Explore Counseling Degree Programs at CCU

According to information provided by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in every eight Americans has a significant drug and/or alcohol problem, and 40% of those suffering with addiction also have some other mental/nervous disorder, which classifies them as having a “dual diagnosis.” Over 27 million Americans use illicit drugs or are considered heavy drinkers, and of those, 16 million need immediate treatment for their problem. Considering these statistics, you or someone know may be suffering with substance abuse at this very moment.

If you feel your mission in life is to help those who struggle with substance abuse, you should look at counseling degree programs at CCU and start on the path to saving lives today. A Master of Arts in Counseling is a degree that can really be put to work in the “real world,” and what is more rewarding than doing what Christ  wants us to—help others? Combining intensive coursework with clinical experience, an MAC (Master of Arts in Counseling) will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Salary Information for Substance Abuse Counselors

If you are considering pursuing a counseling degree program at CCU, it is highly unlikely that you are motivated by money, but because we all must make a living, it’s important to know what to expect to earn if you choose to become an addiction counselor.

The Drug Rehab Guide cites the salary of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors at around $39,000 annually just two years ago. Keep in mind this is an average—some substance abuse counselors will earn less and some may earn well over $50,000. Salaries are affected by many factors such as geographical location, type of facility (or private practice) and your education/experience.

What to Expect as an Addiction Counselor

If you pursue a counseling degree program at CCU to become an addiction counselor, you can expect to:

• Identify addictions and diagnose clients
• Perform psychological tests
• Counsel addicts and their families (one-on-one, group)
• Help clients recognize their problems
• Stay abreast of addiction research and publications
• Keep detailed records of your client interaction and progress
• Work with other staff members (depends on facility) and physicians who may need to prescribe mood-stabilizing medication

To learn more about counseling degree programs at CCU, please contact someone in our graduate admissions office today.