Substance Use Counseling

Undergraduate Training Program

Program Details

Format

Fully Online

Total Credits

1 Credit Hour

Course

SW 580

Who Can Apply?

Undergrads

Cost of Attendance
Tuition and Fees

Applications Have Closed

Applications Close:

September 20, 2026

About the Training

The Substance Use Counseling course sequence is designed to help address urgent behavioral health workforce needs across Kentucky, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Created in partnership with the Kentucky Center on Addiction Studies and Research, this learning experience provides foundational knowledge, applied skills, and state-recognized preparation for students interested in supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders in Kentucky.

Completion of the associated coursework may support eligibility to pursue the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA I) recognition — a state-awarded designation that represents an important early step toward professional practice in addiction-focused behavioral health roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.*

This opportunity is particularly relevant for Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) students, but may also be available to qualified students from other majors whose academic preparation aligns with course expectations. It is ideal for individuals seeking behavioral health or recovery-oriented service careers.

Woman with clipboard looking at and talking to another woman

What You’ll Learn

Through targeted coursework and hands-on preparation, you’ll gain:

  • Foundational knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment models, and recovery support.
  • Practical skills for client engagement, assessment, and community resource coordination.
  • Workforce readiness through state-recognized certification preparation.

This training program not only builds your professional expertise but also positions you for immediate impact—many graduates enter the workforce before completing their degree. While students are responsible for tuition, additional certification fees are fully covered, making this a high-value, low-barrier pathway into a growing field.

Learn what you need to be considered for the program and what you must complete for recognition by clicking below.

Learn More

Substance Use Counseling

Info Sessions

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Why It Matters for Kentucky

Kentucky continues to face one of the nation’s highest rates of substance use and overdose. Rural and underserved communities are especially in need of qualified addiction professionals who can provide effective care and support.

By completing this training program, you’re not just enhancing your career—you’re helping to address a critical public health challenge. You’ll join a network of professionals working to strengthen communities, save lives, and advance recovery efforts across the state. 

“This fully online training program gives students in any major a direct path into Kentucky’s behavioral health workforce—equipping them for real-world impact before they even graduate,”

-Dr. Shelita Jackson, Director of BASW Undergraduate Studies and Clinical Assistant Professor

* The CADCA I is awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, not by the University of Kentucky. This is not a University of Kentucky–awarded credential, certificate, micro-credential, or badge, and no credential will be recorded on the academic transcript. Only completed course credit(s) will appear on official University of Kentucky transcripts.

Requirements

To be considered for the Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Current BASW Student: Students must be a current BASW students in good standing with the program.
  • Minimum GPA: A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for consideration.
  • Training and Credential Costs: While the CoSW will cover the cost of the credential and state exam, students are responsible for any costs associated with the required 1-credit hour university course.

What you will need to complete

To pursue the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA I) recognition students must complete the following:

  • Training Program: Students must be accepted into the Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program.
  • Course Enrollment: Student must enroll in the required 1 credit hour SW 580 course.
    Complete Required Training: Students must complete 40 hours of training as part of the program.
  • Attend Synchronous Sessions: Students must attend 4 required synchronous sessions.
  • Pass the State Exam: Students must successfully pass the six-part state exam to obtain the Substance Use Counseling credential.
  • Complete Requirements by the Deadline: Students must complete all required training activities and exams by the end of the course to obtain the credential.