Substance Use Disorder Professional for Behavioral Health Professionals, Certificate

Program Description

This is an accelerated training to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) for Behavioral Health Professionals holding a master’s degree or beyond. The 15 credits are entirely online for eligible students who are interested in becoming an SUDP through the Alternative Training pathway. Students must hold an active license in good standing in the areas of the WAC 246-811-076.

The five courses are designed to meet the education requirements of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-811-077) for alternative training. The courses teach to the TAP 21 addiction counseling competencies and are focused on preparing students to pass the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) credentialing exam. In addition to coursework, students must complete supervised experience hours as required by the state to receive full SUDP credentialing.

This program provides an alternative route to SUDP for individuals credentialed according to WAC 246-811-076. These individuals my apply for Substance Use Disorder Certification with Alternative Training by demonstrating successful completion of fifteen quarter college credits in courses from an approved school.

Course work will include on each of the following topics specific to alcohol and drug addicted individuals is required:

• Survey of addiction;
• Treatment of addiction;
• Pharmacology;
• Physiology of addiction;
• American Society of Addiction Management (ASAM) criteria;
• Individual group, including family addiction counseling; and
• Substance use disorder law and ethics.

Visit the Human Services Department Website

Program Requirements

Total Program Credits: 15

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate general knowledge of the field of substance use disorder, including its history, pharmacological actions of drugs and alcohol, co-occurring disorders, prevention and treatment, societal impact and treatment resources. 
• Describe current treatment models, interventions and effective practices for counseling individuals and families experiencing substance use disorders. 
• Establish and maintain positive client relationship characterized by effective communication, collaboration, trust and empathy. 
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead facilitate substance use disorder treatment groups. 
• Develop and deliver an effective relapse prevention plan, including appropriate and evidence-based cognitive, behavioral and pharmacological interventions. 
• Demonstrate self-awareness and analyze the individual cultural context of clients (individual and family, and group and community) to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. 
• Apply all legal and ethical requirements and agency policies and practices specific to the field of substance use disorder. 
• Utilize accurate and effective substance use disorder case management skills, including assessment, client advocacy, developing treatment plans, networking, referral and documentation.

Program Notes

• This information does not substitute for meeting with a faculty adviser.
• Students must achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA to attain the certificate.
• Not all classes are offered every quarter.
• Coursework is entirely online.
• Prospective students with a degree or credits may enroll in individual substance use disorder courses to complete certification requirements.
• The program allows behavioral health professionals as defined in WAC 246-811-076 to complete the educational requirements needed to become certified as a substance use disorder professional in Washington State. For information about substance use disorder professional certification requirements, visit www.doh.wa.gov.
• Upon enrolling in the Substance Use Disorder Professional Program and beginning your preparation to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP), complete and submit an application to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDP-T).The Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee application can be accessed at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ .
• Students eligible for Alternative Training must arrange and complete supervised substance use disorder counseling to be credentialed through the DOH. (WAC 246-811-076).
• Students must take and pass the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (NAADAC) National Certification Examination for Addiction Counselors or International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC) Certified Addiction Counselor Level II or higher examination. (WAC 246-811-060)

Internal Coding