Addiction Studies Program
Virtual Open House
Tuesday, March 4, 2025: 5-6:30 p.m.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about 甜瓜视频app, understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.
Addictions are a serious issue that causes problems for individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The toll can be seen in hospitals and emergency departments, and is linked not only to physical and mental health problems but also to family stress, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and crime.
The Department of Social Work offers a 12-credit hour Addiction Studies Program (ASP) for students who are enrolled in the Master of Social Work and Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs. Additionally, the program is open to practitioners seeking licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS-A) and Master level Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) or for individuals seeking CEU's for their LCAS. The program meets 180-hours of addiction specific educational requirements as identified by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. It is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the field of addictive disorder practice and increase the number of qualified addictions specialists in Western North Carolina.
For additional information about North Carolina Addictions Specialist Licensure and Certificate Requirements:
Practitioners (non-students) register for courses through the Graduate School. Each class offers 45 contact hours of continuing education credit approved by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. Completion of coursework in the Addiction Studies Program does not waive other state board requirements for the LCAS, LCAS-A, or Master Level CADC credentials.
Program Requirements:
Practitioners can elect to take any or all of the courses following completion of SOCW 520. Practitioners are required to earn a grade of C or better for the courses to be accepted by the NCASPPB.
- SOCW 520: Addictions - Provides an overview of complex issues related to addictions, including drug, alcohol, gambling, and eating addictions; examines addiction within the context of developmental life stages and culture.
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- This course is taught synchronously via zoom in the Spring and Summer I Semesters.
- SOCW 522: Methods of Addictive Disorder Treatment - The methods course teaches knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in a variety of clinical settings specific to substance misuse.
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- This course is taught synchronously via zoom in the Fall semester.
- PREQ SOCW 520.
- SOCW 524: Cultural Humility in Addictive Disorder Treatment - Provides an overview of unique problems and needs related to substance misuse treatment among diverse populations; application of culturally sensitive intervention strategies.
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- This course is taught synchronously via zoom in the Summer II session.
- PREQ SOCW 520
- SOCW 525: Science of Addiction - Explores the biological basis of addiction; physiological and psychological effects of substance misuse.
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- This course is taught synchronously via zoom in the Spring Semester.
- PREQ SOCW 520
Interested practitioners should contact Aaron Plantenberg prior to applying to the program.
Application Deadlines (Only for Practitioners)
Fall - August 1 (January start)
Spring - December 1 (June start)
Students enrolled in the Master of Social Work and Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs must complete the following requirements:
- Completion of all four Addiction Studies courses with a grade of C or higher:
- SOCW 520 or COUN 617
- SOCW 522
- SOCW 524
- SOCW 525
- 6 hours of Clinical Supervision training
- 6 hours of Clinical Ethics
- 6 hours of HIV/AIDs/STDs/TB/Blood Borne Pathogens training.
- 6 hours selected from the list below.
- Nicotine use disorder
- Psychopathology
- Evidence-based treatment
- Substance use disorder issues and older adults
- Substance use disorder issues and veterans
- Substance use disorder issues and domestic violence
- A Field Placement or Internship in an ASP approved site for a minimum of 300 hours.
- 30+ hours of clinical supervision by a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) or Certified Clinical Supervisor- Intern (CSI)
Through the course work and additional trainings in clinical supervision and HIV/AIDS/TB/Blood Borne Pathogens students easily meet all of these requirements. The additional training opportunities are provided to students as part of the program.
Completion of the ASP allows for students to seek licensure as an LCAS-A and become fully licensed one year post-grad if they pass the licensure exam and complete all additional supervision and clinical hours in that time frame.
Application deadline for Traditional Program students: January 31 of the Foundation Year
Application deadline for Advanced Standing students: Following acceptance of the program
For More Information Contact:
Aaron Plantenberg, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Instructor/ Addiction Studies Program Coordinator
Email: aplantenberg@wcu.edu
Department of Social Work
HHS 316
Phone: 828.227.2703