Psychology: Chemical Dependency

ELAC's Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate Program is recognized throughout the state. Join the growing number of people who are making a professional commitment to clients whose lives have been disrupted by substance abuse. Our student club, Students Against Substance Abuse (SASA), provides the opportunity to get-to-know each other through weekly meetings, community service events, educational forums and student-to-student mentoring. A career as a Substance Abuse Counselor will provide the opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of others for generations to come.

Our faculty members have extensive experience in the field of substance abuse. As clinicians, administrators and academics, the faculty brings a broad base of knowledge into the classroom. Our curriculum reflects current practices in substance abuse prevention and treatment. Instructors pride themselves on their commitment to the program and their connections with students. The faculty are committed to student success.

Well equipped classrooms have the latest equipment to facilitate instruction. Students in field work courses have the opportunity to practice evaluation and treatment skills and gain experience guided by seasoned professionals, many of whom received their certificates from ELAC's Chemical Dependency Program.

Success = University Transfer An Associate's degree from ELAC and completion of lower division university academic requirements prepares graduates to transfer to programs in public and private universities across the country. Chemical dependency counselors with university degrees often become social workers.

Opportunities for employment after completing the Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate Program are plentiful. Providing prevention strategies to teens in local schools might be your career choice. Working with teens or adults in an out-patient or in-patient treatment program is another option. Perhaps working in the criminal justice system would interest you. The Psychology department provides employment assistance to all graduates. The Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate Program is fully accredited by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE). Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to be certified by the State of California as Substance Abuse Counselors.

Anyone 18 years or older qualifies for admission to East Los Angeles College. People under 18 qualify if they graduated from high school or if they have passed the California High School Proficiency Test. High school students may concurrently enroll at ELAC with the consent of their parents and high school and get an early start on their college education and pay no tuition.

Applications and information to register for day and evening classes are available from the Admissions Office by calling 322-265-8966.