About ICDS

Institute of Chemical Dependency StudiesThe Institute of Chemical Dependency Studies, a NAADAC approved education provider, sets the standard of excellence in initial, ongoing, and advanced clinical and professional training and development in the field of addiction counseling.

ICDS specializes in four elements of counselor education:

  1. Substance Abuse Counselor Education

    Austin Day Class Starting May, 13, 2013. Call 866-523-2669. Offered in a classroom and through distance learning. The training is accepted for certifications and licensures across the country, including LCDC, CADAC, CASAC, CADP and many others.

  2. Certified Criminal Justice Professional CCJP

    Offered in a classroom and through distance learning. The CCJP training is in conjunction with the LCDS Training Program. Call 866-523-2669 for more information

  3. Peer Recovery Coach Training

    There is a growing awareness nationwide that addiction is a chronic disease requiring more than acute intervention. ICDS has scheduled a weekend training for June 22 & 23, June 29 & 30, and July 13; each class meets from 8 - 5:30. A full time training is scheduled for June 24 - 28 from 8 - 5:30. A full time training is scheduled for July 15 - 19. For more information about these trainings, please call Joseph at 512-771-9722.

  4. Non Violent Crisis Intervention NVCI

    For anyone that provides social services (law enforcement, medical, addiction professionals, etc.), Non Violent Crisis Intervention teaches practical skills and strategies to safely manage disruptive or difficult behavior while balancing the responsibilities of care, welfare, safety and security of everyone. To schedule training, contact Joseph Sanchez: (512) 246-6007

  5. Counselor CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

    ICDS offers CEU Workshops (Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio) and online CEUs for certified/licensed counselors. ICDS will also travel to you to provide CEUs.

  6. Additional Certification Courses

    Counselors wishing to expand their knowledge can achieve three certifications through ICDS: Certified Preventions Specialist, Clinical Supervision and Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Training.

  7. ICRC Test Review and Preparation

    The ICRC test is the most common credentialing test for prospective drug and alcohol counselors. ICDS provides quality, comprehensive Workshops and Manuals for the ICRC examination.

The Counselor Training Program

ICDS has been training counselors since 1992, offering students the option of completing their counselor training in a classroom location or on-line via distance learning.

ICDS chemical dependency counselor training gives students the national standard of knowledge, education, and skills to successfully work in the field of chemical dependency and substance abuse counseling.

Our courses are eligible for transfer credit into a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Phoenix and Central Texas College. For information about college credit, see the college credit page.

The curriculum focuses on all aspects of chemical dependency, including counseling techniques, the function and responsibilities of a case manager, family needs and recovery issues, training in intervention techniques and facilitation, dual diagnosis treatment, adolescent drug abuse services and counseling, adult children of alcoholics needs and services, sexual addiction education, eating disorders education, relapse prevention and ethics.

Counselor CEUs

Counselor Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered in two formats: in-class in an Austin, Dallas, Houston or San Antonio classroom location or through independent study. Independent study CEUs range from 3 CEU hours to 15 CEU hours. Independent study CEUs can be ordered quickly and securely through paypal - you have the choice of receiving your order through email or mail.

Certification Courses

Certification courses are designed for licensed/certifed professionals wishing to expand their expertise. The following certification courses are offered in varied formats:

  1. Certified Prevention Specialist Training
  2. Clinical Supervision Training
  3. Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Training

ICRC Test Review and Preparation

The ICRC examination is required in most states for prospective addiction professionals. ICDS provides the necessary materials to prepare for the examination in both a workshop and study guide format.