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    • CASAC Training Program

    Complement or expand your scope of practice through CASAC training and make a difference in people’s lives.

    A demand for counselors and mental health providers. 

    Maria College’s CASAC training program is an OASAS certified education. Start your pathway to become a counselor in addictions and substance use disorders, also known as Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). There is a growing need in the Capital Region and nationally for CASAC certified practitioners. Gain the practical skills you need to make yourself more marketable for many healthcare settings and enter a career in which you can have a significant impact on people’s lives.   

    With a competitive market for counselors and mental health providers, the Maria College program will prepare you for the five areas necessary for CASAC preparation: assessment, counseling, case management, client, family and community education, and professional responsibility. 

    Program Highlights 

    • The Maria College CASAC training includes 8 courses for a total of 27 credits. It is possible to complete this program in 1-calendar year by taking courses in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. 
    • This program suits those who are in the allied health fields or psychology; Consider this opportunity either as a viable career option or as an opportunity to complement your program major. 
    • Through this training program, you will obtain College credits that can be used to complete a degree. 
    • After obtaining your CASAC Certification, you will be prepared for direct patient care and supervisory positions in the field of substance use and addiction. 
    • This education and training will prepare you to increase your scope of practice, whether already working in mental health and addiction services, or seeking credentials to enhance or expand your healthcare provider role into addiction services. 

    The educational requirements will culminate with an internship at an approved drug treatment facility, contributing towards one’s readiness to complete the clinical hours required for the CASAC certification.  

    Career Opportunities 

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22% over the next 10 years (until 2031), much faster than average for all occupations. In combination with a Bachelor’s in Psychology or another health-related degree, this additional certification will make you marketable locally and will give you the opportunity to be transportable since the CASAC license is nationally recognized.

    Accreditation

    OASAS

    The Maria College curriculum has been approved by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS),  the agency which credentials CASACs. The CASAC has reciprocity with various other states, allowing flexibility around practice location.  

    • COURSE OVERVIEW
      Course Credits
      PSY 100General Psychology3
      PSY 200Developmental Psychology3
      PSY 225Health Psychology3
      PSY 235Alcoholism and Substance Use Treatment3
      PSY 247Deviation & Therapy3
      PSY 317Case Management3
      PHI 300Healthcare Ethics3
      PSY 400Internship6
    • COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

      PSY 100 – General Psychology 

      This course introduces students to the major theories and concepts in contemporary psychology. Topics covered included the approaches and research methods in psychology, the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, consciousness, motivation and emotion, intelligence, personality, social psychology, and mental illness. 

      PSY 200 – Developmental Psychology 

      The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 100 with a grade of C or better 

      PSY 225 – Health Psychology 

      This course provides an overview of the growing field of health psychology. Health psychology explores the bidirectional relationship between a person’s mind and body, with a focus on how thought patterns, attitudes, and cognitions affect healthy behaviors and ultimately, health outcomes. Prerequisite: PSY 100 

      PSY 235 – Alcoholism and Substance Use Treatment 

      This course examines various modalities for assessment and treatment of alcoholism and substance use disorders. It presents theoretical frameworks that help students understand the nature and course of substance use and dependency, as well as strategies to prevent its onset. Students will develop an understanding of individual and group therapy, and how to integrate family dynamics into the treatment process. Cultural sensitivity will be emphasized throughout the course. Students will have the opportunity to practice their counseling skills to enhance and ground their understanding of the material. Prerequisite: PSY 100 with a grade of C or better. 

      PSY 247 – Deviation and Therapy 

      This course examines alcoholism and drug use from a multidisciplinary approach within modern society. Students will evaluate historical, social, legal, and political policy as it applies to alcoholism and drug use. Models of addiction, classification of addictive substances, and the diagnosis and treatment of addictive behaviors will be examined. Social variables such as, but not limited to, culture, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and religion, will be evaluated in terms of alcoholism and substance use. Practical application of course material will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 100 with a grade of C or better. 

      PSY 317 – Case Management 

      This course examines integrated case management models within the context of human services such as, but not limited to, mental health and substance use. Students will obtain knowledge in the application of client documentation, interviewing, assessment, service planning, information management, networking, service coordination, referral, and successful termination and discharge. An emphasis will be placed on cultural, ethical, and professional competency and strategies effective in the management of care for diverse populations. Practical application of course material will be emphasized. Prerequisites: PSY 235 Alcoholism and Substance Use Treatment and PSY 247 Deviation and Therapy or with permission from the instructor. 

      PHI 300 – Healthcare Ethics 

      Health care ethics, a specialized field of ethics, will examine the complex issues that arise in health care, such as patient autonomy, justice, informed consent, end-of-life issues, organ donations, public health care policy, confidentiality and professional norms. Students will approach health care ethics using a principled approach. Prerequisite: Any PHI or RES course. 

      PSY 400 – Internship in Psychology 

      The Internship in Psychology consists of a supervised work experience with professional practitioners in an agency, company, institution, organization or school. The internship is designed to provide a diverse array of program-relevant experiential learning activities that enhance the students’ communication, cognitive and professional skills, and, as a capstone activity, is intended to offer students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills, to utilize critical thinking and informed analysis, and to augment their subject matter knowledge in Psychology. A minimum of 120 total hours of internship work for 3 credits and 240 total hours of internship work for 6 credits is required. The internship is graded as pass/fail. All required internship documents must be approved prior to the start of the internship. Prerequisites: Students must be in their final year of the Psychology program and in good academic standing 

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