Professional Counseling Education Program

The Catholic Charities Institute Professional Counseling Education Program (PCEP) provides classes to increase the knowledge and skills of those who work with persons with substance abuse disorders.

This six-month series of classes partially fulfills the educational requirement for certification as an addictions counselor through the DC Department of Health. The PCEP classes meet recertification requirements for addictions counselors and others in human service fields.  Professionals in other fields may take courses to increase their academic and professional credentials in substance abuse counseling.

Partnership with Catholic University, Metropolitan School of Professional;

The CUA MSPS will allow PCEP graduates to apply their 270 contact hours as a prerequisite to work toward an Associate of Science or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. PCEP graduates admitted to the CUA MSPS program will receive a 40% discount in tuition fees.

Faculty:

The instructors for the Professional Counseling Education Program classes are highly qualified, credentialed professionals experienced in the provision of training for personnel within the mental health and addictions treatment fields. PCEP instructors are culturally and professionally diverse and incorporate a genuine sensitivity in presenting course content.

Course Curriculum Include:

  • Ethics and Professional Development
  • Human Development
  • Pharmacology
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • HIV/AIDS/Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health Disorders/CoOccurring Disorders
  • Rules and Regulations
  • Twelve Core Functions
  • Field Practicum Preparation
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Addictions and Criminal Justice System
  • Effects of Trauma
  • CoDependency/Families & S.A.
  • Assessment with the ASI
  • Clinical Writing Skills
  • Microcounseling Skills
  • Cross Cultural Aspects of  S.A. Counseling