The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that Oregon ranks among the states with the highest substance abuse and mental health challenges, while at the same time ranking among the worst states for access to care. If youre passionate about the impact that substance abuse is having on society, then Addiction Counseling may be your path.
The Oregon Employment department forecasts that Portland-area addiction counselor employment will grow 17.2% through 2027.
Why choose Addiction Counseling at PCC?
PCCs Addiction Counseling program is the largest addiction counselor education resource in the state. This program provides the educational foundation needed to begin your career as a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
Adaptive and inclusive
Our program provides specialization for further career advancement as well as the foundation for students starting their journey in the addictions profession. We designed this program for working students by providing afternoon and evening classes. We also routinely update our curriculum to be current with the professional standards of the industry through direct contact with local agencies. Our program is reputable within the counseling industry and our students are sought for employment.
What will you learn?
Once you complete the program you can expect to have learned the following:
Listening and empathy skills
Motivational Interviewing techniques
Group counseling techniques
Individual counseling techniques
Job responsibilities of an addiction counselor
Clinical documentation
Culturally-responsive services and techniques
Co-occurring treatment options
Risk assessments
What will you do?
As an addictions counselor, you work with many populations directly impacted by substance use and mental health. Some of the tasks that you will be expected to perform include:
Substance-use screenings
Assessments
Level of care placement
Clinical evaluations
Treatment planning
Individual and group counseling
Family and community education
Discharge planning
Case management
Referrals
Crisis intervention
Who will hire me?
All levels of substance-use treatment programs
Treatment agencies that specialize in working with the following populations:
Adolescent
Older adult
Culturally-specific
Justice system involved
Trans and non-binary folks
Justice-oriented programs
Hospitals, medical centers, and clinics
Community outreach organizations
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
March 2025
Cascade Campus
705 N. Killingsworth Street,
PORTLAND,
Oregon,
97217, United States
Applicants should be turning 18 years of age in the first term they attend PCC, or older. However, we do accept students aged 16 to 17 if certain requirements are met. English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic) overall score 5.5 or higher (no band below 5.0); TOEFL iBT score 61 or higher; Pearson PTE score 45 or higher; DUOLINGO score 95 or higher (no sub-score lower than 75); iTEP (Academic) score 4.0 or higher; GTEC score 1076 or higher; EIKEN pre-1 or higher; Cambridge B2 First, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency score 160 or higher; IB - International Baccalaureate Language A1 English earn SL points: 5 or higher score HL 4 or higher.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Students can complete a full associate's degree with PCC or transfer to a prestigious college or university for a four-year degree.
