Student Handbook

TRAINING PROGRAM

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2026

Welcome to the Millennium Training Program!

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,

Aleah Hill
Team Lead & Program Coordinator
Millennium Training

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):

Application Process:

Submit online application at https://millenniumtraining.org/enrollment-request/
Pay $50 application fee
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:

Payment Options:

Late Payment Policy:

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

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: ACADEMIC POLICIES

Attendance Requirements:

Absence Policy:

Grading System:

Grade Components:

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:

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 4: 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 5: 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:

SECTION 6: STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Academic Support:

Technical Support:

Career Services:

Resume and cover letter review
Interview preparation
Job posting board
Networking events
Supervision matching after graduation
Board exam preparation workshops

Student Wellness:

SECTION 8: GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Informal Resolution

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:

SECTION 9: 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:

Next Steps After Graduation:

Millennium Training Support:

SECTION 10: IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Program Administration:

Technical Support:

General Inquiries:

Virginia Board of Counseling:

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