Certificate in Integrative Substance Use Services

Acknowledging the urgent need for skilled and culturally competent professionals to address national behavioral health demands, The Catholic University of America's National Catholic School of Social Service proudly hosts the Community-Based Integrated Substance Use Training Program (CB-ISTP). This comprehensive year-long initiative aims to empower masters-prepared social workers, advanced practice nurses, professional counselors, doctoral-level health psychologists, and nurses to effect profound change within individuals, families, and communities. Funded entirely by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, this program offers accepted trainees’ tuition-free enrollment.

Upon completion, participants will gain expertise in:

Navigating the service landscape for substance use and co-occurring health and mental health issues.
Understanding the neurobiology of substance use disorders.
Developing skills to address language barriers, stigma, and social impacts related to substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Building a theoretical foundation for comprehensive health interventions.
Implementing evidence-informed strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Utilizing pharmacological approaches in managing substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Up to 120 hours of continuing education units.

Curriculum Highlights:

Foundations of Addiction Science I and II offered asynchronously.
On-campus Integrative Seminars in Substance Use I, II, & III featuring guest lectures, online simulation training, and skills building exercises working with individuals with lived experience
Clinical externship experiences totaling 170 hours across two semesters, including practice simulations with individuals with lived experiences.

This certificate program equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of integrative substance use services.