Applied psychological science connects theory to hands-on counseling practice. In this substance abuse and addictions degree concentration, you'll focus on learning how to counsel clients experiencing forms of addiction.
As an ideal candidate, you’ll be interested in learning a combination of psychological theory and practice related to addiction. This concentration is an especially good fit if you have an associate degree in psychology and are looking to focus your upper-division studies on substance abuse and addiction counseling.
The skills you’ll develop in this program
In this program, you’ll acquire skills in screening, assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans for patients afflicted with substance abuse or related addictions. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with a range of skills that can apply to many career paths in behavioral health, including:
- Applying counseling theory to practice.
- Counseling microskills.
- Cultural sensitivity.
- Foundational knowledge of substance abuse and addiction patterns.
- Research methods.
- Understanding group dynamics relevant to substance use and addictions.
Does this lead to substance abuse counseling licensure?
Although earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step towards licensure, this degree won’t qualify you to become a licensed professional counselor. However, this program provides preparation for the master’s degree that leads to the licensed professional counselor credential.
Additionally, the coursework in this program meets the requirements for the Licensed Addiction Counselor Technician (LACT) credential in Arizona. Note: Licensure requirements differ in every state, so it’s important to determine your career goals and the educational requirements needed to achieve them.
State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological science with a concentration in substance abuse and addictions is the first of its kind at a major research university. In this program, you’ll learn the principles of substance abuse and addiction counseling practices, including diagnosis, assessment and treatment plans. This applied psychology program equips you with knowledge of researched patterns of addiction styles in addition to an understanding of counseling techniques.
Your concentration courses focus on counseling practices related to treating those suffering from substance abuse and related addictions. In addition to your coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to build hands-on experience in a 135-hour required internship supervised by a licensed counselor.
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”