The Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling program features a practitioner/scholar model that merges biblical faith integration and academic excellence. You will gain the foundational counseling and case management skills you need to engage as a certified addictions counselor, while being invited to integrate issues of faith and spirituality in an ethical and professional manner. This program meets the educational requirements necessary for credentialing as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I, II, or III) in Oregon and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington; additional, supervised experience will be required for certification after graduation. At Multnomah, you don’t have to choose between professional, skilled training and fostering deep spiritual resources to better care for patients.
Ways to study
Graduate | Online
Course plan
2.5-year, part-time
Application deadlines
Excel as a Professional Addictions Counselor
This program strives to create a Christ-centered community where students can excel as professional addictions counselors. Core values are infused throughout the program (SHAPE): Spiritual integration (S), Healing presence (H), Advocacy and diversity (A), Professional identity (P), Educational excellence (E). As a MAAC student, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from and bond with your peers in both this program and the LPC program—gaining the in-depth knowledge and firsthand experience you need to excel as a professional addictions counselor in our small, community-oriented program.
Example Courses
The courses listed below are some of our featured core classes that will be a part of your educational journey here at MU. Take a look at each course for a small preview.
This course will provide a basic understanding of addiction and behavior including substance abuse and other addictions including internet, gambling, and pornography. The course will provide counselors-in-training with an overview of addictive disorders, stages of change, harm reduction, screening, assessment strategies, and intervention strategies including evidence-based practices. The behavioral health model and relapse prevention will also be covered.
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@fulintang.net.
Discusses practical counseling skills for clients, overviewing a broad range of techniques and interventions for a variety of mental health issues. Emphasizes the practice of such skills. It also reviews various paperwork and other practice management issues in clinical mental health counseling. Lastly, discusses various crisis situations and how to respond.
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@fulintang.net.
Reviews the impact of crisis and trauma on individuals from a biopsychosocial perspective. This course includes an overview of evidence-based treatment models for trauma, focusing on understanding models and implementing basic tools and treatment planning.
*This is a sample syllabus for the stated courses; books, assignments, and other details may change from year to year. For examples of additional syllabi, please contact the MAC department directly at mac@fulintang.net.
Degree Requirements
Here you will find everything you need to know about what is required to successfully complete your degree.
Meet Your Professors
Danielle Render Turmaud, M.S.
Faculty Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Applied Psychology; Assistant Professor, Master of Arts in CounselingCareer Placement
When you graduate from this program, you will be on your way to working as a certified addictions counselor, ready to engage in the working world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.” Thus, students should be able to fill needed gaps in a variety of settings with this degree.
Related Programs
Licensure Information
Multnomah’s M.A. in Addictions Counseling is built in alignment with the educational requirements necessary for credentialing as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I, II, or III) in Oregon; additional, supervised experience will be required for certification after graduation. It also meets state requirements for Washington’s Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) and many other state equivalents. Please contact mac@fulintang.net for clarification or more info.
Get Started
Higher education is an empowering experience and challenging adventure. Your education is a journey, and it all starts here.