Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling Program

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Delivery Options:
Online, Onsite
Degree Type:
Associate of Arts Degree, Certificate of Technical Studies
Program Length Once Accepted To Program:
4 Semesters (AAS) or 2 Semesters (CTS)
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Why Pursue Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling?

The Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling program is an excellent pathway if you are looking to enter the field of addictions counseling. It focuses on developing therapeutic skills to support individuals in recovery from substance abuse and prevent relapse and provides the courses required for licensure as an addictions counselor in the state of Montana.

Graduates are prepared to:

  • Enter the drug and alcohol counseling profession.
  • Provide therapeutic services including individual and group counseling for individuals dealing with substance abuse.
  • Complete psychosocial assessments following American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria
  • Conduct continued stay reviews and participate in treatment planning.
  • Help individuals maintain recovery from substance abuse and prevent relapse from substance abuse.
  • Fulfill the preparatory coursework required to become a licensed addictions counselor.
  • Transfer to various four-year programs for further education in the mental health and substance abuse treatment fields.
Selena Coburn standing at a lecture podium in a classroom. Below the image is a banner image that says are you interested in becoming a licensed addictions counselor (LAC) in Montana? If you already have a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field, Great Falls College's Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Addictions Counseling may be the perfect fit for you. Meets montana board of behavioral health requirements for licensure. Can be completed in one year if attending full-time. Flexible learning options: onsite, live online or online.

Types of courses

A.A. in Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling

Course Code Course Title
PSYX 100 Introduction to Psychology
PSYX 150 Drugs and Society
CAS 140 Addictions and Diversity
CAS 231 Pharmacology/Addictions

 

C.T.S. in Addictions Counseling 

Course Code Course Title
CAS 242 Fundamentals of Addictions Counseling
CAS 243 Substance Abuse Counseling I
CAS 254 Co-Occurring Disorders-Assessment Treatment Planning
CAS 250 Assessment & Case Management Processes
(Please note: The C.T.S. is not eligible for Federal Student Aid)

Career Opportunities

Alluvion Health

601 1st Avenue N.
Great Falls, MT 59401
406.454.6923
Alluvion Health Careers

Many Rivers Whole Health

915 1st Avenue S.
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-761-2100
Center for Mental Health

Rocky Mountain Treatment Center

920 4th Avenue N.
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-727-8832
Rocky Mountain Treatment Center

Indian Family Health Clinic

1220 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-268-1510

Green Apple Consulting

1500 10th Ave. S., Suite 200
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-866-0350

Illumination Recovery

600 Central Plaza, Suite 408
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-403-6944

Dynamic Recovery

1601 2nd Ave. N.
Suite 516
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-315-2028

Enlightening Minds

800 7th Ave. N.
Great Falls, MT 59401
406/315-2227

Misfits Counseling Services

1111 14th St. S.
Great Falls, MT59406

406/868-7832

Weaver Library; Learning Commons
Photo of Ashley Haley

I’m balancing my schedule with my kids and working and also my classes. It’s definitely been a learning experience because it was not something I had to deal with my first round of college. The option to have online classes is definitely what drew me to continue with the program here, but it also gives me a chance to be more vocal, I guess, with my own experiences and my own opinions because it’s through an online forum, and I don’t feel as shy.

Ashley Haley
Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling Student

Additional Program Information

Get to Know the Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling Faculty

Photo of Selena Coburn

Selena Coburn

Behavioral Science Faculty
Email Selena Coburn
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Teresa Mouser

Addictions Counseling Faculty
Email Teresa Mouser
Image of Elfie Neber

Dr. Elfie Neber

Substance Abuse & Addictions Counselor Program Director
Email Dr. Elfie Neber

Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling Program In The News

Elfriede Neber standing during substance abuse presentation

Great Falls College’s Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling programming “Debunking the Myths” of common misconceptions surrounding addiction and recovery.

Great Falls College’s Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling programming held an event, titled “Debunking the Myths: Understanding Substance Abuse,” at the college on May 1 to address common misconceptions surrounding addiction and recovery….
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Students standing in the atrium of Great Falls College

Great Falls College’s Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling students and faculty hosts resource fair for community

Great Falls College’s Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling students and faculty hosted a resource fair to help the community learn all there is for those who are seeking help. …
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Image of Calvin Gone

Otter Spotlight — Calvin Gone, Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling and Native and Indigenous Culture Center ambassador

t was hard, because of being out of school for so many years… But that’s why I like Great Falls College, because you had tutoring here at the Academic Success Center…where they were able to help me to get acclimated….
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