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Chemical Dependency Studies Certificate Certificate

The program centers around the skills and abilities necessary for comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Coursework includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client education, client rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.

Total Units:
40.5-44

First Year

Semester 1

12 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
SWHS 300 Z
Introduction to Social Work & Human Services
3
F, S(O), Su
SWHS 350 Z
Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services
3
F, S(O)
SWHS 340 Z
Introduction to Chemical Dependency
3
F, Su
PSYC C1000 Z
Introduction to Psychology
3
F, S, Su
Z At least one section of this course is offered with free textbooks and is labeled as zero textbook costs (ZTC). If it is a GE area class or elective, there may be several ZTC offerings to fulfill the GE requirement. Use the Free Textbook filter to find these courses. Learn more on the ZTC page of the college website.

Semester 2

12 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
SWHS 302 Z
Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations
3
F, S(O), Su
SWHS 360
Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services
3
SWHS 300 & 350
S(O)
SWHS 341
Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs
3
SWHS 340
S(O)
SOC 300 Z
Introductory Sociology
3
Z At least one section of this course is offered with free textbooks and is labeled as zero textbook costs (ZTC). If it is a GE area class or elective, there may be several ZTC offerings to fulfill the GE requirement. Use the Free Textbook filter to find these courses. Learn more on the ZTC page of the college website.

Year 2

Semester 3

10 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
SWHS 364 Z
Advanced Techniques for Working with Groups
4
SWHS 360
F
SOC 321 Z
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States
3
F, S, Su
PSYC 320
Social Psychology
3
Check Class Schedule
Z At least one section of this course is offered with free textbooks and is labeled as zero textbook costs (ZTC). If it is a GE area class or elective, there may be several ZTC offerings to fulfill the GE requirement. Use the Free Textbook filter to find these courses. Learn more on the ZTC page of the college website.

Semester 4

6.5-10 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
SWHS 367 1
Advanced Practices in Human Services
3
co-req/Req 498
S
SWHS 498
Work Experience in Human Services
0.5-4
co-req/Req 367
S
SWHS 342
Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery
3
SWHS 341
S(O)

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a “C” or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available (P) = partially online

1 Orientation is required prior to enrollment for this course, please contact the Human Services Department, Assistant Professor B. Jones-Thomas by email @ B-Jones@crc.losrios.edu or call (916 691-7587) for information about orientation days/times.

Career Options/Outlook:

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.  Career opportunities require more than an associate degree.

A sample of reported job titles:

Addictions Counselor, Case Manager, Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor), Chemical Dependency Professional, Clinical Counselor, Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS), Prevention Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

4,330

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

17% growth

Median Salary in California with advanced degree (2021):

$49,630/yr

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

This map also meets the requirement for:

Certificate of Achievement in General Human Services

General Education (GE):

Non-specified GE courses identified by CRC or Cal-GETC Area without pre- or co-requisites can be taken at any semester.

Honors option:

The CRC Honors Program is designed specifically for academically accomplished students and for students with the potential for high achievement. Students who complete 15 units or more in honors-designated courses will earn special recognition as an Honors Scholar, a distinction that may entitle the student to guaranteed transfer and scholarship opportunities at select transfer colleges and universities.

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published September 29, 2025

Counselor Contact: Teresa Aldredge  | Faculty Contact: Brandy Jones-Thomas

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