The Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum combined with specialized electives from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to satisfy the educational requirements toward certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor.

DSPS grants certification for Substance Abuse Counselors in the State of Wisconsin (not UWM). To become certified, a person must have specialized course work, documented practice experience in an appropriately supervised substance abuse counseling setting, and must pass the State required examinations.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UW-Milwaukee offers our students the opportunity to complete the required specialized course work while concurrently earning their master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Our DSPS approved Substance Abuse Counseling (SAC) curriculum cannot be taken separately from the Educational Psychology Masters: Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program.

The Substance Abuse Counseling curriculum of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UWM is approved through June 1, 2028.

Why certification as Substance Abuse Counselor along with the counseling degree?

  • In order to be qualified in the State of Wisconsin to provide treatment for substance misuse disorders, one must hold a DSPS Substance Abuse Counselor credential.
  • Certification in Substance Abuse Counseling is a valued additional credential for many mental health positions.
  • Licensed Professional Counselors can provide a more comprehensive continuum of care to clients when qualified to treat both mental health and substance use disorders.

Program Requirements

Required electives from the MSW Helen Bader School of Social Welfare for the Substance Abuse Counselor emphasis are:

  • SocWrk 791 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (must be taken for 3 credits)
  • SocWrk 818 Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
  • SocWrk 820 Interventions for Substance Misuse + SBIRT
  • SocWrk 820 Treatment of Substance Misuse and the Family: Adults/Older Adults

OR

  • SocWrk 820 Treatment of Substance Misuse and the Family: Adolescents
The above listed electives are not offered every semester. Talk to your advisor about incorporating the SAC electives into your course plan.