STUDENT HANDBOOK 2026
Welcome to the Millennium Training Program!
- Welcome & Mission
- Section 1: Admission Policies
- Section 2: Financial Policies
- Section 3: Program Structure
- Section 4: Academic Policies
- Section 5: Student Conduct
- Section 6: Student rights and responsibilities
- Section 7: Accommodations & Accessibility
- Section 8: Student Support Services
- Section 9: Technology and Platforms
- Section 10: Refund and withdrawal policy
- Section 11: Grievance procedures
- Section 12: Graduation and Certification
- Section 13: Important contacts
Dear Student,
Welcome to Millennium Training!
On behalf of our entire team, congratulations on taking this important step toward becoming a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. You are joining a community of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Virginia faces a critical shortage of qualified substance abuse counselors. By pursuing this credential, you are answering a call to serve your community and contribute to the behavioral health workforce when it is needed most. Your decision to invest in this training reflects your commitment to professional excellence and compassionate care.
Our program is designed with you in mind. We understand that many of you are working professionals, parents, and community members balancing multiple responsibilities. That’s why we offer 100% virtual instruction with evening and weekend scheduling, allowing you to advance your career without putting your life on hold.
Throughout your training, you will learn from experienced, credentialed practitioners who are active in Virginia’s behavioral health system. Our curriculum covers all 13 domains required by the Virginia Board of Counseling, preparing you not just to pass an exam, but to provide competent, ethical, culturally responsive care from day one.
Our core principles guide everything we do:
- Trauma-Informed: We create a safe learning environment and deliver sensitive content thoughtfully.
- Culturally Responsive: Health equity, LGBTQ+ affirming content, and racial justice are integrated throughout.
- Ethically Grounded: We maintain transparency and clear boundaries in all we do.
- Accessible: We remove barriers to education so more people can serve their communities.
This handbook contains everything you need to know about our program. Please read it carefully and keep it as a reference throughout your training. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
We are honored to be part of your professional journey.
With warmth and encouragement,
James Coleman, CEO
Unconditional Care & Supportive Services (UCASS)
Mission
To develop competent, ethical, culturally responsive substance abuse counselors through accessible, high-quality training that strengthens Virginia’s behavioral health workforce.
Vision
A Virginia where every person seeking substance abuse treatment has access to skilled, caring, professional counseling—and where a diverse, well-trained workforce reflects and serves all communities.
Value
- Excellence
- We maintain the highest standards in curriculum, instruction, and student support.
- Accessibility
- We remove barriers through virtual delivery, flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, and accommodations.
- Integrity
- We operate with transparency, honesty, and clear boundaries.
- Cultural Responsiveness
- We integrate health equity, LGBTQ+ affirming practices, and racial justice.
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- We create safe learning environments and deliver sensitive content with care.
- Recovery-Oriented Care
- We teach person-centered, strengths-based approaches.
- Community
- We build professional connections among students, alumni, and the behavioral health workforce.
Program Goals
- Provide comprehensive education meeting Virginia Board of Counseling requirements
- Develop skilled practitioners prepared for immediate employment
- Foster professional development and lifelong learning
- Promote ethical practice and cultural competency
- Support Virginia's behavioral health workforce needs
SECTION 1: ADMISSION POLICIES
Admission Requirements:
For CSAC Program (240 hours):
- Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution (any field)
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed application form
- $50 application fee
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Two professional or academic references
For CSAC-A Program (120 hours):
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed application form
- $50 application fee
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Two professional or academic references
For PRS Program (72 hours):
- High school diploma or GED
- Personal experience with recovery preferred
- Interest in helping others in recovery
- Basic computer and internet skills
For RBT Program (40 hours):
- High school diploma or GED
- Interest in working with individuals with autism and behavioral needs
- Basic computer and internet skills
- Commitment to completing all course requirements in a timely manner
Application Process:
- Submit online application at https://www.millenniumtraining.org/enrollment-request/
- Pay $50 application fee (CSAC and CSAC-A applicants only — not required for PRS or RBT)
- Upload required documents
- Complete virtual interview with program staff
- Receive admission decision within 2 weeks
Admission Decisions:
- We accept new students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students may apply and begin the program at any time. Coursework schedules and milestone dates are customized based on each student’s official enrollment date.
- Admission decisions are based on:
- Completeness of application
- Quality of personal statement
- References
- Interview (if required)
- Notification of admission decisions is provided via email.
Criminal Background Checks:
- A criminal background check is not required for enrollment in our program and is not covered by tuition or program fees.
- However, please note:
- The Virginia Board of Counseling requires a background check as part of the CSAC and CSAC-A certification application process.
- Direct care positions in DBHDS-licensed facilities require fingerprinting and background screening prior to employment.
- Certain convictions under Virginia's barrier crimes law (§19.2-392.02) may affect future employment eligibility in regulated behavioral health settings.
- Students with prior convictions are encouraged to contact the Virginia Board of Counseling directly at (804) 367-4610 to discuss how their record may affect certification eligibility before enrolling.
- Millennium Training does not restrict enrollment based on criminal history and cannot provide legal advice.
SECTION 2: FINANCIAL POLICIES
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition and Fees:
- Program
- CSAC-A
- CSAC
- PRS
- RBT
- Tuition
- $1,800
- $3,600
- $495
- $395
- Application Fee
- $50
- $50
- Materials Fee
- $150
- $250
- Total
- $2,000
- $3,900
- $495
- $395
PRS and RBT tuition is a flat rate and is not itemized into separate application and materials fees.
Payment Options:
- Pay in Full (5% discount):
- CSAC-A: $1,900 total
- CSAC: $3,705 total
- PRS: $495 total
- RBT: $395 total
- Due at enrollment
- Pay Over Time with Klarna or Afterpay: Available on all four programs (CSAC, CSAC-A, PRS, RBT).
Policy update: Millennium Training no longer offers its own 3-month or 6-month installment payment plans. All installment/financed payments are handled entirely by Klarna or Afterpay at checkout.
Paying with Klarna or Afterpay
Klarna and Afterpay are available at checkout as an alternative to paying in full by card. Here’s what to expect:
• How it works: Select Klarna or Afterpay at checkout and click “Place Order.” You’ll be redirected to Klarna’s or Afterpay’s own secure site to complete your payment plan application — our checkout page doesn’t show the installment breakdown directly.
• Why you may not see “Pay in 4” for CSAC or CSAC-A: Short-term, interest-free “Pay in 4” plans are generally only offered on smaller purchases (roughly under $1,000–$2,000, depending on the provider). At the CSAC and CSAC-A tuition levels, the provider instead offers longer monthly financing, so your specific terms won’t be shown until you apply on the provider’s site. PRS and RBT tuition fall well within typical Pay-in-4 range, so you may be offered that simpler option directly.
• What you’ll see after redirecting: The provider reviews your information and presents your available terms (for larger tuition amounts, commonly 6, 12, or 24 months) along with the monthly payment and any interest rate. Once you choose a term and complete the application, you’ll be automatically returned to our “Order Received” confirmation page.
• Credit check: Klarna’s standard financing approval uses a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score. A hard credit check is possible in limited cases — the provider’s application page will let you know before anything is run.
• Approval and terms: Your interest rate and approval decision are determined entirely by Klarna or Afterpay, not by Millennium Training. Direct any questions about your specific offer to the provider directly.
Late Payment Policy:
- Account hold placed until payment received
- Student may not receive certificate until all fees paid
Refund Policy:
- Withdrawal and Refund Schedule:
- Before first class session: 100% refund of tuition (application and material fees non-refundable)
- Within first 2 weeks (1-10% of program): 75% refund of tuition
- Weeks 3-4 (11-20% of program): 50% refund of tuition
- After week 4 (20%+ of program): No refund
See Section 10 for full program-specific refund schedules for all four programs, including PRS and RBT.
- Medical Withdrawal:
- Documented medical emergency may qualify for prorated refund beyond standard policy
- Must provide medical documentation
- Decision at discretion of Program Director
- Dismissal for Conduct Violations:
- No refund for dismissal due to academic dishonesty or serious conduct violations
- Refund Process:
- Request withdrawal in writing to Program Director
- Refunds processed within 30 days
- Refunds issued to original payment method
Scholarship Opportunities:
Scholarships are available for individuals currently enrolled in substance abuse treatment who wish to pursue a career in addiction counseling. Funding may be available through the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for eligible applicants.
- To qualify, participants must:
- Be enrolled in the UCASS CSAC Training Program
- Have an active Individual Service Plan (ISP)
- Include this training as part of their approved vocational rehabilitation goal
- Prospective students should contact the program office to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
SECTION 3: PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Program Formats
CSAC Program (240 hours):
- Duration: ~6 months | 240 hours | 18–19 hours per domain
- Schedule: Evening and weekend sessions via Google Meet
CSAC-A Program (120 hours):
- Duration: ~3 months | 120 hours | ~9 hours per domain
- Schedule: Evening and weekend sessions via Google Meet
Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum meets and exceeds Virginia Board of Counseling requirements under 18VAC115-30-62(B), delivered through live instruction, case studies, group activities, guest speakers, self-study, and assessments. The curriculum is evidence-based, Virginia-focused, practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
The 13 Training Domains
As required by the Virginia Board of Counseling under 18VAC115-30-62(B):
Domain | Topic | CSAC Hours | CSAC-A Hours |
1 | Addiction Counseling History and Philosophy | ~18 | ~9 |
2 | Professional Ethics and Responsibility | ~18 | ~9 |
3 | Counseling Theories and Treatment Planning | ~18 | ~9 |
4 | Physiology of Addiction and Withdrawal | ~18 | ~9 |
5 | Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances | ~18 | ~9 |
6 | Clinic/Agency Orientation | ~18 | ~9 |
7 | Individual Counseling Practices | ~18 | ~9 |
8 | Group Counseling Practices | ~19 | ~9 |
9 | Crisis Intervention | ~19 | ~9 |
10 | Co-Occurring Disorders | ~19 | ~9 |
11 | Assessment and Diagnosis | ~19 | ~9 |
12 | Case Management and Referral | ~19 | ~9 |
13 | Documentation, Recordkeeping, and Report Writing | ~18 | ~9 |
TOTAL | 240 | 120 |
Enrollment Schedule
Millennium Training accepts new students on a rolling basis throughout the year. There are no fixed cohort start dates. Your coursework and milestone dates are customized to your individual enrollment date.
Live Session Format
All live sessions are conducted via Google Meet with HD video/audio, screen sharing, breakout rooms, chat, live captions, and session recording.
Typical session structure: Welcome and attendance → Review → Lecture and discussion → Break (sessions over 2 hours) → Activities/case studies → Q&A → Preview of next session
Session Recordings: Available in Moodle within 24–48 hours. For enrolled students only. May not be downloaded, shared, or distributed. Do not replace live attendance requirements.
SECTION 4: ACADEMIC POLICIES
Attendance Requirements:
- Minimum 90% attendance required (216 hours for CSAC, 108 hours for CSAC-A)
- Camera must be on during sessions for attendance credit
- Tardiness (more than 15 minutes late) = absence
- Early departure (more than 15 minutes early) = absence
Absence Policy:
- Notify instructor and program coordinator before absence when possibl
- Medical or emergency absences: documentation required
- Make-up work required for all absences
- Students exceeding 10% absences will not receive certificate
Grading System:
- Grade
- A
- B
- C
- F
- Percentage
- 90-100%
- 80-89%
- 75-79%
- Below 75%
- Description
- Excellent
- Good
- Satisfactory (Minimum Passing)
- Unsatisfactory (No Certificate)
Grade Components:
- Domain quizzes: 30%
- Case study analyses: 25%
- Class participation: 15%
- Final comprehensive exam: 30%
Academic Integrity:
- All work must be original
- Plagiarism or cheating results in immediate dismissal
- No refund for dismissal due to academic dishonesty
- Citation of sources required
- Collaboration only when explicitly permitted
Completion Requirements:
- Minimum 90% attendance
- Minimum 75% overall grade
- Completion of all assignments
- Passing score (75%+) on final comprehensive exam
- All financial obligations met
Program Features: Live Instruction & Guest Speakers
Our program features live, interactive instruction delivered through Google Meet, providing students with real-time access to experienced instructors and active peer engagement.
We also regularly host guest speakers including industry professionals and experts in the addiction counseling field offering students valuable insights, professional exposure, and networking opportunities beyond the classroom.
SECTION 5: STUDENT CONDUCT
Professional Conduct Expectations:
- Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the NAADAC Code of Ethics, including:
- Respect for instructors, guest speakers, and fellow students
- Punctuality and preparedness for class
- Active participation and engagement
- Appropriate language and behavior
- Confidentiality regarding client information shared in case discussions
- Professional appearance during video sessions
- Attention and minimal distractions during class
Technology Conduct:
- Camera on during all sessions unless approved exception
- Appropriate virtual backgrounds
- Microphone muted when not speaking
- Professional username (first and last name)
- No recording of sessions without permission
- No sharing of login credentials
Prohibited Conduct:
- Harassment, discrimination, or bullying
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs during class
- Sharing confidential information outside class
- Plagiarism or cheating
- Disruptive behavior
- Violation of confidentiality
- Unauthorized recording or distribution of class materials
Disciplinary Process:
- Verbal Warning: First minor offense
- Written Warning: Second offense or first significant offense
- Probation: Third offense or serious violation
- Dismissal: Fourth offense or egregious violation
- Students have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions to the Program Director.
SECTION 6: STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Rights
Students have the right to quality instruction, timely feedback, a harassment-free learning environment, due process in disciplinary matters, privacy protection, and access to the grievance process.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for attending sessions, completing assignments, maintaining academic integrity, conducting themselves professionally, providing accurate information, meeting financial obligations, and complying with all program policies
Non-Discrimination Policy
Millennium Training does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Privacy and Confidentiality (FERPA)
Millennium Training upholds FERPA principles as best practice. Students have the right to inspect their records, request amendments, and control disclosure of personally identifiable information.
Academic transcripts | Permanently |
Application materials | 5 years |
Financial records | 7 years |
Disciplinary records | 5 years after last enrollment |
Accommodation records | 5 years after last enrollment |
SECTION 7: ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY
Disability Accommodations:
- Millennium Training is committed to providing equal access to students with disabilities. Students requesting accommodations should:
- Contact Program Director at least 2 weeks before course start
- Provide documentation of disability
- Discuss specific accommodation needs
- Receive written accommodation plan
Possible Accommodations:
- Extended time for exams
- Closed captioning during sessions
- Screen reader compatibility
- Alternative formats for materials
- Flexibility with camera requirement (with documentation)
- Other reasonable accommodations as needed
Confidentiality:
- Disability information kept confidential. Only necessary accommodations shared with instructors.
SECTION 8: STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Academic Support:
- Office hours with instructors (by appointment)
- Study groups facilitated by program staff
- Tutoring available for struggling students
- Exam preparation workshops
- Writing assistance for assignments
Technical Support:
- Pre-course technology orientation
- Technical support hotline during class hours
- Email support
- Video tutorials available in Google Classroom
Career Services:
- Resume and cover letter review
- Interview preparation
- Job posting board
- Networking events
- Supervision matching after graduation
- Board exam preparation workshops
Student Wellness:
- Self-care resources
- Peer support groups
- Referrals for counseling if needed
- Stress management resources
SECTION 9: TECHNOLOGY AND PLATFORMS
Learning Management System (Moodle)
Dashboard Features: My Courses, Progress tracking, Grades, Certificates, Profile
Course Navigation: Content organized by the 13 domains. Complete each lesson, submit assignments, and take quizzes through Moodle.
Issue | Solution |
Can’t log in | Use “Forgot Password”; check spam |
Course not showing | Log out and back in; contact support |
Progress not saving | Click “Complete” button; try Chrome |
Can’t submit assignment | Check file size/format; try Chrome |
Quiz won’t load | Clear browser cache; use Chrome |
Google Workspace
Upon enrollment, you receive a @millenniumtraining.org email. Check daily for announcements and communications. This email is used to access Google Meet sessions.
Email Signature Format: [Your Full Name] | CSAC/CSAC-A Student | Millennium Training | A UCASS Initiative | Email: [yourname]@millenniumtraining.org
Google Meet (Live Sessions)
All live instruction is via Google Meet. Join using your session link sent via email. Ensure camera and microphone are enabled before joining.
Best Practices: Test technology 10–15 minutes early, find a quiet private location, close unnecessary applications, use Chrome browser, use wired internet when possible.
Technical Requirements
- Desktop or laptop with webcam and microphone
- Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, or Chrome OS
- High-speed internet: minimum 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload
- Google Chrome browser (recommended)
- PDF reader and word processor
- Access to Google Workspace
Troubleshooting
For urgent issues during live sessions, contact information will be provided at session start. For standard issues, contact support@millenniumtraining.org or (804) 653-7373, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST.
SECTION 10: REFUND AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Withdrawal and Refund Schedule
CSAC Program (240 hours):
Before first class | 0% | 100% |
Week 1–2 | 1–10% | 75% |
Week 3–4 | 11–20% | 50% |
Week 5–6 | 21–30% | 25% |
After Week 6 | 30%+ | No refund |
CSAC-A Program (120 hours):
Withdrawal Timing | Program Completed | Refund Amount |
Before first class | 0% | 100% |
Week 1 | 1–10% | 75% |
Week 2 | 11–20% | 50% |
Week 3 | 21–30% | 25% |
After Week 3 | 30%+ | No refund |
PRS Program (72 hours, 6-month program):
Timing | Completed | Refund |
Before first class | 0% | 100% |
Months 1–2 | 1–10% | 75% |
Months 3–4 | 11–20% | 50% |
Months 5–6 | 21–30% | 25% |
After Month 6 | 30%+ | No refund |
RBT Program (40 Hours):
Timing | Completed | Refund |
Before first class | 0% | 100% |
Months 1–2 | 1–10% | 75% |
Months 3–4 | 11–20% | 50% |
Months 5–6 | 21–30% | 25% |
After Month 6 | 30%+ | No refund |
If you paid using Klarna or Afterpay, your refund is issued back to that provider rather than directly to you, and your remaining payment schedule will be adjusted according to their policies. Contact Klarna or Afterpay directly with questions about how a refund affects your payment plan.
Medical Withdrawal
Students with documented medical emergencies may request medical withdrawal with options including prorated refund, leave of absence (up to 6 months), or program transfer. Decisions made by Program Director on a case-by-case basis.
Administrative Withdrawal
Millennium Training may administratively withdraw students for non-attendance (14+ consecutive days without contact), non-payment (30+ days past due), or inability to meet program requirements. Standard refund policy applies.
Dismissal
Academic dismissal: standard refund policy applies. Conduct dismissal: no refund regardless of timing
Refund Process
Submit written withdrawal request to admin@millenniumtraining.org. Refunds processed within 30 days of withdrawal date to the original payment method.
SECTION 11: GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Informal Resolution
- Students with concerns should first attempt informal resolution:
- Discuss concern with instructor or staff member involved
- If unresolved, contact Program Coordinator
- If still unresolved, contact Program Director
Formal Grievance:
- If informal resolution unsuccessful, student may file formal grievance:
- Submit written grievance to Program Director within 10 days of incident
- Include: description of issue, dates, individuals involved, resolution sought
- Program Director investigates and responds within 10 business days
- Student may appeal decision to Millennium Training CEO within 5 days
External Resources:
- Virginia Board of Counseling: (804) 367-4610
- Virginia State Council of Higher Education
- Accrediting bodies (if applicable)
Section 12: Graduation and Certification
Certificate Requirements:
- Complete all 13 domains with minimum 75% grade in each
- Maintain 90%+ attendance
- Pass final comprehensive exam (75%+)
- Complete all assignments
- Meet all financial obligations
- No outstanding conduct violations
Certificate Issuance:
- Certificates issued within 2 weeks of program completion
- Official transcript provided
- Digital badge for professional profiles
- Optional virtual recognition ceremonies may be scheduled periodically throughout the year.
Next Steps After Graduation:
- Register as CSAC &CSAC-A Supervisee with Virginia Board of Counseling
- Apply online
- Submit Millennium Training certificate and transcript
- Identify qualified supervisor
- Complete Supervised Experience
- CSAC: 2,000 hours over 18-24 months
- CSAC-A: 180 hours practicum/internship
- Apply for Board Examination
- CSAC: Take NCAC-I exam
- CSAC-A: Take Virginia State Constructed exam
- Obtain Certification
- Pass examination
- Submit final application to Virginia Board of Counseling
Millennium Training Support:
- Supervision matching services
- Exam preparation workshops
- Alumni continuing education
- Career advancement guidance
SECTION 13: IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Program Administration:
- Program Director: James Coleman, CEO
- Email: info@millenniumtraining.org
- Phone: 804-518-6185
- Office Hours: By appointment
- Academic Coordinator:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM
Technical Support:
- Email:
- Phone
General Inquiries:
- Email: admin@millenniumtraining.org
- Phone: (804) 518-6185
- Website: millenniumtraining.org/general-inquiry/
Virginia Board of Counseling:
- Phone: (804) 367-4610
- Email: coun@dhp.virginia.gov
- Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/
Start your journey today.
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