Certification in Addictions Counseling

2010 legislation changed credentialing requirements and oversight of the addictions counseling profession in Kansas. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) now has oversight. In February 2012, BSRB finalized educational standards required to sit for the licensing exam that is necessary to obtain the Licensed Addictions Counselor credential in Kansas. New educational requirements are being phased in now by BSRB. FHSU's Sociology and Social Work Department is working on revisions to its addictions counseling curriculum, and once those are finalized, we will post the new course of study requirements here. For now, interested students should visit with the Department's addictions counseling coordinator, Professor Kendal Carswell, to discuss how the new educational standards pertain to their particular situation. Interested students are also referred to the Kansas BSRB website, where licensing requirements and educational standards can be viewed: http://www.ksbsrb.org/drugalcoholcounselors.htm

Kendal Carswell, M.S.W.

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Addictions Counseling Coordinator

785-628-5917

Brett Zollinger, PhD

Professor Sociology and Chair

785-628-5881

Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work degree program.

 Meet Kendal Carswell

Kendal Carswell LMSW, CADC III is an assistant professor at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. His professional work has been primarily focused in addictions, with an emphasis on co-occurring disorders. His passion is in case management and coordinating services and he has specialized in providing case management services for individuals who have an identified substance abuse issue. He also worked for community corrections, providing therapy and case coordination for the offender population. Prior to becoming a professor at Fort Hays State University, Kendal worked as a Clinical Director where his work included clinical supervision, assessment, referral, advocacy, community capacity building, brokering of services, implementation of new programs and collaborative work with both public and private social service agencies across the State of Kansas.