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Welcome to the Office of Lifelong Education! College for Kids > Professional Certificate Programs > Addiction Counselor Education Program

Addiction Counselor Education Program   

 
 
Applications are now being accepted for the next Addiction Counselor Education program which will begin January 4, 2025. Required classes will take place in both the Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters. The program also includes a 300 hour practicum placement and related classes that will take place from April - August 2025. See below for more information about the program as well as information on the application process. If you have any questions, email bfredette@westfield.ma.edu


If you are considering a career in treatment services for alcoholism/chemical dependency, or if you are working in a related field, this program's course work and practicum experience will serve as a valuable introduction to all aspects of the addictions field. Each course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required for working in the addictions field. If you are working in the field of alcoholism/chemical dependency and are not credentialed, you may need certification or licensure in the near future. However, you do not need a college degree, nor do you need to be working in the addictions field, to participate in and benefit from the program.

Alcoholism/chemical dependency treatment service agencies are an important element in our nation's health care delivery system. The Addiction Counselor Education program assists in the professional development of people wanting to be involved in this important and growing health care service field. All courses are taught or supervised by professionals in the alcoholism/chemical dependency treatment services field.

This program is available as a one-year certificate program. Individual courses may also be taken by those who do not need certification if space is available. Classes are conveniently offered on evenings and weekends. A Certificate of Completion is awarded to those individuals who successfully complete the core curriculum in its entirety and transcripts will be provided to assist students pursuing certification or licensure. Courses begin each January and September at Westfield State University. The program is also offered in Worcester at AdCare Hospital beginning in September.

The full cost of the program is $3,900 which includes the required books. Third party payments are accepted. Payments plans are available for those paying out of pocket.

Program Director: Kristine Hupfer, kmhupfer@gmail.com
 

Courses

•The Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Society
•Criminal Justice and Substance Use Disorders
•Counseling the Alcoholic and Other Chemically Dependent Persons
•Psychopharmacology
•Family Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Treatment
•Co-occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
•Pre-Practicum
•Practicum & Supervision/Ethics
 

Admission Application Checklist

•Completed application
•Narrative statement
     - 1 to 2 pages typed and double-spaced
     - Include a little bit about your background, why you chose to apply to the program, and what you  hope to do after program completion.
•Official transcripts from highest level of education attained - College, High School, or GED scores
 

Application/Information

The application is available to complete in one of two ways. Applicants can choose to submit their application either by emailing/mailing a fillable PDF form or by submitting the information through an online form. Both are linked below.
Application Instructions for Westfield program
Application for Westfield program (Fillable PDF)
Application for Westfield program (Online Form)
 

Calendars

Spring 2025 Calendar
Spring/Summer 2025 Calendar
Fall 2025 Calendar

Note: Schedule for Spring/Summer Practicum worked out between student and agency

 

Contact

All application materials can be emailed to bfredette@westfield.ma.edu or mailed to the following address:
 
Westfield State University
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
Attn: ACE / Brandon Fredette

If you have any questions about the application process or if you are a current or previous ACE student and would like to request a transcript, contact Brandon Fredette at (413) 572-8033 or bfredette@westfield.ma.edu
 

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