By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging the resources available through programs like our online bachelor’s degree, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Becoming a substance abuse counselor is a rewarding career path for those passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier lives. This guide outlines the steps to becoming a certified substance abuse counselor—covering essential education, skills, and certifications. The demand for certified professionals in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, according to the U.S. Employment in these fields is projected to increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What’s the Difference Between Being Certified vs. Licensed in Substance Use Disorder Counseling?

Counselors still need to seek out the specified regulations of their state counseling boards in order to acquire licensure to practice in their state. Most states require counselors to take state board licensing exams like the National Counseling Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) to become a licensed professional counselor. You must also complete a certain number of counseling hours (supervised by a licensed psychologist) and pass written and oral exams. A drug and alcohol abuse counselor is a person with experience in providing treatment to clients who want to learn how to reduce or remove their unhealthy dependence on destructive substances and behaviors. Counselors work with individuals, families, couples, and groups to share a variety of techniques and treatments for coping with problems in ways other than turning to unhealthy substances. IC&RC is an international organization that provides testing for several different types of addiction counselors, including CADCs.

Is there a demand for substance substance abuse counselor career professionals?

A degree from an accredited program, like UC’s online Bachelor in Substance Abuse Counseling, offers a foundation in addiction theory, counseling techniques, and ethics. In order to practice substance abuse counseling, you must be licensed or certified by your state board. Since every state is unique, check your state regulatory board for how to apply.

Substance Abuse Counselor Education Requirements

• This combination of general education and counseling theory and technique can earn you a SUD tech license or set you up to transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree and higher-level credentials.
• This type of counseling might also be a stipulation of a person’s prison stay, probation, or parole.
• Addiction presents different issues that vary from person to person, so counselors need to tailor their treatment plans to address a variety of needs.
• Check with your state below for more licensure information and to learn about substance abuse counselor programs offered by schools in your state.

Individual and family services, as well as non-education and hospital state and local government facilities make up around 13% of the rest of the prospective jobs. After receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the state, and acquiring a certain number of clinical hours, a candidate can take an exam to become a licensed addiction counselor. Receiving a certification, however, will take many additional hours of counseling experience. Generally, a person must complete 4,000 to 6,000 hours at an approved facility, which usually takes two to three years of full-time counseling.

The training and best practices for SUD counselors are continually evolving, so you’ll want substance abuse counseling to keep professional development for counselors opportunities on your radar. Continuing education is essential to maintain your addiction counselor certification and stay current with any developments in the addiction field. Depending on your state and the type of licensure you plan to pursue, you might also need to complete supervised, post-graduate professional practice as part of your substance abuse counseling training.

Step-by-Step Guides for Substance Abuse Counselor Licensing and Certification by State

Individual practices may be considerably more flexible, and working hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. It is important to consider each of these schedule requirements when applying for jobs in the addiction recovery industry, as this is another step toward finding the right schedule for you. The addiction treatment industry is vast, offering different types of treatment — depending on the severity of the addiction — in an array of settings, including schools, prisons, community health centers, and private rehabs. While the settings vary, you will commonly find a counselor who specializes in supporting individuals with substance abuse, substance use disorders, alcohol recovery, and behavioral health. Working in the addiction treatment industry can be an extremely fulfilling career. With the flexibility to work in a number of settings, jobs in addiction recovery offer the opportunity and the variation to make a life-long career.

What is the best degree for an addiction counselor?

Generally, acquiring the necessary education and experience can take anywhere from two to five years. Pietrucha completed her bachelor’s in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. Her specializations include the treatment of eating and body image concerns, college student and student-athlete mental health, and mood disorders. It takes patience, compassion, and resiliency to pursue a substance abuse counseling career — an often emotionally charged environment. The job requires reliable, dependable workers who can stick to professional boundaries. Substance abuse and addiction counselors work intimately with clients and families from the initial assessment.

Substance Use Disorder Technicians

• But it’s also a population full of commitment and energy with an ethos to leave no one behind.
• IC&RC is an international organization that provides testing for several different types of addiction counselors, including CADCs.
• Other times, though, they may be forced to see counselors, either by loved ones or the law.
• They play a critical role in the recovery process by supporting individuals in overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety.

Please visit ASU’s professional licensure page for the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure in your state. “Many of our students have pursued their doctorate after completing our addiction programs,” said Meier. Once a substance abuser and his counselor can pinpoint these triggers, they can both work on ways to avoid them. By avoiding these triggers, substance abusers can start taking the first steps toward recovery. You should be able to navigate stressful situations calmly and confidently, motivate clients to engage in positive change, and treat clients without personal judgments or prejudices. Research skills are also beneficial for integrating theories and evidence into practice.

Understand the Educational and Counseling Licensure Requirements

The BLS reports that Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah are the best states for a higher salary in addiction counseling as of May 2022. Note that the best-paying positions may exist in areas with a high cost of living. CADC certification is generally recognized in many states, but each state has its own specific requirements and regulatory body. It’s important to check the details with the certification board in the state where you intend to practice. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us.