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Substance Use Counseling
RecoverUSC: Addiction Treatment Certification (ATC)

RecoverUSC: Addiction Treatment Certification (ATC)

Overview

RecoverUSC provides a pathway for current students in pursuit of a Masters of Social Work (MSW), Master of Addiction Science (MAS) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors through the State of California.

Through a grant provided by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAi), this program provides each participant with a minimum of $20,000 stipend to cover the cost of additional coursework approved by the California Assocation for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). 

This initiative is dedicated to creating more qualified, motivated Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors in a landscape where the need for representation, expertise, and compassion is great. RecoverUSC is a partnership between the USC Institute for Addiction Science and the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work with inter-professional collaboration at its core, fostering a holistic understanding of substance use and recovery. 

ZERO
Out of Pocket Costs
100%
Exam Fees Paid

Eligibility

Students who are currently enrolled within the MSW, MSN, and MAS programs at USC are invited to apply.

Step 1

Complete the initial interest form HERE.

Step 2

Submit registration form to Jen Parga at least 45 days prior to your practicum start date. 

Step 3

Complete customized coursework and approved practicum.

Step 4

Graduate and successfully pass the CATC exam during or after completing 2,240 hours* in SUD placement.

RecoverUSC Programs & Curriculums

Choose one of these paths and complete the CAADE exam to become a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor.

Woman with clipboard

MSW

Complete 4 courses within the MSW curriculum plus 3 additional courses of 10 Units (22 total Units).

10 additional units 
No out of pocket cost


RecoverUSC courses within MSW:

  • SOWK 511 Critical Decision-Making in Integrative Social Work Practice (3 Units)
  • SOWK 523 Foundations of Integrative Social Work Practice (3 Units)
  • SOWK 691 Applied Learning In Practicum Education III (3 Units)​
  • SOWK 693 Applied Learning in Practicum Education IV (3 Units)

RecoverUSC courses outside MSW:

  • ADSC 501 Foundations in Addiction Science (4 Units)
  • SOWK 617 Substance Related and Behavioral Addictive Disorders and Recovery (3 Units)
  • SOWK 651 Clinical Psychopharmacology for Social Workers (3 Units)

 

Doctor with patient

MSN

Complete 6 courses within the MSN curriculum plus 2 additional courses of 7 Units (22 total Units).

7 additional units 
No out of pocket cost


RecoverUSC courses within MSN:

  • NURS 501 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice ​(4 Units)
  • NURS 504 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice​ (3 Units)
  • NURS 604 Clinical Practicum: Management of Adult Patients with Complex (4 Units) and 192 hours
  • NURS 605 Professional Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (2 Units)
  • NURS 606 Health Policy Principles in Changing Health Care Context​ (2 Units)
  • NURS 608 Clinical Practicum: Primary Family (4 Units) and 250 hours

RecoverUSC courses outside MSN:

  • ADSC 501  Foundations in Addiction Science (4 Units)
  • SOWK 617 Substance Related and Behavioral Addictive Disorders and Recovery​ (3 Units)

 

Holding hands

MAS

Complete 5 courses within the MAS curriculum plus 1 additional course of 3 Units (21 total Units).

3 additional units
No out of pocket cost


RecoverUSC courses within MAS:

  • ADSC 501 Foundations in Addiction Science ​(4 Units)
  • ADSC 506 Considerations in Addiction Science for Practitioners (4 Units) OR SOWK 523: Foundations of Integrative Social Work Practice I (3 units)​
  • RXRS 412 Ethics, Drugs and Society​ (4 Units)
  • RXRS 414 Modern Substance Use and Addiction OR RXRS 405 (4 Units) Breaking Brains: the Pharmacology of Addiction​ (4 Units)
  • SOWK 617 Substance Related and Behavioral Addictive Disorders and Recovery (3 Units) (Elective SW)​

RecoverUSC courses outside MAS:

  • SOWK 591 Applied Learning in Practicum Education (3 Units) and 250 hours
SUD Counseling

Go Deeper with an SUD Credential

Gain a holistic understanding of the complexities of addiction treatment with a master's-level education and CAADE certification. Whether you go on to become a social worker, nurse, or addiction counselor, you'll have access to the latest research, treatment modalities, and best practices in the field of addiction.

Benefits in the Workplace:

  • The recent Labor Market Index reports a projected 30% gain in SUD Counseling positions over the next three years.
  • More than 25% of people diagnosed with a mental health disorder have a co-occurring substance use diagnosis. Clients with co-occurring disorders are complex and require integrated treatment for best results.
  • Clinicians with addiction counseling certification are exceedingly more employable in a substance abuse or co-occurring treatment setting than clinicians without such training.
  • Therapists with a SUD credential are highly competitive applicants against those without specialized experience.
USC grad
Finish Your Degree with Purpose

RecoverUSC integrates academic excellence with hands-on training, ensuring participants are well-prepared to navigate the intricate challenges of addiction and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Submit Interest Form