Trumbull Campus launched the Addictions Counseling Certificate Program (ACCP) in Fall 2020. This summer, five students are completing the program with a practicum where they will engage in real-world experience. The program consists of five courses and should be completed in one calendar year.
"We are excited to offer this program," said Barb Ozimek, 91²Ö¿â Trumbull’s full-time mental health counselor, and certificate program coordinator. "The need for addiction professionals was great before the pandemic and I think it's become more critical because of the pandemic."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, projections indicate a 22.3 percent increase in demand for Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor positions between 2014 and 2024.
By completing just the first course in the program, students can apply to become a chemical dependency counselor assistant (CDCA) with credentials from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
The certificate program prepares students with all the requisite training hours for licensure eligibility as a chemical dependency counselor in Ohio, issued by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. The certificate supplements existing 91²Ö¿â Degree Programs such as Psychology and Justice Studies. The certificate also allows in-career professionals to specialize in addictions counseling (e.g., nurses, clergy, rehabilitation counselors, mental health therapists) or it can be a stand-alone certificate.
For more information about the Addictions Counseling Certificate Program, visit Trumbull's website. For Kent Campus's program, visit the Counselor Education and Supervision website.