Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The Social Work program provides preparation for employment as a paraprofessional aide with agencies such as correctional institutions, parole, probation, welfare, rehabilitation, mental health, schools, and childcare centers.

A special option is Chemical Dependency Studies, which provides preparation for paraprofessional work with public or private agencies dealing with chemical dependency and addiction.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

A.A. in Chemical Dependency Studies
A.A. in Social Work
Chemical Dependency Studies Certificate
Mental Behavioral Health Certificate
Social Work Certificate

Dean Matt Wright
Email archser@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Chemical Dependency Studies

The degree program in Chemical Dependency Studies centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Course work includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening: intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client's education, client's rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
HEED 310	Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED	1
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 305	Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3)
or PSYC C1000H	Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)	3
or PSYC 481	Honors Abnormal Behavior (3)
SWCD 300	Introduction to Social Work	3
SWCD 310	Ethical Issues and Client's Rights	3
SWCD 330	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)	3
or PSYC 365	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
SWCD 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)	3
or PSYC 400	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWCD 341	Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3)	3
or PSYC 401	Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3)
SWCD 342	Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3)	3¹
or PSYC 402	Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3)
SWCD 360	Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling	3
SWCD 362	Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency	3
SWCD 365	Techniques of Group Counseling	3²
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4³
SWCD 498	Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		38

¹If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.

²If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.

³Chemical Dependency Certificate or AA students must complete a minimum of 255 internship hours for SWCD 498.

The Chemical Dependency Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate the components of a quality chemical dependency counseling program.
demonstrate the twelve essential counseling skills as they apply to chemical dependency and recovery processes.
utilize counseling strategies based on examination of scientific theories of addiction.
identify the community resources used in assisting clients with addiction issues.
appraise and apply the knowledge of California Professional Codes of Ethics for Drug and Alcohol counselors.
evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.

Career Information

Upon completion of the A.A. degree a student possesses the coursework required for initial certification as a California drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC).

A.A. in Social Work

The A.A. degree program in Social Work centers around the broad array of entry level skills and abilities effectively used in social service delivery systems. Coursework includes the twelve helper core function applications in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client's education, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
HEED 310	Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED	1
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 305	Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3)
or PSYC C1000H	Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)	3
or PSYC 481	Honors Abnormal Behavior (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)	3
or SOC 480	Introductory Sociology - Honors (3)
SWCD 300	Introduction to Social Work	3
SWCD 310	Ethical Issues and Client's Rights	3
SWCD 330	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)	3
or PSYC 365	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
SWCD 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)	3
or PSYC 400	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWCD 360	Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling	3
SWCD 362	Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency	3
SWCD 365	Techniques of Group Counseling	3¹
A minimum of 2 units from the following:		2
These units do not need to be taken in one semester.
SWCD 498	Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		33

¹If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.

The Social Work Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

define the functions of social service delivery systems.
analyze public policy issues, complexities and controversies affecting social service agencies and their clients.
integrate different theoretical approaches in working with clients.
identify the community resources used in assisting clients.
appraise and apply the knowledge of existing California professional codes of ethics for the helping professions.
describe the application of clients' rights in the social service delivery system.
evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.

Certificates of Achievement

Chemical Dependency Studies Certificate

The certificate program in Chemical Dependency Studies centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive drug and alcohol counseling. Course work includes the twelve counselor core function applications in addiction screening: intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, client's education, client's rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
HEED 310	Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED	1
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 305	Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3)
or PSYC C1000H	Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)	3
or PSYC 481	Honors Abnormal Behavior (3)
SWCD 300	Introduction to Social Work	3
SWCD 310	Ethical Issues and Client's Rights	3
SWCD 330	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)	3
or PSYC 365	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
SWCD 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)	3
or PSYC 400	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWCD 341	Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3)	3
or PSYC 401	Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs (3)
SWCD 342	Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3)	3¹
or PSYC 402	Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery (3)
SWCD 360	Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling	3
SWCD 362	Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency	3
SWCD 365	Techniques of Group Counseling	3²
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4³
SWCD 498	Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		38

¹If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.

²If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.

³Chemical Dependency Certificate or AA students must complete a minimum of 255 internship hours for SWCD 498.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate the components of a quality chemical dependency counseling program.
demonstrate the twelve essential counseling skills as they apply to chemical dependency and recovery processes.
utilize counseling strategies based on examination of scientific theories of addiction.
identify the community resources used in assisting clients with addiction issues.
appraise and apply the knowledge of California Professional Codes of Ethics for Drug and Alcohol counselors.
evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.

Career Information

Upon completion of the certificate a student possesses the coursework required for initial certification as a California drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC).

Mental Behavioral Health Certificate

The Apprenticeship certificate program in Mental Behavioral Health centers around the specific skills and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive mental behavioral health counseling. Course work includes chemical dependency, abnormal behavior, co-occurring disorders, confidentiality, professional ethics, diversity, managing crises, and client screening, education, and counseling. Upon completion of the certificate students will be equipped for entry level counseling and case management positions in behavioral health programs that treat individuals with persistent mental illness.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BUSTEC 126	Outlook: Basics (1)	1
or CISA 126	Outlook: Basics (1)
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)	3
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior	3
SWCD 300	Introduction to Social Work	3
SWCD 310	Ethical Issues and Client's Rights	3
SWCD 330	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)	3
or PSYC 365	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
SWCD 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)	3
or PSYC 400	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWCD 360	Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling	3
SWCD 365	Techniques of Group Counseling	3
A minimum of 16 units from the following:		16
APPRT 498	Work Experience in Apprenticeable (Occupation) (0.5 - 6)
or SWCD 498	Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		41

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

High School graduate or GED
Engaged in learning a designated occupation and who has entered into a written apprentice agreement to participate in an apprenticeship program for a designated occupation under Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Apprentice agreement must be approved by the apprenticeship committee.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

Apprentice selection process - Facilitated by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC): Application, aptitude assessment, interview with JAC and participating employer, selection and confirmation, apprentice and employer notification.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

critically examine the psychological, physiological, and sociocultural issues related to substance use, misuse, and abuse.
describe specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.
analyze existing California Professional Codes of Ethics.
evaluate and apply appropriate approaches in dealing with a variety of problems including but not limited to: mental illness, addiction, housing, unemployment, and relationship distress.
develop and implement culturally responsive prevention, intervention, and/or resolution to identified issues and problems affecting diverse populations.

Social Work Certificate

The certificate in Social Work centers around the broad array of entry level skills and abilities effectively used in social service delivery systems. Coursework includes the twelve helper core function applications in client screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, consultation, client's rights, confidentiality, crisis intervention, client's education, professional ethics, and reports and record keeping.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
HEED 310	Heartsaver First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR and AED	1
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 305	Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3)
or PSYC C1000H	Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)	3
or PSYC 481	Honors Abnormal Behavior (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)	3
or SOC 480	Introductory Sociology - Honors (3)
SWCD 300	Introduction to Social Work	3
SWCD 310	Ethical Issues and Client's Rights	3
SWCD 330	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)	3
or PSYC 365	Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
SWCD 340	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)	3
or PSYC 400	Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWCD 360	Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling	3
SWCD 362	Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency	3
SWCD 365	Techniques of Group Counseling	3¹
A minimum of 2 units from the following:		2
These units do not need to be taken in one semester.
SWCD 498	Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		33

¹If this course is not completed prior to enrolling in SWCD 362 and 498 (formerly HSER), it must be taken as a corequisite to those courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

define the functions of social service delivery systems.
analyze public policy issues, complexities and controversies affecting social service agencies and their clients.
integrate different theoretical approaches in working with clients.
identify the community resources used in assisting clients.
appraise and apply the knowledge of existing California professional codes of ethics for the helping professions.
describe the application of clients' rights in the social service delivery system.
evaluate one's own values and attitudes as they apply to ethical decision making.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, social justice, and inclusion.

Social Work and Chemical Dependency (SWCD) Courses

SWCD 299 Experimental Offering in Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

SWCD 300 Introduction to Social Work

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4
C-ID:C-ID SWHS 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a comprehensive overview of the fields of social work, human services, and mental health in public and private agencies. Students examine the historical policies, legislative acts, key individuals and social circumstances that shaped human services, social work and mental health within the United States. The emphasis of this course is placed on knowledge, skills and abilities in the understanding of roles as health workers, developing competence in culturally-responsive practices, enhancing and developing communication skills in the helping field, and examining attitudes and values that enhance effective intervention in problem situations. It also emphasizes the roles and skills of associate professionals, such as but not limited to drug and alcohol counselors, mental health workers, activity directors with the elderly, and adolescent and child welfare assistants. It is required that students volunteer at an off-campus site location for 8 hours. Additionally, students will also explore the various career and academic pathways in the field. This course was previously known as HSER 300 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.

SWCD 310 Ethical Issues and Client's Rights

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:SWCD 300
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a comprehensive exploration of the basic ethical issues involving social work delivery. Topics include professional ethics, confidentiality, counselor and clients' rights, and other areas involving ethical controversies. This course was previously known as HSER 310 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.

SWCD 330 Issues of Diverse Populations

Same As:PSYC 365
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a study of the values, problems, issues, concerns, and counseling needs of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical/cognitive/emotional/developmental ability, and age. It also explores the cognitive and emotional aspects of prejudice as it relates to interpersonal, cultural, and institutional discrimination. This course was previously known as HSER 330 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 365.

SWCD 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency

Same As:PSYC 400
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the biopsychosociocultural effects of chemical dependency on the individual and the family. It includes an analysis of alcohol and drug use; misuse and abuse across age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and economic conditions contributing to substance abuse; and a description of community efforts at prevention and treatment. This course was previously known as HSER 340 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 400.

SWCD 341 Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs

Same As:PSYC 401
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PSYC 400 and SWCD 340 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a study of the absorption, metabolism, and the mechanism of action of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs including opiates, stimulants, depressants, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. It includes the pharmacological mechanisms as well as the social and psychological implications of tolerance, habituation, and substance abuse of the user and abuser. This course was previously known as HSER 341 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 401.

SWCD 342 Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery

Same As:PSYC 402
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PSYC 401 and SWCD 341 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a study and evaluation of techniques used in the treatment of alcohol dependency. This course will cover both physical and psychological effects of alcohol use, abuse and the impact on family and society. Topics include prevention, intervention, individual and group counseling, detoxification, twelve-step program, therapeutic communities, aftercare programs, harm reduction and addressing high risk drinking. This course was previously known as HSER 341 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course or to students who have completed PSYC 402.

SWCD 360 Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SWCD 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Corequisite:SWCD 310
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The course includes: a survey of interview and counseling techniques appropriate for paraprofessionals in mental health, corrections, and substance abuse counseling. It includes case management practices and skills. Practices and skills include: interviewing techniques, using assessment forms, developing treatment plans, monitoring referrals, notetaking and documentation, learning and practicing effective communication. This course was previously known as HSER 360 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.

SWCD 362 Practices in Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:Students must take HSER/SWCD 498 (Work Experience in Human Services) concurrently unless they are in the second semester of their Chemical Dependency internship and have already successfully completed HSER/SWCD 365 (Techniques of Group Counseling).
Enrollment Limitation:Completion of the American River College Human Services process for doing an internship.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides advanced study and applied integration of human services theory to prepare students for field experience. It covers techniques in applying concepts, values, and skills acquired in other core courses related to the process of helping others. Students must take HSER/SWCD 498 concurrently unless they are in the second semester of their Chemical Dependency internship and have already successfully completed HSER/SWCD 365. This course was previously known as HSER 362 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.

SWCD 365 Techniques of Group Counseling

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:SWCD 360 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the basic elements of group counseling with the goal of developing effective techniques for conducting groups. Ethical issues are compared and analyzed. Emphasis is on the use of facilitating skills, exploring group dynamics, understanding group procedures and knowledge of the stages of group process. This course was previously known as HSER 365 and is not open to students who successfully completed that course.

SWCD 495 Independent Studies in Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

SWCD 498 Work Experience in Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Before students can participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s employer. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses. Students are advised to consult with the Human Services Program faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on their current skills, knowledge and abilities and explore how these are work assets and how these can be enhanced and/or developed to increase employability within the field of human services. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.

During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units.

Students new to Work Experience will be required to engage weekly while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. All students are required to attend the first course meeting.

Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times. Students are encouraged to develop new or expanded learning objectives in consultation with their employer when the course is repeated. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

SWCD 499 Experimental Offering in Social Work and Chemical Dependency

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.