Program Overview
Mercy University's CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program provides comprehensive training in chemical dependency counseling, preparing students for direct patient care and supervisory roles in substance abuse treatment. The program emphasizes practical skills, ethical guidelines, and an interdisciplinary perspective, equipping graduates for careers in various settings, including treatment centers, mental health clinics, and social service agencies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Mercy University CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program is an educational training program that has been certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), fulfilling educational requirements for state licensure. The curriculum provides comprehensive knowledge, skills, and techniques essential for chemical dependency counseling, preparing students for direct patient care and supervisory roles in substance abuse and addiction treatment. The program emphasizes assessment, counseling, case management, client and family education, and professional responsibility. Graduates earn 27 college credits towards an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Objectives:
- Develop a solid understanding of alcoholism and substance abuse, including their causes, effects, and treatment approaches.
- Acquire proficiency in counseling techniques specific to addiction, including motivational interviewing and relapse prevention.
- Learn to effectively assess clients, develop treatment plans, and provide case management services.
- Develop skills in providing education and support to clients, their families, and the community on addiction-related issues.
- Adhere to ethical and professional guidelines in counseling practice.
Program Description:
The CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program consists of the following coursework:
- Alcohol, Drugs & Behavior: Examines the pharmacological, physiological, and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs, as well as their impact on individuals and society.
- Deviation & Therapy: Explores various theories of addiction and their implications for treatment, focusing on the biopsychosocial model and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Ethics & the Family: Reviews ethical principles and guidelines in counseling, with a particular focus on working with families affected by addiction.
- Medical Ethics: Investigates ethical issues in healthcare, including confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life care, as they relate to substance abuse treatment.
- Health Psychology: Examines the psychological and behavioral factors that influence health and illness, with an emphasis on the role of stress, coping, and social support in addiction recovery.
- Internship in Social/Behavioral Sciences: Provides supervised field experience in a substance abuse treatment setting, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.
- Introduction to Psychology: Introduces the fundamental principles of psychology, including developmental, cognitive, and social psychology.
- Social Psychology: Explores the influence of social factors on individual behavior and group dynamics, with a focus on social learning theory and group therapy in addiction recovery.
- Strategies for Alcohol/Substance Abuse: Presents evidence-based strategies for preventing, intervening, and treating alcohol and substance abuse, including harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and contingency management.
- Contemporary Issues in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: Examines current trends and issues in the field of addiction, including emerging drugs, co-occurring disorders, and cultural considerations.
Outline:
Course Schedule and Structure:
The CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program can be completed in a full-time or part-time format. Full-time students typically complete the program in one year, while part-time students may take longer to finish. Courses are offered in both in-person and online formats, providing flexibility for students with different schedules and learning preferences.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Written exams and assignments
- Quizzes and discussion boards
- Class presentations and participation
- Field experience evaluations
- Reflective writing and case studies
- Final projects and portfolios
Criteria:
Students are evaluated on their:
- Understanding of course material and concepts
- Ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Professionalism and ethical conduct
- Overall performance in the field experience
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program employs a range of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and enhance student engagement, including:
- Lectures and discussions
- Group work and simulations
- Role-playing and case studies
- Audiovisual aids and multimedia presentations
- Guest speakers and field trips
- Online learning modules and resources
Faculty:
The program is led by experienced faculty members who hold doctoral degrees and have extensive expertise in the field of addiction, including:
- Carolyn Cullen, Assistant Professor and Director of Mental Health Counseling
- Jenna McKean, Visiting Assistant Professor of Mental Health Counseling
- Shakuntala Ramdas, Assistant Professor of Mental Health Counseling
- Kumudu Vitro, Assistant Professor of Mental Health Counseling
Unique Approaches:
The CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program distinguishes itself through the following unique approaches:
- Emphasis on Practical Skills: The program focuses on equipping students with the practical skills necessary for success in the field, including assessment, counseling, and case management.
- Integrated Field Experience: The internship component provides invaluable hands-on training, allowing students to practice their skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.
- Ethical and Legal Framework: Students are thoroughly grounded in the ethical and legal guidelines governing addiction counseling, ensuring they understand their professional responsibilities and obligations.
- Interdisciplinary Perspective: The program draws on insights from multiple disciplines, including social work, psychology, and medicine, providing a comprehensive understanding of addiction and its treatment.
Careers:
Career Paths and Opportunities:
Graduates of the CASAC 350-Hour Certificate Program are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Mental health clinics and hospitals
- Social service agencies
- Employee assistance programs
- School counseling
- Community health organizations
- Private practice
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are highly sought after for their specialized knowledge and skills, and they can expect to find employment in a competitive job market. Career advancement opportunities are also available for those who pursue further education or gain additional experience.
