Available courses

MTS-00 Orientation

Orientation for coursework.

MTS-01 Overview of SUD

MTS-01 Overview of SUD Course

This 45‑hour, eight‑week course provides an overview of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and is aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies for SUD counselors. The course examines the cultural context of substance use, including stereotypes and belief systems that impact individuals, families, and service delivery. Instruction addresses human development, behavioral theories, personality traits, and biopsychosocial factors as they relate to assessment, treatment planning, and recovery support in the SUD field.
 
Course content includes family dynamics, co‑occurring conditions, treatment and recovery approaches, ethical standards, client education, documentation, and program planning. Emphasis is placed on understanding the patterns and progression of Substance Use Disorders, diagnostic considerations, and the criteria used to determine appropriate levels of care, referral, and ongoing services. The course prepares students to apply evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, and person‑centered practices consistent with AB 2473 competencies and California regulatory standards.

MTS-02 Law and Ethics

MTS-02 Law and Ethics Course

Law and Ethics is a foundational course for individuals preparing to work as Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors and is aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies. This 45‑hour, eight‑week course examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of SUD counselors within regulated treatment and recovery service systems.
 
Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of SUD services, the course introduces relevant legal and ethical considerations related to criminal justice, medical, and mental health systems, with attention to collaboration, referrals, and professional boundaries. Additional content includes prevention principles and community‑based issues as defined by federal prevention frameworks, as well as foundational concepts in training, outreach, screening, communication, intervention, and referral. Advanced skill development is addressed in subsequent coursework. This course prepares students to practice lawfully, ethically, and responsibly within California’s SUD counseling environment.

MTS-03 Personal and Professional Development

MTS-03 Personal and Professional Development Course

This 45‑hour course, aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies, addresses the professional demands and responsibilities of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors. The course emphasizes professional conduct, scope of practice, ethical standards, and state regulatory requirements.
 
Instruction focuses on self‑awareness, personal growth, and self‑care strategies to support ethical practice, prevent burnout, and maintain professional effectiveness. Students examine professional boundaries, supervision expectations, and accountability within regulated counseling environments.

MTS-04 Physiology & Pharmacology

MTS-04 Physiology & Pharmacology Course

This 45‑hour, eight‑week course, aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies, examines the physiological, psychological, pharmacological, and neurobiological aspects of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) using a biopsychosocial and neuroplasticity‑informed framework. Instruction includes current drug trends, brain function, and recovery processes.
 
Course content introduces DSM‑5 and ASAM Criteria, basic substance‑related pharmacology, and medications used in SUD and mental health treatment, within counselor scope of practice. The course also addresses medical and health‑related issues, including HIV/AIDS, and focuses on co‑occurring disorders and special populations, emphasizing coordinated, ethical, and person‑centered care.

MTS-05 Case Management

MTS-05 Case Management Course

This 45‑hour course, aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies, examines the knowledge, skills, and professional responsibilities of the Case Manager within the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) service system. The course distinguishes case management functions from counseling and therapy while emphasizing coordinated, ethical, and client‑centered care.
Instruction includes the application of assessment instruments and screening tools, treatment and recovery planning, clinical documentation, and discharge and aftercare follow‑up consistent with regulatory standards.
 
Students also develop skills in referrals, community networking, and collaboration with multidisciplinary providers, including services supporting individuals with disabilities and other special needs. Emphasis is placed on accurate documentation, communication, and continuity of care within regulated service environments.

MTS-06 Counseling Theories & Approaches

MTS-06 Counseling Theories & Approaches Course

This 45‑hour course, aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies, focuses on the therapeutic relationship as a core skill for supporting client engagement, motivation, and progress in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment. The course reviews counseling theories, models, and evidence‑informed strategies, encouraging skill development across individual, group, and family settings.
 
Instruction emphasizes counseling skills, group dynamics, teamwork, and professional attitudes required for ethical, effective, and adaptable practice within regulated SUD service systems.

MTS-07 Practicum

MTS-07 Practicum is an interactive Graduate level course

This course consists of 45 classroom hours and is aligned with California AB 2473 required competencies for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors. The course provides supervised field‑based learning designed to support the development and application of counselor competencies within a trauma‑informed, client‑centered framework.
 
Students receive instruction and supervision from a qualified instructor, along with direct supervision at an approved behavioral health site. The course instructor remains available for consultation throughout the completion of fieldwork requirements to support ethical practice, professional development, and competency attainment consistent with AB 2473 standards.
 
During the course, students must complete a minimum of 255 supervised hours in an approved behavioral health setting. Field placement sites must be capable of providing supervision in multiple core counselor functions and must meet CCAPP supervision requirements, including structured oversight, documentation, and professional support. Emphasis is placed on safety, ethical practice, cultural humility, and client empowerment within real‑world service delivery environments.