Addictions and Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements by State

The Education You Need to Become a Certified Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor

Becoming licensed or certified is a necessary step to offering addiction treatment services in every state, at every level of care.

Learn the exact requirements and steps you’ll need to take to become credentialed in your state.

Learn what it takes to become an addiction counselor.

Addiction Counselor Degree and Certificate Programs Deliver the Knowledge and Qualifications You Need

student on computer working from home Education is your most powerful tool in the fight against addiction. Degree and certificate programs exist at every level to fuel that knowledge… and qualify you for certification or licensure in substance abuse and addiction counseling.

Featured Programs:

Certificates in Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling

Timeline: Less than one year

Designed for: Those pursuing entry-level credentials in states where a degree is not required, or for those with a degree in other majors who need coursework in addiction counseling.

Certificates are versatile, providing high school grads with the basic skills they need for initial certification in states with a lower bar for education. Certificates can also be stacked on top of existing degrees to provide a powerful base of knowledge that can be used to either advance in the field or get started with a higher-level credential.

Associate Degrees in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling

Timeline: Two years

Designed for: High school graduates working toward a bachelor’s degree or looking for entry-level counselor or support role certification.

A fast path to college training in addictions, these degrees are a quick and inexpensive first step to becoming a professional addiction counselor.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling

Timeline: Four years

Designed for: Career-focused professionals looking to enter the field with higher-level credentials and current counselors looking to move into more advanced roles.

A bachelor’s program provides the education for full addiction counseling licenses in most states and provides a foundation for advanced master’s studies at the highest levels of practice.

Master’s Degrees in Addiction Counseling for Substance Abuse Treatment

Timeline: Two years

Designed for: Bachelor’s graduates interested in advanced credentials that cover clinical evaluation and treatment, supervisory roles, and independent practice.

The credentials required for independent clinical practice, including services like medication-assisted treatment, always require a master’s degree in addiction counseling or adjacent fields.

A Complete Directory of Substance Abuse Counseling Schools With Online Programs

Online addiction counseling degrees at every level are making it easier than ever to qualify as a counselor without putting your own life on hold.

Here, we provide a comprehensive list of accredited colleges and universities offering online degree and certificate options in substance use disorder and addiction counseling.

More Resources and Support for Addiction Counseling Students and Professionals

The day you get your degree in addiction treatment is a proud one, but it’s just the start.

Understanding the resources available to you as a key part of that effort is every bit as important as earning your initial qualifications. We’ve put together resource pages pointing you to the information and guidance you need every step of the way.

Deciphering Professional Titles and Job Roles in Addiction Counseling

Chemical dependency counselor? Alcohol and drug counselor? Addiction therapist? Substance Use Disorder Treatment Specialist? It’s easy to get confused by all the different titles in addiction treatment. We’ll explain the mystery and help you figure out which you will probably use.

Specializing in Gambling Addiction Counseling

Substance abuse gets all the press, but with around two percent of Americans gripped by gambling addictions, there’s a real need for counselors in this specialized role. Learn how to get your start in gambling addiction counseling today.

How to Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist in Addiction Counseling

The best guides on the path to recovery are often the people who have already walked it. With the right training and experience, you can turn what might have been your darkest days into the brightest beacon for other people experiencing addiction. Learn what the role involves and how to become certified to work in your state.

Professional and Student Organizations for Addiction Counselors

Community effort is the key to effective substance abuse counseling. From group therapy to clinical supervision, counselors are strongest when working together. These professional organizations will help you build the network you need to succeed in a tough job.

Keeping Your Counseling Skills for Substance Abuse Sharp With Continuing Education

The learning doesn’t stop when you step into your role as an addiction counselor. It’s a dynamic field with no shortage of opportunities to advance and specialize. We offer a comprehensive set of resources to help you stay current and maintain your credentials through approved continuing education providers.

Following the Latest News and Events in Addiction Treatment Through Our Blog

From new therapy techniques to the latest controversies to the success stories that will keep you motivated, you’ll find yourself wanting to bookmark our blog. Focused on the high and low points of American addiction counseling today, it’s sure to give you food for thought and information to act on in your own practice.

Become a Certified Addiction Counselor

Addiction is powerful enough to take control right out of the hands of those experiencing it. With the right education in addiction counseling, you can offer the help people need to regain their independence, their families, and their lives.