According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 46.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 16.5 percent of the population) met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year. Given the ongoing prevalence of substance misuse and addictions in the United States, there is a deep need for social workers who specialize in these areas.
MSW students interested in alcohol and drug counseling shall complete the coursework requirements for Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensure in Connecticut (CT).* In addition, students graduating with their MSW are eligible to receive credit for one year toward their required three years of supervised paid work experience or unpaid internship in alcohol and drug counseling.* This option is available to students in the IGFP concentration.
Students completing this pathway must successfully complete Substance Use I: Intro to Alcohol and Other Drugs (5300) and Substance Use II: Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Use (5301). Students must indicate their interest in the ADC licensure pathway for their advanced year placement. The Practicum Education Department will work to identify an agency addressing alcohol and substance use. Please note that the practicum is not guaranteed if the student is not accepted by the agency.
*Students must appropriately submit all required documentation to the CT Department of Public Health. The UConn SSW cannot guarantee the successful certification of graduates. See full state requirements here.
Questions: Contact the Office of Student and Academic Services at sswstudentservices@uconn.edu