This fully online program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for working in behavioral health careers supporting individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Graduates from our program obtain rewarding careers in fields related to substance use disorder treatment and prevention, counseling, criminal justice, health education, psychology, social work, and other areas where their unique skills are required.

Additionally, students obtain the educational requirements needed to prepare them for Washington State Certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) through Washington State Department of Health. Review Washington State Department of Health Professions A to Z page for opportunities and information regarding additional behavioral health certifications.

Washington State Substance Use Disorder Credentialing Requirements

• Apply for Substance Use Disorder Trainee (SUDPT). Note: this application requires students to notify the Department of Health with an approved SUDP supervisor within one year.
• 1,500 hours of supervised experiential learning within an state approved treatment agency and SUDP supervisor who has been credentialed for at least one year. Note: An optional in-school practicum is offered for those students who are interested in obtaining credentialing hours as a trainee while completing the program. 
• Complete and pass Washington State Patrol's Criminal History background check.
• Students who complete all state required courses for certification are eligible to take the NAADAC NCAC Level I or II exam before completing the required experiential learning hours needed for certification. For more information, refer to NAADAC certification exam page.

For additional credentialing information review WAC 246-811-030 and information on the Department of Health Substance Use Disorder Professional certification page.

Out-of-State Applicants: Certification/licensing requirements differ from state to state. Students should check with their local certification/licensing board to confirm this is the right program for their residence, or contact Addiction Studies for more information. 

Email ADST@ewu.edu for credentialing and program specific questions.

Required Core Courses
ADST 501	RELAPSE PREVENTION	2
ADST 502	COUNSELING THEORIES FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS	2
ADST 503	HIV/AIDS AND ADDICTION TREATMENT	2
ADST 504	ADOLESCENT ADDICTION ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT	4
ADST 505	ADDICTION GROUP COUNSELING	2
ADST 512	PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS	4
ADST 520	CASE MANAGEMENT	4
ADST 530	ADDICTION TREATMENT WITH FAMILIES AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS	4
ADST 535	CONFIDENTIALITY, LAW AND ETHICS FOR THE ADDICTION PROFESSIONAL	4
ADST 542	SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION OF CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS	4
ADST 544	TREATING CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS	4
ADST 602	ADST PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO	2
Specialized Content
ADST 548	MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT	2
ADST 550	SPIRITUALITY AND ADDICTION	4
ADST 552	PROCESS ADDICTIONS	4
ADST 554	TRAUMA INFORMED CARE	4
ADST 555	FOOD AND ADDICTION	4
ADST 582	RESEARCH FOR EVIDENCE INFORMED PRACTICE	4
Optional Practicum
ADST 595	ADST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELING PRACTICUM
ADST 695	ADST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELING PRACTICUM II
Total Credits		60

Students who earn an MA in Behavioral Health from EWU should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of models and theories of addiction (TF1: Understanding Addiction);
• demonstrate knowledge of models of treatment (TF2: Treatment Knowledge);
• apply concepts of addiction studies to practice with individuals, groups, families, and communities (TF3: Application to Practice);
• demonstrate readiness to engage in professional practice as an addictions counselor (TF4: Professional Readiness);
• clinically evaluate the behavioral health of individuals through systematic screening and assessment (PD1: Clinical Evaluation);
• collaborate with professionals and clients to develop appropriate treatment planning (PD2: Treatment Planning);
• facilitate the use of available support systems and community resources (PD3: Referral);
• deliver administrative, clinical, and evaluative activities (PD4: Service Coordination);
• intervene with individuals, groups, and families using counseling techniques (PD5: Counseling);
• educate clients, families, and community groups on prevention, treatment, and recovery resources (PD6: Client, Family, and Community Education);
• document relevant client-related data (PD7: Documentation);
• demonstrate professional and ethical behavior (PD8: Professional and Ethical Responsibilities).