Criteria C / LCAS
The Criteria C Program at Elon University
The Counselor Education Program at Elon University is recognized as a Criteria C program by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB). This designation confirms that the program meets the educational standards required for the Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) credential in North Carolina.
The Criteria C program requires students to complete:
- 12 credit hours of addiction-specific coursework
- A 300-hour internship at an approved facility that provides addiction-specific treatment
The 12 credit hours are completed through four online courses designed to provide comprehensive training in substance use assessment, treatment, and recovery.
Interested in Becoming an Addiction Counselor?
- Fast track to licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) in NC!
- Assess and diagnose substance use disorders.
- Provide individual and group addiction counseling.
- Develop treatment plans.
- Conduct crisis intervention.
- Provide case management and referrals.
- Educate clients and families about addiction.
Elon Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Students can earn their LCAS Credential
by completing:
- 12 hours of addictions coursework.
- 300 hour internship at approved site.
- Supervision by a Board approved addiction supervisor.
Required Courses
COU 6000 – Introduction to Substance Use and Addictions Counseling (3 SH)
This course provides a foundational overview of substance use and behavioral addictions, including etiology, commonly abused psychoactive substances, diagnostic criteria, and intervention strategies. Students explore neurobiology of addiction, co-occurring disorders, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, recovery models, support systems, prevention strategies, ethical considerations, relapse prevention, and the role of family and community in recovery.
COU 6100 – Addiction Assessment & Treatment Planning (3 SH)
This course prepares students to conduct comprehensive, culturally responsive assessments and develop evidence-based treatment plans for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. Topics include screening tools, diagnostic criteria, biopsychosocial assessment, case management, motivational interviewing, collaborative goal setting, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and ethical documentation. Students build competency in assessment, treatment planning, and interprofessional collaboration
COU 6200 – Addiction Counseling for Individuals, Families, & Groups (3 SH)
This course develops clinical skills for providing effective, ethical, and culturally responsive addiction counseling across individual, family, and group settings. Emphasis is placed on psychological and developmental factors, co-occurring conditions, evidence-based practices, family systems approaches, peer support models, and group dynamics. Students strengthen their ability to establish therapeutic alliances, facilitate groups, engage families, and integrate community resources to promote sustained recovery.
COU 6800 – Special Topics in Addictions, Treatment, and Recovery (3 SH)
This advanced seminar explores emerging issues, innovative interventions, and current research in addiction counseling. Topics include crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, medication-assisted treatment, recovery-oriented systems of care, culturally specific interventions, special populations, and the impact of social determinants of health on recovery outcomes. Students critically evaluate contemporary research and apply advanced counseling skills to complex clinical scenarios.
Internship Requirement
COU 7100 – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I (8 SH)
Internship I provides supervised clinical experience for counselors-in-training. Building on practicum, this course integrates counseling theory, culturally responsive practices, psychopharmacology, evidence-based interventions, and technology in counseling. Students strengthen professional competencies including caseload management, documentation, referral processes, ethical reasoning, and case conceptualization.
Over one semester, students complete 600 total hours, including 240 direct service hours, in an approved mental health counseling setting. Faculty-led group supervision (1.5 hours weekly), on-site supervision, evaluations, and video review are integral components of the experience.
Important Criteria C Internship Note
To qualify for Criteria C:
- The 300-hour addiction-specific internship must be completed at an approved facility providing addiction treatment.
- Students must receive a minimum of 30 hours of addiction-specific supervision from an NCASPPB-approved supervisor (e.g., CCS or CSI).
Students who do not complete a Criteria C-approved internship in the appropriate setting will not qualify for Criteria C designation.
Licensure Information
The Criteria C program at Elon University meets the educational requirements established by the NCASPPB for the Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) credential in North Carolina.
Please note:
- Criteria C requirements apply only to the state of North Carolina.
- Completion of this program does not guarantee eligibility for addiction licensure or certification in other states.
- Out-of-state students should consult their state’s addiction credentialing board for specific educational requirements.
- Students must be currently enrolled in the Elon University Counseling Program in order to enroll in the internship.
- During internship, students receive addiction-specific supervision from their designated university supervisor.
Questions?
For additional information about the Criteria C Program, please contact Dr. Judy Folmar, jfolmar@elon.edu