• MA Concentration in the Treatment of Substance Use and Other Addictive Behaviors (CTSAB)

  • The Concentration in the Treatment of Substance Use and Other Addictive Behaviors (CTSAB) is an academic and clinical training certificate program offered as an option in conjunction with the MA in General Psychology.

    The curriculum brings together courses in the treatment of substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors as well as general principles of psychology, providing students with a unique foundation for work in this field.

    The CTSAB employs a harm reduction orientation, placing the program at the cutting edge of training in the treatment of substance misuse and substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. The CTSAB also sponsors workshops, events, and trainings that promote a harm reduction orientation.

    Earning the CTSAB certificate gives graduates an opportunity for an applied career that can pursue on completion of the MA or carry forward into PhD studies and training. Psychology MA graduates who have completed the CTSAB will have completed the training and educational requirements to apply for certification as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CTSAB-T) and may take the exam and fulfill the supervised practical work requirements needed to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). CASAC-Ts and CASACs can be employed as substance abuse counselors at hundreds of treatment sites in New York State.

    Students who enroll in the CTSAB are eligible to participate in field placements in New York City treatment agencies, receiving practical and applied training in treating substance use disorders. Placements range from 6 to 12 months and typically begin in the fall of the second year in the program. Although direct clinical experience is not required as part of the curriculum for the CTSAB, it is strongly encouraged.

    For more detailed information, please read the information below and review the CTSAB Handbook.

    New York State CASAC Requirements

    Upon graduation from the CTSAB and the MA in General Psychology, students will have met the 350-hour education and training requirements set by New York State's Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and will be eligible to apply to New York State for a CASAC-Trainee (CASAC-T) certificate. The CASAC-T is an interim professional credential that grants trainees up to five years to qualify for full CASAC certification by passing the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam and completing the required 2,000 hours of supervised work, which can be done at a variety of OASAS-approved treatment facilities in New York.

    Related Degrees

  • Take The Next Step

Submit your application

Undergraduates

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Graduates

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Close