eligible for the CASAC-T:

CDEP 100 - Intro. To Chemical Dependency*
CDEP 105 - Pharmacology & Physiology of Addiction*
CDEP 200 - Chemical Dependency Treatment Process* (fall)
CDEP 250 - Chemical Dependency Counseling I
CDEP 251- Chemical Dependency Internship I
CDEP 205 - Cultural Competence in Addiction Counseling* (spring)
CDEP 255 - Chemical Dependency Counseling II
CDEP 256 - Chemical Dependency Internship II
HUSV 105 - Human Development & the Family*
HUSV 205 - Introduction to Social Group Work

* Offered Online

Meet our Faculty

Faculty members are active professionals working in the field of addiction counseling.

Patricia Birch, LMSW

Brian Farr, M.S., CASAC
President's Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient (2015)

Karen Nash, M.S.W.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service recipient (2002)

Denise Pickering, Ph.D.

Maryanne Pepe, A.C.S.W.
President's Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient (1995)
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient (2005)

Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network

Recent employers include: Addiction Care Center of Albany, Albany Housing Coalition, Catholic Charities, Conifer Park, Hope House, Inc. and SPARC.

Many graduates are employed in professional counselor positions in treatment facilities in the Capital Region and throughout New York State. Some work as field placement supervisors for our students.

Salaries vary based on position and degree attainment. Here are median salaries taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of 2017): Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor, $45,130; Social and Human Service Assistants, $36,310.