Both of our CACREP-accredited counseling programs are based in addiction studies and the treatment of substance use disorders, but also include intensive coursework and emphases on mental health and co-occurring disorders. This integrated approach reflects best practices in health care to treat substance use disorders and related conditions with a comprehensive counseling approach.
Our Master of Arts in Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Learn more about CACREP Accreditation. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program does not guarantee licensure. However, CACREP standards typically meet minimum educational and experiential requirements for state licensure, and some states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program in order to be eligible for licensure. Please note that Licensing requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. More information about licensure is available here.
We are also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and professional competence.
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Our Graduate School has a distinct and singular focus: training addiction counselors who will lead the treatment and recovery field. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has been preparing our graduate students to work in the field of substance abuse counseling for more than 50 years.
As a student in our accredited addiction studies programs, you will benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School's world-class faculty members bring first-hand knowledge from years of clinical experience, research, and teaching, ensuring that our students get the most out of our innovative curricula. All of our full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees, the highest degree attainable in their field.
Addiction treatment centers across the nation recruit our graduates. Hear what one employer has to say about our addiction counselor graduates.