Chemical Dependency Studies

Certificate Program

The California State University, East Bay Certificate in Chemical Dependency Studies enhances the skills of substance abuse professionals and provides a distinction that will help them advance in their careers. It serves the needs of counselors, therapists, probations and corrections officers, nurses and others who work with drug and alcohol abusers. The program also is recommended to those who wish to enter the substance abuse counseling field and must meet California's minimum educational requirements.

Cal State East Bay's program is one of only five in the state and one of only two programs in Northern California to receive the Commission for Alcohol and Drug Counselors Education Program (CADCEP) Accreditation from The California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). This means graduates of our program will be able to have their portfolios immediately accepted by CAADAC instead of individually reviewed and challenged by the CAADAC review board.

Depending on students' background, needs and career goals, the program offers several certificate options.

Those new to the addiction counseling field and who seek to train for an entry level position in a state licensed recovery home or outpatient clinic should pursue the State Track. Those who are licensed therapists, nurses, social workers, or probation or correctional professionals with a practice or caseload of clients who have co-existing alcohol and/or drug problems should pursue the CSUEB Certificate Track. And those who want to take advantage of the most comprehensive and respected training program available should pursue the prestigious CAADAC Track.

Classes are held at our Hayward Hills campus and taught by seasoned instructors, many of whom run their own private practices or recovery centers. And to fit students' busy work schedules, we hold classes on weekends.

Program Objectives

• (State track) To equip graduates with the knowledge and expertise necessary to meet the minimum state requirements for addiction counseling and give them the foundation necessary to advance in the field.
• (CSUEB Certificate track) To improve graduates' skills in working with their clients and provide them knowledge and expertise necessary to advance in their careers.
• (CAADAC track) To provide graduates the most advanced and comprehensive training and professional development, making them appealing candidates for higher-level counseling positions.

Who Should Attend

• (State track) Those who seek to enter the substance abuse counseling field and need to meet minimum state requirements.
• (CAADAC track) Those who seek to enter the substance abuse counseling field and want the most comprehensive and rigorous training available.
• (CSUEB Certificate or CAADAC tracks) Licensed therapists, nurses, social workers and probation or correctional professionals with a practice or caseload of clients who have co-existing alcohol and/or drug problems.

Program Highlights