Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Hawaii
Though long considered a veritable paradise by those who live or visit this beautiful archipelago, Hawaii hasn’t escaped the plague of drug addiction that continues to sweep the nation. Here, crystal meth continues to wreak havoc, though opioids and fentanyl are also major players.
Whether they’re performing outreach for the indigenous communities dotting the landscape or working out of hospitals and recovery clinics in the urban centers lining Maui, Oahu and the Big Island, substance abuse counselors in Hawaii are committed to bringing evidence-based resources and services to those ready to break free from the chains of addiction.
Hawaii substance abuse counselors are certified by the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD), an affiliate of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (IC&RC).
You must either live or work in Hawaii at least 51% of the time or be stationed in Hawaii/ the Pacific region to earn certification by ADAD.
Hawaii recognizes multiple categories of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention services. The basic credential does not require a college degree but can be earned more quickly by individuals without a degree in a recognized field. The Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional-Diplomate designation requires a graduate degree.
Select a Hawaii Substance Abuse Counselor Topic Below…
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements
- Adjunctive Certification for Licensed Health Professionals
- Specialty Certifications
- Application Process
- Additional Information
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements
The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is the standard credential for substance abuse counselors in Hawaii. The credential requires a minimum of a high school diploma/GED, although those who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree can earn the credential with fewer supervised work hours:
- High school diploma/GED
- 6,000 hours of verified work experience, 400 of which must be in the 12 Core Functions
- Six hours EACH of education in HIV/STD and SUD Ethics and Confidentiality
- IC&RC exam
- Bachelor’s degree in behavior health or certificate in SUD education
- 4,000 hours of verified work experience, 400 of which must be in the 12 Core Functions
- Six hours EACH of education in HIV/STD and SUD Ethics and Confidentiality
- IC&RC exam
- Master’s degree in behavioral health
- 2,000 hours of verified work experience, 400 of which must be in the 12 Core Functions
- Six hours EACH of education in HIV/STD and SUD Ethics and Confidentiality
- IC&RC exam
Adjunctive Certification for Licensed Health Professionals
The ADAD also provides pathways to certification for licensed healthcare providers: the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) with License (LCSW, LMFT, APRN, LMHC, Licensed Psychologist, MD).
Certification is granted to those who have completed six months of relevant supervised experience, met a clock hour requirement, and passed the examination. Psychologists and doctors need 50 clock hours of education, while marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and advanced practice nurses need 180.
Specialty Certifications
You may also pursue one of the following specialty certifications through the ADAD:
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
- Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
- Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrators (CSAPA)
Each requires meeting specific education, work experience, prevention-specific education, and exam requirements. More information on these certifications can be found here.
The Application Process
All applications and instructions are available ADAD website. Once your application has been approved, the ADAD will provide you with instructions for registering to take the IC&RC exam.
All applications and related documents must be mailed to the office at:
Hawaii Department of Health
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
601 Kamokila Blvd. Room 360
Kapolei, Hawai’i 96707
Applications may take up to 8-12 weeks for processing. You will be notified within 2-4 weeks if you passed the exam. If you don’t pass the exam, you must wait 90 days to contact ADAD for a new testing application.
Direct any questions about the certification process to the Certification Office at [email protected].
Additional Information
The Hawaii Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division is the source for current information. You can contact them at 808-692-7506.