Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Are you a compassionate, willing listener who is ready with support or a kind word during a difficult time? If so, San Jacinto College can give you the training you need to provide counseling and other specialized services to individuals and families suffering the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The San Jacinto College Substance Use Disorder Counseling program:
- Prepares students to enter the field of human services and provide specialized services to individuals and their families experiencing the effects of substance abuse;
- Teaches graduates to identify and administer appropriate assessments, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals who are, or have been, engaged in substance abuse;
- Requires an internship class where students are placed into a substance abuse facility to apply knowledge learned in the program; and
- Provides students with the necessary educational and practicum requirements toward becoming a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).
Students who do not have an associate degree (or higher) in a behaviorally related field will not be eligible for full licensure in the state of Texas. A student can complete the Certificate of Technology or Occupational Certificate course work, enter the workforce as a counseling intern, and continue course work towards an AAS before receiving their LCDC.
Chemical dependency is a problem that takes an enormous emotional and financial toll on society. This is an unfortunate issue, but the silver lining is that exceptional individuals, like you, are determined to reverse it. San Jacinto College can give you the training you need to become a vital part of the solution. We will prepare you to provide counseling and other specialized services to individuals and families suffering from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
Once coursework is completed, students will need 4,000 hours (2 years) of supervised work experience and pass a state exam to obtain their LCDC.
Opportunities
Potential work opportunities include:
- Hospitals,
- Rehabilitation centers,
- Outpatient clinics,
- Veteran’s affairs clinics,
- Alternative schools,
- Research facilities, and
- Pain management clinics and counseling centers.
You can make a difference in your life by making a difference in the lives of others!
Earning Potential
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor: $52,5281
- 1
Source: texaswages.com, median salary Gulf Coast region, 2022
For more information, students may contact 281-998-6350, x7146 or mentalhealthservices@sjcd.edu.
Campuses
North Campus
South Campus
San Jac Online
In accordance with Texas House Bill 1508, the College informs all students in this program who may have a criminal background that a criminal history could keep graduates from being licensed by the state of Texas. Students with any questions about their background and licensure may speak with the Department Chair.
Students may view the application and information packet on the Mental Health Services website.
Plan of Study
5MH-SUDC
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DAAC 1311 | Counseling Theories | 3 |
| DAAC 1304 | Pharmacology of Substance Use Disorders | 3 |
| PSYC 2301 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SCWK 1303 | Ethics for Social Service Professionals | 3 |
| PSYT 2331 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Term | ||
| DAAC 2307 | Family Intervention with Substance Use Disorders | 3 |
| PSYT 2345 | Principles of Behavior Management and Modification | 3 |
| SCWK 2301 | Assessment and Case Management | 3 |
| DAAC 2341 | Counseling of Substance Use Disorders | 3 |
| PSYT 2301 | Psychology of Group Dynamics | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| DAAC 2366 | Practicum - Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Capstone Experience: DAAC 2366 Practicum - Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
Note: Students must pass each course listed in the degree or certificate for Mental Health Services with a grade of C or higher to be eligible to receive a degree or certificate.