School of Health Professions 2024 - 2025 Catalog

Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC)

Our program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).


500 Montgomery Street, Suite 350
Alexandria, VA, 22314
703.535.5990
http://www.cacrep.org


The Addiction Counseling Profession

Addiction counselors provide treatment and coordinate services for people with a range of substance use disorders, addictions, co-occurring disorders, and other behavioral health problems. These professionals conduct a range of activities, including appraisal, diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling, referral, and coordination with other health care providers. Addiction counselors provide individual, group, and family counseling and also deliver prevention programming. They help clients find ways to address their addiction with family and friends and improve their social relationships. Furthermore, they help clients rebuild professional relationships and, if necessary, reestablish their career.

Program Description

This Addiction Counselor education curriculum is designed to involve the learner as an active participant in the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for competent practice in the field. The program conforms to the stated requirements for the graduate education of addiction counseling professionals as set forth by accrediting and certification bodies. It is the intent of the program to graduate students who are:

  • Ready to acknowledge the importance of ensuring dignity, independence, and wellness for persons with substance use and/or behavioral health disorders;

  • Dedicated to adhering to the key values, standards, and codes of ethics as set forth by state and national licensing and certifying bodies;

  • Engaged in reflective, creative problem-solving;

  • Sensitive to the collaborative therapeutic relationship;

  • Involved in leadership roles to develop and enhance service delivery systems;

  • Able to act as a responsible advocate for affected clients and their families.

Graduates of the program can seek employment in addiction, behavioral or mental health centers, state agencies, hospitals, healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, health management organizations, educational institutions, prisons, probation and corrections agencies, and research organizations. The program actively recruits students from under-represented populations. Since the inception of the Addiction Counseling program 89% of students who enter the program finish with their degree or certification requirements.

The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC) degree program is a distance education, 60 credit hour graduate program, designed to provide a comprehensive exposure to the field of Addiction Counseling.

The MSAC program was designed specifically for people who cannot attend traditional types of graduate programs. The program is ideal for: people who are currently employed; who live in rural or isolated areas; have family or personal responsibilities that prevent them from taking on-campus study; or who simply cannot take extended time off to attend school. TTUHSC uses a variety of methods and technologies to maximize the students’ educational experience, including web and internet-based technologies, teleconferencing, web conferencing, hard copy, and on-site practicum and internship experiences. These and other strategies are employed to ensure that all students, regardless of geographic location, are able to participate to the maximum degree possible in all aspects of their program. Students are not required to come to the TTUHSC campus.

Clinical Education

Clinical education is an integral aspect of the program. The MSAC program complies with requirements for practicum and clinical internships as set forth by relevant accrediting and certifying organizations. In order to meet these requirements, Addiction Counseling students are required to undertake two forms of clinical education during their program. First, all students will participate in a 100 hour supervised addiction counseling practicum, which fosters personal growth, provides active learning experiences, enhances student insights into individual, group, and organizational behavior, and introduces students to counseling approaches and the issues that affect service delivery.

Second, all students are required to undertake a 600-hour supervised internship in an addiction-focused clinical setting. Students undertaking supervised employment in addiction counseling settings may, with program approval, utilize these locales for their internship experiences. Students who are not employed shall be assisted in locating placements in appropriate, supervised clinical settings.

Delivered on a distance basis, these clinical experiences combine applied instruction by faculty with supervised counseling experiences in off-campus settings.


Professional Liability Insurance

All MSAC students are required to obtain and provide proof of individual counseling liability insurance before being allowed to participate in their clinical experiences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC) program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Health Professions, is to educate students in evidence-based addiction counseling practices in order to produce competent and compassionate counseling and behavioral healthcare professionals.

Program Goals

The goal of the program is to prepare counselors with the counseling knowledge, attitudes, and skills to assist clients with substance use disorders, behavioral health issues, and/or addictions to use their own resources and opportunities to meet their developmental, educational, and interpersonal needs. To accomplish this goal, the program provides educational and practical experiences that allow students to meet the following knowledge and outcome expectations:

The objectives of our program are linked to our mission statement. They are to provide:

  • Knowledge of Addiction Counseling: Educational experiences that facilitate the development of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to practice as qualified addiction counselors across a wide variety of contexts.

  • Ethical and Pluralistic Practice: Learning opportunities to support the ability to implement individually responsive and ethically sound counseling practices throughout their careers, and to advocate for individuals with addiction concerns and the profession.

  • Professional Ethics: Clinical training experiences focused on translating acquired knowledge, attitudes, and skills to evidence-based practice in a wide range of real-world opportunities.

The MSAC program strives to accomplish our mission, goals, and objectives by:

  • Recruiting, educating, and graduating a diverse population of students who are prepared to provide addiction counseling services in a variety of employment settings.

  • Providing a rigorous academic environment that provides a solid foundation for entry-level addiction counselors who meet national certification standards.

  • Working closely with the public and private counseling communities to ensure well-trained graduates are considered valued employees.

  • Developing a faculty that is valued by our students and the counseling community for our teaching, research, and service.

  • Achieving the highest quality program possible within the constraints of available financial, human, technological, and time resources.
  • Developing commitment within students to empower individuals with substance use and/or behavioral disorders to identify and maximize their resources to meet their health-related, developmental, vocational, and educational goals.


Certification & Licensure

Upon completion of the MSAC program, students will possess the competencies and experiences necessary to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Successful graduates can be credentialed as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and apply for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in most states.

Admission to the Program

The MSAC program has a rolling admission policy, however, students applying for the Fall semester must submit an application by June 1 and those applying for the Spring semester must submit an application by November 1.

Individuals applying to the program should already hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, preferably in a related area such as psychology, social work, counseling, special education, sociology, nursing, and related disciplines, however, all disciplines are considered. To be considered for admission, it is recommended that applicants meet one of the following GPA requirements: 

  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 from all previous institutions, OR
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 semester hours of courses
  • Applicants with lower GPA's may be considered based upon their work experience in an addiction-focused/human services or related field for (3) or more years

Prior work or volunteer experience in human service settings is considered a valuable attribute for applicants but is not mandatory. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Millers Analogies Test (MAT) scores are not required for entry into the MSAC program. Students may transfer up to 9 credit hours, if applicable, with program approval. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 


Application Process

Students will submit a completed application form, transcripts, 2 letters of reference, and a resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to assure that all supporting documentation is received by the Admissions Department. Application materials and detailed information on application procedures and Admission criteria can be accessed via the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Health Professions web site at 
http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx 


Applications for non-degree-seeking students wishing to participate in selected MSAC courses are only accepted with prior departmental approval. Please contact the program director for more information.


MSAC Curriculum

CORE COURSEWORK
Courses
Credit Hours

HPAC 1002      Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice

0

HPAC 5301      Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Development

3

HPAC 5302      Counseling Theories

3

HPAC 5303      Human Growth and Development

3

HPAC 5304      Career Counseling

3

HPAC 5305      Psychopathology and Diagnosis

3

HPAC 5307      Multicultural Counseling

3

HPAC 5308      Research and Statistics

3

HPAC 5311      Addictions Counseling

3

HPAC 5312      Assessment

3

HPAC 5318      Abnormal Behavior: Treatment Planning and Case Management                                                                   

3


Total Hours = 30        


SPECIALTY COURSEWORK
Courses
Credit Hours
HPAC 5330      Foundations of Addiction Counseling and Ethical Development
3
HPAC 5331      Advanced Addiction Counseling
3
HPAC 5332      Neurobiology of Addiction
3
HPAC 6050      Comprehensive Exam                                                                                            0


Total Hours = 9
EXPERIENTIAL COURSEWORK
CoursesCredit Hours
HPAC 5340      Micro Counseling Techniques3
HPAC 5342      Group Counseling Techniques3
HPAC 5344      Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling Methods                                               3

Total Hours = 9

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
*Requires individual professional counseling liability insurance policy
Courses
Credit Hours

HPAC 5360      Practicum

3

HPAC 6001      Internship                                                                                                                         

9


Total Hours = 12

  • HPAC 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0,O)

    An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

  • HPAC 5301 Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Development (3:3:0,O)

    This course introduces students to the profession of counseling, including: the history of the counseling profession, accreditation, certification and licensure requirements, laws and regulations governing counseling, and the professional associations and code of ethics. The course is designed to explore and shape the role identity of persons providing direct counseling treatment intervention. Additional topics include telehealth, consultation, supervision, and self-care strategies.

  • HPAC 5302 Counseling Theories (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides an introduction to theories and models of counseling. Students will explore individual, group, and family counseling theories and practices. This course encourages students not only to explore theories of counseling and psychotherapy, but also their personal beliefs and values in an effort to develop a personal model of counseling.

  • HPAC 5303 Human Growth and Development (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is to develop an understanding of human growth and development honoring both normative and non-normative experiences. Students will use this knowledge to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to provide ethical counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan.

  • HPAC 5304 Career Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course is designed to inform students of the theories, roles and techniques in the practice of career counseling. Topics include career counseling theories, working with special populations, job development and placement, work-site modifications, assistive technology, and work place supports.

  • HPAC 5305 Psychopathology and Diagnosis (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is the exploration of the range of personality and behavioral disorders as described in the most updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Focusing on process, students will explore descriptive criteria, etiology, assessment, and diagnosis. Additional topics include theories of psychopathology, common psychopharmacological treatments and medications, and equity and diversity issues.

  • HPAC 5307 Multicultural Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on the theories underlying multicultural counseling, identity development and social justice, and their application to practice. Topics addressed include race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and socioeconomic issues; racial and cultural identity formation; and oppression, privilege, social justice, and advocacy. Course materials and learning activities provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of multicultural and diversity theories and issues to examine their own development as counselors to specific client populations and to their communities.

  • HPAC 5308 Research and Statistics (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides the student with an exploration of current trends in research in counseling and related fields; basic research design, methodologies, analysis, and interpretation; a discussion of the applications of research methodologies, findings, and interpretations in guiding and evaluating counseling practice (e.g.-choosing interventions, planning assessments, evaluating results, etc.); and an introduction to research statistics.

  • HPAC 5311 Addictions Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    A thorough review of addictions including models of addiction, assessment, treatment, and interactions within interprofessional treatment settings. Common topics include specific issues related to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex and food/eating.

  • HPAC 5312 Assessment (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on measurement and appraisal tasks for professional counseling. Special topics related to clinical rehabilitation, addiction, and clinical mental health counseling assessment are presented. Common topics include a comprehensive study of commonly used assessment tools as well as techniques.

  • HPAC 5318 Abnormal Behavior: Treatment Planning and Case Management (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on treatment planning and case management practices for abnormal human behavior. Topics include the principles of understanding dysfunction in human behavior, the case management process, service coordination, client advocacy, and treatment planning strategies.

  • HPAC 5330 Foundations of Addiction Counseling and Ethical Development (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the history and philosophy of addiction counseling, and the legislative and policy background underpinning the modern delivery of counseling services. This course will provide an exploration of the organizational structure of current addiction counseling services, and the legal and ethical standards that guide them. Discussion of societal issues, trends, and developments in addiction counseling, and their impact on treatment strategies and relevant issues pertaining to social justice and diversity will occur.

  • HPAC 5331 Advanced Addiction Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides an in-depth examination of the theories and models of addiction; sociocultural and multicultural factors that may increase an individual's risk of addiction or relapse; the impact of addiction on the individual and the family, and factors related to recovery, including wellness, resilience, and spirituality, an their impact on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Provides an overview of prevention research and practice, and examines the counselor's role in designing and implementing prevention strategies in an interdisciplinary setting.

  • HPAC 5332 Neurobiology of Addiction (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides insight into the history of pharmacology as well as a detailed study of drug categories, etiology, understanding side effects, and an exploration of clinical applications. Topics will include contemporary healthcare issues related to research on the neurobiology of addiction, co-occurring disorders, neuroscience, and their impact on practice.

  • HPAC 5340 Micro Counseling Techniques (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides an in-depth focus on the exploration, development, and practice of micro-skills, the essential building blocks of counseling. Training allows for observed development and peer practice in a synchronous online setting. Advanced study of counseling-related telehealth is included. Students must have passed HPCR/HPMC/HPAC 5302 and 5307 or equivalents before enrolling.

  • HPAC 5342 Group Counseling Techniques (3:3:0,O)

    This course is designed to prepare counselors to become knowledgeable and skillful in using the theoretical constructs and technical skills of group counseling. Attention is given to theories of counseling, elements of leadership in group counseling, healthy and dysfunctional behaviors, culturally diverse perspectives, and legal and ethical issues. Training allows for observed development and peer practice in a synchronous online setting. Students must have passed HPCR/HPMC/HPAC 5340 before enrolling.

  • HPAC 5344 Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling Methods (3:3:0,O)

    This course is designed to prepare counselors to use the theoretical constructs and technical skills used in couples, marriage and family counseling settings. Training allows for observed development and peer practice in a synchronous online setting. Students must have passed HPAC 5340 and 5342 before enrolling.

  • HPAC 5360 Practicum (3:3:7,O)

    This course provides for the application of theory and the development of counseling skills under supervision. Includes both synchronous online class and on-site experiences in settings that facilitate the development of basic counseling and practice skills. This course may be repeated for credit. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for the internship phase of the program. Students must have passed HPCR/HPMC/HPAC 5312 and 5342 before enrolling.

  • HPAC 6001 Internship (3-9:0:1-40,O)

    An immersion experience of supervised practice within a counseling services setting. Students will serve as a counseling professional under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Mandatory group supervision by faculty in an online setting. Requires a total of 600 clock-hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the 9 required credit hours. Student will work with their advisor to determine the appropriate number of credit hours for which to register each semester. Students must have passed the Practicum course for their specialty before enrolling. Students may enroll in course multiple times.

  • HPAC 6050 Comprehensive Examination (0:0:0,O)

    The comprehensive examination is designed to assess counseling students' knowledge across the common domains, and relevant specialty area, of counselor preparation. The comprehensive exam is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.