About SUD
Substance Use Disorder Counselor Training is a combination of education and supportive services designed to help you become a certified substance use disorder counselor. We cover all expenses, including tuition, registration as a substance use disorder registered counselor (SUDRC), textbooks and certification.
The Process
Application – To apply for the Substance Use Disorder Counselor Training program, fill out the application form. You then receive a link to schedule an appointment with a program specialist who assists you throughout the program and places you at one of our two partnering education providers.
Education – Depending on your eligibility, you receive training at either Palomar College or UC San Diego, Division of Extended Studies.
Registration – The first step to becoming a substance use disorder (SUD) counselor is to register with California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP). To do this, you must first complete the 9.5-hour ethics course. A program specialist will guide you through this process.
Internship – You need to commit to completing a total of 2,650 hours of combined formal education and supervised work experience to become a certified substance use disorder counselor. Completing 2,650 hours can take up to 18 months on a full-time schedule. Our team helps place you in a paid internship throughout the course of the program.
Certification – After you’ve completed all required hours, you are eligible to take the certification exam. Certification is offered through California Association of DUI Treatment Programs and the cost is covered by the Workforce Partnership.
Certification offered through Palomar College Community College
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for enrollment in courses at this college, you must be 18+, fully vaccinated, and live in and plan to work in San Diego County.
Course options: Courses are available in-person and online; some online courses require live instruction.
Course overview:
- Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Physiology/Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
- Prevention, Intervention, and Education
- Group Leadership and Process
- Case Management, Law and Ethics
- Chemical Dependency Family Counseling ONLY
- Directed Field Experience
- Directed Field Experience ll
- Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
- Social Problems or Introduction to Sociology III
Timeline: 11 courses over 18 months
Certification offered through UC San Diego, Division of Extended Studies
Eligibility: To be eligible for enrollment in courses at this college, you must be 18+, fully vaccinated, Unemployed or underemployed and live in and plan to work in San Diego County.
Course options: Courses are available In-person and online; some online courses require live instruction.
Course overview:
- Cultural, Social, and Historical Overview of Alcohol and Drug Related Problems
- Introduction to Counseling Models
- Addiction and Recovery: Etiology and Physiology
- Addiction Science: Psychology and Pharmacology
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery
- Applied Skills for Group Dynamics and Facilitation
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Addiction Problems: Prevention, Public Health, and Public Policy
- Advanced Intervention
- Crisis Intervention: Theory and Practical Skills
- Basic and Advanced Counseling Skills and Characteristics
- Practicum for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
Timeline: 12 courses over 18 months
If you have any questions about the program, you may email us at hello@workforce.org or give us a call at (619) 319-WORK (9675).
Apply today
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