Co-Occurring Behavioral Health and Wellness, Advanced Graduate Certificate (Online)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to: 

• demonstrate proficiency in conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to formulate accurate diagnoses using DSM and ASAM criteria for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• apply evidence-based, integrated treatment approaches – including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, and trauma informed modalities for clients with co-occurring disorders.
• demonstrate ethical, culturally responsive practice in clinical settings, adhering to professional standards for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
• effectively engage families and couples in the treatment process, utilizing systems-based approaches to address the relational dynamics that influence co-occurring disorders.
• complete supervised clinical practice demonstrating competency across the treatment process: therapeutic alliance, treatment planning, intervention delivery, and progress evaluation.

Contact Information

National Judicial College
Mail Stop 0279
(775) 784-6265
http://casat.org

I. Admission Requirements

Intended Audience or Applicant Requirements

• Clinical counseling professionals seeking dual credentialing pathways.
• School counselors with graduate degrees in counseling or closely related fields.
• Professionals working with youth populations who seek to advance clinical credentials and meet licensure requirements.
• Individuals who have relocated to Nevada or graduated from out-of-state social service programs and need specific courses to meet Nevada licensure requirements

Note: Students who are enrolled in this program solely are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

Applicants must have a master’s/doctoral degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related behavioral/social science field from an accredited institution of higher learning. Field of study requirements should align with applicable state board standards for clinical licensure eligibility.

Step 1: Submit CASAT Eligibility Form: prospective students must complete an internal CASAT eligibility form before applying to the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School. This preliminary step allows CASAT to review your materials and develop your individualized program of study prior to submitting your formal university application.

Required materials to submit for eligibility

1. Completed CASAT eligibility form
2. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
3. Official transcripts from institution where bachelors degree was earned and all graduate degree granting institutions (with personal information redacted as needed)
4. Transcripts Review(s) from state or professional licensing boards. (if applicable)

Step 2: Submit UNR Graduate School Application: following CASAT’s review of your materials and determination of program eligibility, you will submit a formal application to the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School. CASAT will collaborate with you to develop an individualized program of study as required by the Graduate School.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall semester: August 1st
• Spring semester: November 1st
• Summer semester: April 1st

Important Notes

• Federal financial aid is not available for certificate-only enrollment. Students must be enrolled in a degree program to qualify for federal aid. Please consult with UNR’s Financial Aid Department for more information.
• This certificate is offered exclusively online with no in-person component.
• GRE scores are not required for this certificate.

II. Program Requirements

Credit requirements range from 9-24 credits based on an individualized transcript evaluation against state licensure requirements. The specific courses required are determined by:

• Prior graduate coursework: Students may have satisfied some requirements through previous graduate-level counseling courses. Requirements vary based on academic background and preparation. Students from related fields (e.g., social work, psychology, other helping professions) typically need additional coursework in substance use disorder specific content areas.
• Target licensure credential(s): Certificate requirements depend on the specific licensure pathway students intend to pursue and can vary depending on the state in which the student resides.

The curriculum comprises core and specialized coursework selected from the following courses:

• CAS 659 - Special Topics in Addiction (1-3 units) (6 units maximum)
• CAS 662 - Ethics and Technology in Behavioral Health Practice (3 units)
• CAS 674 - Overview of Addiction Prevention, Treatment & Recovery (3 units)
• CAS 712 - Neuroscience of Addiction (3 units)
• CAS 759 - Assessment & Diagnosis: Substance & Co-Occurring Disorders (3 units)
• CAS 760 - Individual & Group Counseling for Addictions (3 units)
• CAS 761 - Couple and Family Treatment of Addictions (3 units)
• CAS 791 - Independent Study in Addiction (1 to 3 units)
• CAS 665 - Youth & Emerging Adult Development in Co-Occurring Disorders (3 units)
• CAS 638 - Sexuality and Process Addictions (3 units)
• CAS 760A - Clinical Interventions for Substance/COD Dx: Individuals (3 units)
• CAS 761A - Clinical Interventions for Substance/COD Dx: Couples (3 units)
• CAS 761B - Clinical Interventions for Substance/COD Dx: Families (3 units)
• CHS 700 - Research Methods for Public Health (3 units)
• EDRS 700 - Introduction to Educational Research (3 units)

III. Total Credits (9-24 credits)

Credit requirements are determined following an individualized advising session with a CASAT Advisor and comprehensive transcript review to identify the specific coursework necessary to meet the student’s licensure and career objectives. With advisor and University approval, students may apply up to one equivalent course from their advanced degree toward certificate requirements.