Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders Specialization
More than 20 million Americans have a substance use disorder and nearly 100,000 Americans died as a result of a drug overdose in 2024. Social workers, who encounter individuals, families and children dealing with the impact of substance use disorders in every setting in which they are employed, are in an ideal position to intervene. A well-grounded knowledge of practice interventions with this population is in demand in the workplace and is a prerequisite for positions in many settings. The Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders Specialization provides rigorous clinical training that prepares NYU Silver MSW students for high-impact careers in substance use treatment and counseling.
Students who successfully complete all the requirements of this specialization will have also completed the 350 hours of training required to take New York State’s Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) exam, which is the first step in obtaining the state’s CASAC credential.
Students may enter this specialization in their Specialized Practice year. Matriculated MSW students will receive application information from the MSW Program Office and Office of Practicum Education & Community Partnerships.
Learning Objectives and Opportunities
- Skill Development: Students will deepen their clinical skills with individuals who have substance use or co-occurring disorders and their families
- Monthly Seminar Series: Students will participate in the required Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders Seminar, which provides the opportunity to obtain extra support while learning about the treatment of substance use disorders
- Practicum Placements: Students will be placed in agencies licensed by NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) with Practicum Instructors who have been selected based on their commitment to teaching students
Required Coursework
- Clinical Practice With Substance Users & Their Families (3-credits)
- Advanced Social Policy - Substance Use (3-credits)
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be in good academic standing
- Students must be preparing to enter their Specialized Practice year (Practicum III)
- Students must complete the Specialized Practice form for the Practicum Education Office indicating interest in this specialization
- Students must be available on Thursday mornings to attend the monthly seminar (students will be excused from Practicum in order to attend if needed)