Co-occurring Disorders
Advanced Certificate
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Co-occurring Disorders is to educate counseling students and practicing counselors to provide effective, evidence-based services to individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This certificate is designed for master's-level counseling students and practicing counselors in rehabilitation counseling, social work, marriage, and family counseling, and other counseling professions who seek to develop knowledge and skill in the area of integrated services (i.e., the provision of simultaneous substance use and mental health services in the same-service setting).
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with demonstrated experience in rehabilitation services (for current master’s students) or a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related counseling profession.
Required Courses
Required courses include six didactic courses (18 units) and one internship course (3 units) as follows:
- ARP 601: Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Co-occurring Disorders: Law and Ethics (3)
- ARP 608: Assessment for Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Co-occurring Disorders (3)
- ARP 660: Theory and Process of Counseling in Rehabilitation (3)
- ARP 744: Practicum in Rehabilitation (3)
- CSP 650: Trauma and Crisis Counseling (3)
- CSP 687: Family and Systemic Treatment of Substance Abuse (3)
- CSP 694: Psychopharmacology for MFT and Counseling (3)
Completion Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all certificate coursework with no less than a grade of C (2.0) in any course. Only three units of coursework with a grade of C (2.0) will count towards the certificate. A maximum of three units of coursework can be repeated. Courses in the certificate program may be applied to a master’s degree if applicable. Contact the program advisor for more information.
Students may complete the certificate in conjunction with, or subsequent to, the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling, Concentration in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling-LPCC. Students must complete a master’s degree in order to qualify for the LAADC credential.
Contact Information
Dr. Charles Degeneffe is the program advisor for the certificate program. He will meet with each certificate student to design an individualized program of study based on the student’s educational background and professional experience. Students may enroll in the certificate program and the master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling concurrently.
How to Apply
Important Dates for Fall 2026
| Item | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Cal State Apply application (opens October 1 each year) |
April 1, 2026 |
| 2. Interfolio program application | April 15, 2026 |
| 3. Official transcripts due | April 15, 2026 |
Application Instructions
Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU
The first steps must be completed through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. See steps 1-4 on SDSU Graduate Fall Steps to Apply.
Cal State Apply - Opens Oct. 1
Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts
After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send Official Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondance from SDSU.
Step 3: Submit the Program Application & Supplemental Materials
In addition to your university application (above), you must complete a Program Application to the certificate program. This includes uploading supplemental documents.
Gather Required Items
Gather the items below and have them ready to upload to the Interfolio program application:
- Resume/CV: Upload a copy of your current resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Essay: Write a two-to-three-page essay describing why you would like to be included in the advanced certificate in co-occurring disorders, what you hope to gain through completing the program, and how you will use your new knowledge and skills.
- Unofficial transcripts: Upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts to the Program Application.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: These letters are required if you are applying to the certificate only. If you have submitted letters of recommendation for another Master's degree program application this term or are currently enrolled in a Master's degree at SDSU, then these letters are not required.