Certificate of Completion
- Why some people seem to lose control of their alcohol/drug use while others can “handle it”?
- How much of a role genetics play in the development of a substance use disorder?
- If there is any way to convince a person with a substance use disorder to stop using once and for all?
All of these questions can be answered through the field of Addictions Counseling.
- You are a caring individual who finds it rewarding to help others.
- You enjoy conducting interviews and using information to better understand how various factors can contribute to illness.
- You like the idea of working as a part of a team of professionals to support wellness and recovery.
Academic Pathways
Earning the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential is the first step in the career path as an addictions treatment professional. There is no requirement state requirement for a bachelor’s or master’s degree for those who apply for a CADC. However, continuing your education will provide more opportunities for employment and higher wages. CADCs who also possess a bachelor’s degree typically earn more per hour. Those who continue for a master’s degree in either social work or professional counseling may also apply for a license. This license will allow you to supervise others (with minimal additional training for your supervisory credential) and to maintain a private practice.
The 18 credits you will earn by completing this program can be applied towards an A.S. in social work or human services or an A.A. in psychology. Any of these degrees will qualify you for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program and, ultimately, a graduate program in counseling or social work. While a student at OCC, you may also take advantage of our 3+1 with SNHU to complete your junior year at OCC, saving you the tuition expense at a 4-year college.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) can be attained with certification exam and required number of work-based learning hours.
Faculty Biography
Patricia Gianotti has over 30 years of combined experience in substance use disorder treatment and education. Her clinical experience includes working as a primary therapist and clinical supervisor in various treatment settings, such as residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient with adults, adolescents, families, and those with co-occurring disorders. In addition to her clinical work, she has taught at the graduate level at Georgian Court and Richard Stockton Universities. She is a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) and earned a Ph.D. in psychology at Walden University, where she researched motivating factors for young opioid users seeking treatment. Dr. Gianotti holds NJ Department of Education endorsements as a School Administrator, Student Assistance Counselor, and Teacher-of-the-Handicapped. She acquired her Relapse Prevention Specialist Certification through the CENAPS Corporation in Chicago, Ill.
Contact Dr. Gianotti at pgianotti@ocean.edu or 732 255 0400 x2076.
Talk to an Enrollment Specialist:(732) 255-0482