Credits required
18-21
Cost per-credit*
$288.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per Year
Addiction Treatment Services, Minor
Gain foundational skills in prevention, treatment, and recovery support
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The Addiction Treatment Services, Minor at Nevada Online prepares undergraduate students to make a meaningful difference in the field of addiction counseling, prevention, and behavioral health. This 18-21 credit academic program introduces students to substance abuse treatment and prevention strategies, equipping them with knowledge and experience that supports professional growth and certification eligibility.
Offered in partnership with the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), this online minor aligns with educational requirements established by the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. Students gain current, evidence-based training in addiction treatment approaches while enhancing their primary field of study.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Program Overview
Admission and Enrollment
Enrollment is open to current University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate students. Students may begin coursework in any academic term.
Eligibility requirements:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA for undergraduates
- Non-degree-seeking students may take courses, but are not eligible for federal financial aid
- Transcripts or other materials may be required for advising purposes
Advisors at CASAT are available to support course selection, practicum planning, and post-completion steps for certification or graduate program planning.
Format
Online
Total Credits
18-21 credits
Optional Practicum
3-credit, 135-hour placement (CAS 464)
Practicum Requirements
Completion of all six minor courses required
In-State Tuition Rate (2025–2026)
$288.50 per credit*
Term Availability
3 Per Year
What You’ll Learn
Students completing the minor build a solid foundation in behavioral health and addiction treatment planning, along with applied skills in client engagement, relapse prevention, and case management. The curriculum introduces students to clinical approaches that reflect current trends in substance use and addiction care.
| Required Courses | Learning Focus |
| CAS 154: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction | Overview of addiction-related topics, prevention, and treatment |
| CAS 254: Signs and Symptoms of Addiction | Diagnosis, behavioral indicators, and mental health connections |
| CAS 255 or CAS 257 | Prevention practices or peer ethics in support roles |
| CAS 354: Screening and Client Engagement | Client assessment, screening tools, and ethical engagement |
| CAS 355 or CAS 357 | Individual and group counseling or justice system interventions |
| CAS 454: Assessment and Case Management of Addictions | Recovery strategies and coordinated care planning |
Students may choose to complete the optional practicum (CAS 464), which provides supervised, experiential learning with certified addiction professionals across approved Nevada sites. This experiential component is strongly recommended for those pursuing licensure or planning to enter the addiction counseling field.
Please refer to the University Course Catalog for complete details.
Who This Program Serves
The minor in addiction treatment services is ideal for undergraduate students who want to expand their qualifications in health and social science fields, prepare for future licensure, or add specialized training to support personal and professional goals. It is particularly valuable for students interested in:
- Behavioral health or public health
- Social work or counseling
- Criminal justice or advocacy
- Youth services or education
- Substance abuse prevention and intervention
Students pursuing this minor often complement it with majors such as psychology, sociology, public health, human development and family studies, or other related programs.
Career Preparation and Certification Readiness
This minor enhances your ability to work in treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation environments. It supports preparation for state certification as an alcohol and drug counselor and creates pathways into health and human services roles. While the minor does not independently grant licensure, it is a critical first step toward professional certification.
Students completing the program may pursue career paths such as:
- Substance abuse counselor (after meeting licensure and supervision requirements)
- Addiction prevention specialist
- Case manager in human or behavioral health services
- Program support roles in clinical or nonprofit settings
The curriculum also supports students interested in continuing their education through graduate certificates, master’s degrees in counseling, or related behavioral health programs.
Student Support and Practicum Services
All courses are administered through CASAT, the University of Nevada, Reno’s designated center for substance abuse training. CASAT provides academic advising, practicum placement assistance, and professional development workshops that help students prepare for the realities of working in addiction and substance abuse services.
CASAT coordinates practicum placements with agencies across Nevada and offers support to ensure students are well prepared to transition from classroom to clinical settings. Funding opportunities may also be available through Nevada workforce partnerships for students pursuing placement in high-need areas.
Start Your Path Toward Addiction Counseling
The Addiction Treatment Services, Minor offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of substance use, prevention, and treatment while gaining hands-on experience through real-world practicum placements. Whether you are working toward a counseling career or complementing another area of study, this program helps prepare you for impactful service in Nevada’s behavioral health workforce.
Why Choose Nevada Online for Your Addiction Treatment Services, Minor
The Addiction Treatment Services Minor at Nevada Online develops foundational skills in addiction counseling, prevention, and recovery support. This 18-21 credit online program aligns with Nevada CADC requirements and offers evidence-based training. It's ideal for students in behavioral health fields seeking specialized knowledge and preparation for certification.
Benefits of Learning Online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule