Guided by professionals who’ve worked in the field, the curriculum covers key topics such as counseling methods, therapeutic strategies, and how to recognize and respond to mental health conditions. The program also helps prepare you to sit for industry-recognized certification exams and work toward entry-level roles in behavioral health—all in as little as 48 weeks.
Curious about what the courses entail? Check out the in-depth modules below.
This certificate program is comprised of 100% online classes with an in-person externship and can be completed in as few as 48 weeks.
This course provides an overview of the modern principles and nature of addiction and its prevention. Students will learn the psychological, sociological, and physiological components of addiction and be introduced to evidence-based practices in treatment. Students will learn characteristics of a substance abuse counselor. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course provides an overview of the pharmacology of drugs in substance use disorders. There is an emphasis on drug effects, how drug effects occur, how the body processes drugs, health consequences of drug use and addiction, and the physiological aspects of addiction and tolerance. The science of pharmacologic interventions is explored within a framework of other substance use disorder treatment modalities. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
Students will consider the social correlates and consequences of recreational use and misuse of alcohol, opiates, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, analgesics, inhalants, cannabis, and tobacco. They will explore current legal, correctional, and treatment approaches from historical and cross-cultural perspectives. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course introduces the characteristics and skills of individuals who thrive in the helping professions. There will be a focus on ethical practices, theoretical approaches, and the steps with which counselors guide addicts in treatment and recovery. The course will also evaluate effective self-care practices among practitioners. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course provides an overview of traditional and modern approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. It will focus on key concepts, techniques, and procedures of psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-based, and family systems therapies. Students will explore applications of different therapeutic approaches and multicultural perspectives. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course explores the identification of addiction and how its recovery is viewed through various treatment models. Students will examine the history and properties of substances and explore variables that impact addiction throughout the lifespan. The course will view intervention, treatment, and recovery, of addiction from an interdisciplinary perspective. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
In this course, students will explore methods of intervention in substance abuse counseling – including motivational interviewing, treatment planning, group work, and family dynamics. The course also introduces the topics of public policy and social justice in relation to addiction treatment. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course will focus on the necessary awareness, knowledge, and skills of the addiction counseling practitioner. Students will examine dynamics and techniques used in counseling clients with addiction, including those needed to influence behavior and elicit trust in the context of recovery and relapse. This course also introduces the most common comorbid mental disorders in substance addiction. Aiming to prepare students for working with clients who exhibit mental health problems in private and community settings, the course will also explore classifications and symptomatology of substance-related disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, psychotic disorders, conduct disorders, and issues related to sexual identification and substance abuse. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course introduces the characteristics and skills of individuals who thrive in the helping professions. There will be a focus on ethical practices, theoretical approaches, and the steps with which counselors guide addicts in treatment and recovery. The course will also evaluate effective self-care practices among practitioners. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course explores the study of group development, dynamics, and theories in counseling and therapy. Leadership styles, techniques, and roles are explored within the scope of the group therapy process. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
Students will apply methodology and counseling skills in a supervised classroom setting. Students may engage in role play, analyze cases and interventions, perform demonstrations, cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive therapy, and explore the 12-step model of recovery and family systems theory. There is an emphasis on relapse prevention theory and techniques. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course offers observation and participation in the operations of human services agencies that specialized in addiction treatment and prevention. Students will attend field study experiences and interact with counselors live and/or via synchronous online media (zoom, teams, etc.). Prerequisite: MOD I, II, III, IV, V
| Lecture | 5 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 140 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 145 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
CHCP’s 48-week online certificate program offers a convenient, structured path into the field of behavioral health. While coursework is completed entirely online, the program also includes a required field practicum to help connect what’s learned in class with applied training in professional care environments.
Students move through weekly, instructor-led modules covering core topics, including counseling techniques, therapeutic approaches, addiction prevention, and the classification of mental health disorders. Coursework is designed for distance education, allowing students to complete assignments on a schedule that fits their responsibilities.
The program also includes a required 140-hour externship through the “Field Work and Practicum” course. Students observe and participate in human services agencies focused on addiction and mental health, applying classroom knowledge in supervised settings. Practicum assignments are made based on availability and location within CHCP’s operational areas.
Upon successful program completion, students are eligible to sit for certification exams such as the Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) through NCCB or the Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician-Level 1 (NCPT) through AAPT. While certification is not required to graduate, it may support employment opportunities in entry-level roles.
Courses are offered through CHCP’s Online Campus and begin throughout the year. Online education delivery allows for greater flexibility, enabling students to progress at a pace that suits their needs.
A meaningful career starts with a program that meets you where you are. CHCP’s Addiction Studies and Mental Health Technician Certificate Program provides career-focused training that supports your path toward pursuing an entry-level role in behavioral health.
The program spans approximately 48 weeks and includes fully online instruction alongside a required in-person practicum. Coursework focuses on building practical knowledge in areas such as foundational psychology, behavioral health documentation, case management basics, communication strategies for client engagement, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of support roles.
The certificate program’s total of 673 clock hours is structured as follows:
To apply to the Addictions Studies and Mental Health Technician Certificate Program, you’ll need to:
Depending on the formatting of your practicum, you may also need to be comfortable traveling to a specific on-site location for hands-on training.
Applicants complete the SLE, a short readiness assessment, as part of the admissions process. You’ll receive guidance from our admissions team on what to expect.
CHCP is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a nationally recognized accrediting agency specializing in health education programs.
If you're exploring ways to fund your education, CHCP offers a variety of financial aid options for those who qualify, including federal aid, scholarships, and other resources. Reach out to a financial aid advisor at your campus to talk through your options and explore what’s available.
Choosing the right training for your career in behavioral health goes beyond academic fit. At CHCP, we’re here to provide both the tools and the expertise to help you navigate the practical considerations of your decision. For transparent tuition details about the Addiction Studies and Mental Health Technician Certificate Program, our Catalog and Campus Addenda outline costs for all certificates and degrees.
Want a personalized estimate? Use our Net Price Calculator to see a custom breakdown based on your financial situation. Since program costs may vary by location, be sure to review the information specific to your campus.
You’ve pictured yourself in a behavioral healthcare role—now it’s time to move toward it. Get started today in the format that fits your life.
"I cannot say enough amazing things about this school and the instructors! I graduated from the Medical Assistant Program and let me just say, no matter who my instructor was, they took the time and effort to make sure we understood exactly what was being taught."
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