Advanced Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services
The online 12- to 18-credit Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services Graduate Certificate is offered through the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada, Reno. The graduate certificate is available to individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and wish to expand their professional expertise in behavioral health, specific to substance use and co-occurring disorders.
The certificate program addresses critical workforce needs by preparing qualified professionals to support individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders. This certificate meets the growing demand for skilled behavioral health practitioners to expand their knowledge and skills. In particular it is valuable for individuals pursuing certification or licensure in Nevada as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Who Should Apply
This graduate certificate serves post-baccalaureate students who:
- Have experience providing counseling services
- Are pursuing dual licensure in the behavioral health field.
- Want to enhance their expertise in substance and co-occurring disorders treatment.
- Are practicing or intend to practice in prevention services and/or substance use disorder treatment settings.
Program Requirements
Each student will meet with a CASAT Advisor to develop a customized program of study based on their interests, experience, previous education, and career goals.
The curriculum is then chosen from a variety of core and specialized topics, clinical counseling practice, telehealth, and special topics that may include: women, process addictions, or clinical supervision.
The number of credits required will be determined after the student has met with a CASAT Advisor and based on the education attainment necessary for the student to achieve their career goals.
Important Notes
- Students with prior undergraduate or graduate coursework in substance use/misuse may have already completed a course equivalent to CAS 674. Please consult with your advisor to avoid repeating coursework.
- GRE scores are NOT required to apply for this certificate program.
- Federal financial aid is not available for certificate-only enrollment. Students must be enrolled in a degree program to qualify for federal aid. Please consult with UNR’s Financial Aid Department for more information.
Course Sequence
CAS 154: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction (3 credits)
Overview of how involvement with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can affect health, personal and social development. Relates social, philosophical, cultural, prevention and treatment issues. No Prerequisites
CAS 254: Signs and Symptoms of Addiction (3 credits)
Theories and models of alcohol and other drug addiction with emphasis on the signs and symptoms of problematic use and abuse. Prerequisite: CAS 154
CAS 255: Substance Abuse Prevention or CAS 257: Fundamentals of Behavioral Health (3 credits)
CAS 255 – A basic overview of substance abuse prevention with emphasis on scientifically defensible substance abuse prevention research and practices. No Prerequisites
CAS 257- An overview of wellness dimensions, peer support specialists’ ethics, patient advocacy, and systems of care navigation for the mental health and substance abuse services provider. No Prerequisites
CAS 354: Screening and Client Engagement (3 credits)
Overview of philosophical and procedural components for providing addictions services, professional characteristics, ethical/legal issues, helping process and initial assessment. Prerequisites: CAS 154 and Program Acceptance
CAS 355: Individual and Group Treatment of Addiction or CAS 357: Behavioral Health in the Justice System (3 credits)
CAS 355-Strategies and core competencies for treating addicted individual and group counseling. Experiential learning is the primary approach utilized in this class. Prerequisites: CAS 154, CAS 254, Program Acceptance, and CAS 354 **Please note: CAS 355 is a required course for students seeking careers in clinical substance use services.
CAS 357- Provides theoretical, research-based and practical perspectives on the two overlapping fields of criminal justice and behavioral healthcare (including substance abuse and mental health). Prerequisite: CAS 154
.CAS 454: Assessment and Case Management (3 credits)
Practical application of providing addiction services; assessment, placement, treatment planning, ethical/legal issues, and case management. Prerequisite: CAS 154, CAS 254, Program Acceptance, and CAS 354
Example Course Options
- CAS 637 – Aging and Addiction
- CAS 639 – Exploring Gambling Behaviors
- CAS 660 – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
- CAS 661 – Clinical Considerations and Technology in Behavioral Health
- CAS 662 – Ethics and Technology in Behavioral Health Practice
- CAS 663 – Virtual Client Engagement in Behavioral Health Practice
- CAS 674 – Overview of Addiction Prevention, Treatment & Recovery
- CAS 712R – The Neurosciences of Addiction
- CAS 759 – Assessment, Treatment, and Case Management
- CAS 760 – Advanced Addiction Counseling – Individuals
- CAS 761 – Couple and Family Treatment of Addictions
Note: only one course from the Tele-behavioral Health Services online course series will apply to this certificate. These courses are CAS 661, 662, and 663.
Application requirements:
- Step 1: Prior to submitting a UNR graduate certificate application, complete and submit the CASAT Eligibility form (below), a CV/resume and unofficial transcripts (redact any personal information deemed necessary prior to submitting).
- Step 2: Apply to UNR Graduate School after meeting with a CASAT Advisor.
UNR Information
- UNR Graduate Tuition and Fees: https://www.unr.edu/grad/funding
- UNR Graduate School certificate application information: https://www.unr.edu/grad/graduate-programs
UNR Application Deadlines
- Fall – August 1st
- Spring – November 1st
- Summer – April 1st
It’s recommended you receive advising prior to applying to UNR to ensure the program is a good fit.
Things to Consider
Avoid Repeating Courses
If you completed the undergraduate minor or certificate in addiction treatment services, skip CAS 674, it covers the same material. Also avoid graduate versions of undergraduate courses you’ve already taken. An advisor can assist in navigating to avoid duplication.
Nevada Licensure Pathways
This Advanced Certificate meets Nevada Board of Examiners (BOE) educational requirements for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors. For details, review the Alcohol & Drug General Information, Flowchart for Alcohol and Drug Counselor Credentials, and visit the NV BOE website alcohol.nv.gov.
Out-of-State Licensure
Requirements vary by state. Review our Certification and License Disclosure by State page to see where this program may meet professional requirements outside of Nevada.
Contact Information
Terra Hamblin, MA, NCC, BC-TMH
thamblin@casat.org
CASAT Office: 775.784.6265