Basics in Addiction Counseling (BAC)
Now Accepting Applications
The Basics in Addiction Counseling Concentration -- an exciting opportunity for Psychology Majors
The Psychology Department is pleased to announce an educational opportunity for our majors. The Basics in Addiction Counseling (BAC) is a concentration within the Psychology Major that provides academic coursework and applied clinical experience to help prepare students for careers in the addiction counseling field.
Addiction counseling is one of the few fields in which it is possible with a bachelor's degree to work as a fully licensed behavioral health professional. The demand for addiction treatment services is high in New Mexico, which has some of the nation's highest death rates from drunk driving, drug overdose, and other alcohol/drug-related causes. Psychology graduates with the BAC concentration will have completed all coursework requirements to become a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) and Licensed Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), pending approval by the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board. The program emphasizes clinical practice based on scientific knowledge, informed by a commitment to provide services to persons in need, and adherence to the highest of ethical standards.
SAMHSA-NAADAC Workforce Forums – Addiction Professional Education & Career Ladder
Education | High School or G.E.D. | Certificate Program, Training Series, Some College | Associate’s Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctorate |
Career Opportunities |
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Required State Credential or License | Dependent on state regulations | Dependent on state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state | Most states require credential or certification – check state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state |
SAMHSA | Entry Level SUD Technician | Entry Level SUD Technician | Associate SUD Counselor | SUD Counselor | Clinical SUD Counselor OR Independent Clinical SUD Counselor/Supervisor | |
NCC AP | Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) | National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) | National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I | National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II) | Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) | Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) |
Applications are due Wednesday, October 16, 2024 for admission into the BAC starting in the Spring 2025 semester.
You may contact Cal Reynolds at creynolds2@unm.edu for application instructions or any questions concerning the program. Please use the application documents at the links below.
Please email your application materials to Cal Reynolds at creynolds2@unm.edu. Have your references email their letters of recommendation to him as well. The BAC Advisory Committee will determine acceptance before registration begins. We strongly recommend you reach out to Cal Reynolds before applying to the program to get information about the program and instructions on the application process.
