Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies (SAAS)
The Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies (SAAS) is primarily an online, internet-based program designed to help students meet the State education requirements for certification as substance abuse counselors and to provide continuing education opportunities for professionals in the addictions field. All courses except for PSY 373 Counseling Skills are offered as internet courses. PSY 373 is an in-person class, offered at the Pearl City campus and through the University Centers at Kaua‘i, Maui, and West Hawai‘i (Kealakekua) on the island of Hawai‘i. Although not required for certification, students are strongly encouraged to concurrently complete the Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology.
Students will receive a strong theoretical foundation in substance use disorders and exposure to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as the basis for effective treatment of substance-related problems. Completion of the certificate satisfies current state education requirements for substance abuse counselors (note: the State education requirements may also be satisfied with other social science coursework). State certification further requires fieldwork hours and a written and oral examination. For more information on the State certification call (808) 692-7518 or visit their website at: www.hawaii.gov/health/permits/trades/trades/adcert.html.
Students who apply to the SAAS program must meet the same admission requirements established for classified students (see Academic Regulations). Those planning to complete the certificate should have taken an expository writing course, and an introductory Psychology course. In addition, a course in Abnormal Psychology should be completed within the last five years with a grade of “C” or better. This requirement may be satisfied by taking either PSY 371 Abnormal Psychology or PSY 474 Culture and Mental Illness at UH West O‘ahu.
For students completing the certificate in Substance Abuse and Addiction Studies, 19 credits are required, including:
PSY 373 Counseling Skills
PSY 374 Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy (1)
PSY 403 Causation and Prevention of Substance Abuse and Addiction
PSY 404 Social Correlates of Substance Abuse and Addiction or PSY 408 Group Interventions in
Substance Abuse and Addiction
PSY 405 Biological Correlates of Substance Abuse and Addiction
PSY 406 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse and Addiction
PSY 407B Psychology Practicum: Interventions Related to Substance Use
Up to two required courses may be waived if appropriate lower division courses (e.g., HSERV courses taken at Leeward Community College) were completed. Other upper division courses recommended by the student’s advisor must be taken to fulfill the total of 19 credits required for the certificate. A minimum of 12 credits must be completed with UH West O‘ahu.
Faculty Contact
Kanoa Meriwether, Instructor
kanoa@hawaii.edu
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