Addictions Counseling

Empower Recovery, Transform Lives

In MCC’s Addictions Counseling programs, you’ll gain a strong foundation in counseling, psychology, and human services, with a focus on substance use and recovery. Coursework emphasizes evidence‑based treatment approaches, interviewing and assessment techniques, and the development of therapeutic skills needed to support individuals and families affected by addiction. You’ll also explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects of substance use disorders, preparing you to understand addiction from multiple perspectives. Through this experience, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to transfer successfully to a four-year college or begin your career.

AREA OF INTEREST

Community Engagement & Development

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A.S.

Associates of Science

CERT

Certificate

Through MCC’s Addictions Counseling programs, you'll learn:

Counseling Techniques — Develop interviewing, assessment, and therapeutic skills to support individuals in recovery.
Evidence-Based Approaches — Study proven treatment models for substance use disorders and relapse prevention.
Human Development — Understand psychological, biological, and social factors thatinfluence addiction and recovery.
Ethics and Professionalism — Learn the standards of practice, confidentiality, and cultural competence required in the field.
Community Collaboration — Gain experience working with healthcare providers, support networks, and advocacy groups.
Field Experience — Apply classroom knowledge in supervised settings to build confidence and practical skills.

Build Key Skills

Empathy

Communication

Resilience

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

Addictions counseling professionals play a vital role in helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and reclaim their lives. They provide compassionate guidance, evidence‑based strategies, and personalized support to clients navigating the challenges of recovery. By fostering trust and resilience, counselors empower people to build healthier futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

Career Opportunities: 

Substance Abuse Counselor
Recovery Coach
Case Manager
Behavioral Health Technician
Human Services Specialist

Where You Could Work: 

Community health centers
Hospitals
Rehabilitation facilities
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies

Local Employers: 

Delphi Rise
East House
Strong Recovery at URMC
Catholic Family Center
Rochester Regional Health Behavioral Health

MCC's Addictions Counseling programs provide a strong foundation for further study or starting your career.

A.S.

Associate of Science

MCC’s Addictions Counseling A.S. degree prepares students for meaningful work in the recovery field through a blend of coursework and hands‑on learning. Students build a strong foundation in counseling skills, ethics, case management, and treatment planning, then apply those skills in a supervised internship at a local agency. This real‑world experience helps them gain confidence, understand client needs, and prepare for further study or entry‑level roles in human services.

Length

2 years / 63 credit hours

Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full time study.

Location

Downtown Campus

Program Requirements

A.S. Courses & Prerequisites

CERT

Certificate

The Addictions Counseling certificate offers a focused, career‑ready pathway for students looking to quickly enter the field or enhance existing human‑services experience. Coursework emphasizes practical counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and professional responsibilities specific to substance‑use treatment settings. With its streamlined curriculum and required supervised internship, the certificate equips students with the essential skills needed to support individuals on their recovery journey.

Length

30 credit hours

Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters.

Location

Downtown Campus

Program Requirements

Certificate Courses & Prerequisites

Transfer Seamlessly

MCC’s Addictions Counseling A.S. degree is designed to make continuing your education seamless. The program includes transferable general education and human services coursework that aligns with bachelor’s programs in counseling, psychology, social work, and related fields. MCC’s established articulation agreements, transfer pathways, and dedicated advising support make it possible for you to confidently move into a four‑year institution knowing your credits will count toward your next degree. This structure reduces the risk of lost credits and ensures you enter your bachelor’s program prepared for upper‑division coursework.

Learn Through Experience

Students in MCC’s addictions counseling programs learn by doing—applying classroom concepts directly in real-world settings through a 300‑hour, supervised internship at a Rochester‑area agency. This hands‑on experience helps them build practical counseling skills, navigate crisis situations, collaborate with professionals, and understand the day‑to‑day realities of supporting individuals in recovery.

Flexible Learning Options

Seventy-five percent of the Addictions Counseling A.S. degree can be completed online, giving you the flexibility to learn while you balance work, family, and other commitments.

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible.

Financial Aid Available Scholarships

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Human Services

Prepare for a career helping others through MCC's Human Services programs. Gain hands-on experience, develop helping skills, and explore pathways in social services, advocacy, and community support.

A.S.

Certificate

Trauma-Informed Care

Launch your impact in human services with MCC’s Trauma-Informed Care Microcredential—gain essential skills in trauma response, crisis communication, and client support to strengthen your career in mental health and community care.

Microcredential

Hospital & Community: Mental Health Tech

 Prepare for a rewarding mental health career with Monroe Community College's Hospital & Community Mental Health Tech A.A.S. program. Gain hands-on skills in crisis support and care.

A.A.S.

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