Mississippi Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements
To become a substance abuse counselor in Mississippi, you’ll earn certification through the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals (MAAP), an IC&RC member board. MAAP’s four reciprocal credentials (CADC, CADC-I, CADC-II and CAADC) match your education level. Each requires 270 training hours, 2,000 to 10,000 hours of supervised work experience, and a passing IC&RC exam.
Mississippi’s alcohol and drug counselors walk alongside people working to recover from substance use disorder. They use evidence-based counseling to help clients rebuild their relationships with substances, with the people around them, and with themselves. It’s work that brings lives, families, and communities back from the brink.
Mississippi doesn’t issue a general state license for addiction counselors. Instead, employers and the public rely on MAAP, a nonprofit certification board, to vet and certify qualified counselors. MAAP certification is a professional credential, not a state license, so on its own it doesn’t authorize independent clinical practice. MAAP is Mississippi’s member board of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). If you plan to work in a program that the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) operates, funds, or certifies, you’ll also deal with DMH’s separate credentialing system.
Whether you’re starting with a high school diploma or bringing a master’s degree, there’s a pathway that fits. The key is matching your education to the right credential.
Mississippi Addiction Counselor Credentials Overview
MAAP offers four reciprocal alcohol and drug counseling credentials, each built for a different education level and career stage. Because they’re IC&RC credentials, you can request reciprocity if you move to another member board’s jurisdiction. It isn’t automatic, though. The receiving board has to offer the same credential, and you’ll need to meet its own requirements.
Here’s how they compare:
| Credential | Minimum Education | Supervised Work Experience | Training Hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADC | High school diploma/GED | 6,000 hours (less with a degree) | 270 hours | IC&RC ADC |
| CADC-I | Bachelor’s degree | 8,000 hours | 270 hours | IC&RC ADC |
| CADC-II | Master’s degree | 10,000 hours | 270 hours | IC&RC ADC |
| CAADC | Master’s degree (clinical) | 4,000 hours | 270 hours | IC&RC AADC |
MAAP also offers the Certified Intern Counselor (CIC) credential for people just entering the field. It’s valid only in Mississippi and isn’t reciprocal with other states.
Separately, DMH certifies Substance Use Therapists (PCSUT and CSUT, formerly PCAT and CAT) who work within the state mental health system. That pathway requires a graduate degree and is covered below.
Degree Paths for Mississippi Substance Abuse Counselors
You don’t need a degree to start, but each degree level you earn cuts the supervised work experience required for the CADC. An associate’s degree lowers it from 6,000 to 5,000 hours. A bachelor’s degree lowers it to 4,000 hours and qualifies you for the CADC-I. A master’s degree lowers it to 2,000 hours and opens the CADC-II and CAADC.
Related fields include addiction counseling, psychology, social work, counseling, and other behavioral sciences. If you’re thinking about the DMH pathway, you’ll need a graduate degree of at least 30 semester hours from a DMH-approved institution.
Many Mississippi students earn a substance abuse counseling degree online so they can keep working in a treatment setting while they study. Whatever format you choose, confirm that the school is institutionally accredited, and ask MAAP whether specific courses can count toward your 270 training hours.
MAAP Certification Requirements by Level
Every MAAP credential shares the same core pieces: 270 hours of education and training, supervised work experience, supervised practical training, and an IC&RC exam. The hours change with your education level.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
The CADC is your entry point if you’re starting with a high school diploma or GED. But here’s what most Mississippi counselors discover: a degree dramatically reduces your required hours. That’s the difference between roughly three years and one year of full-time supervised work.
Education Requirement: High school diploma or GED minimum (a degree reduces experience hours)
Supervised Work Experience Hours Required:
- No degree: 6,000 hours
- Associate’s degree: 5,000 hours
- Bachelor’s degree: 4,000 hours
- Master’s degree: 2,000 hours
Training Requirements: At least 270 hours of education and training covering the four IC&RC domains:
- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
- Counseling
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Six hours must be MAAP’s own alcohol and drug counseling ethics course, and six hours must cover HIV/AIDS.
Supervised Practical Training: Hours under supervision that show competency in the 12 core functions and IC&RC domains:
- High school diploma: 300 hours
- Associate’s degree: 250 hours
- Bachelor’s degree: 200 hours
- Master’s degree: 100 hours
Examination: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examination
CADC-I Requirements
The CADC-I is a separate tier for bachelor’s-level counselors. It asks for more experience than the bachelor’s route to the CADC and carries the same IC&RC reciprocity at the ADC level. MAAP’s published materials don’t list extra practice privileges for the CADC-I or CADC-II. What they do recognize is longer experience. Because a supervisor must hold a credential equal to or higher than the one an applicant is seeking, a higher tier also lets you supervise applicants at that level.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (behavioral science, psychology, social work, counseling, or similar)
- 270 hours of education and training in the IC&RC domains (including six hours of ethics and six hours of HIV/AIDS training)
- 200 hours of supervised practical training
- 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
- Passing score on the IC&RC ADC examination
CADC-II Requirements
The CADC-II is built for counselors with master’s degrees who’ve built extensive experience. It carries the highest experience requirement of any MAAP credential.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a related field (addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, social work, psychology, or similar)
- 270 hours of education and training in the IC&RC domains (including six hours of ethics and six hours of HIV/AIDS training)
- 100 hours of supervised practical training
- 10,000 hours of supervised work experience
- Passing score on the IC&RC ADC examination
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)
The CAADC is MAAP’s advanced credential for master’s-level clinicians. It needs far fewer experience hours than the CADC-II (4,000 vs. 10,000), but it requires a clinically focused master’s degree and a more advanced exam.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a related field with clinical application (clinical mental health counseling, clinical social work, clinical psychology)
- 270 hours of education and training in the IC&RC domains (including six hours of ethics and six hours of HIV/AIDS training)
- 100 hours of supervised practical training
- 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
- Passing score on the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) examination
A Pathway for Licensed Clinicians
Already licensed? MAAP’s 2026 certification manual adds a pathway for licensed clinicians applying for the CADC or CAADC. Provisionally licensed applicants document 100 hours of supervised practical training, and fully licensed applicants are exempt from that requirement. Confirm with MAAP which license types qualify and how the pathway affects your work experience documentation before you apply.
Choosing Your Certification Path
The right credential depends on where you are now and where you want to go.
If you have a high school diploma or GED: Start with the CADC. You’ll need 6,000 supervised hours (roughly three years full-time), but you can work in a treatment setting the whole time. Many counselors use those years to earn a degree, which shortens the requirement.
If you have an associate’s degree: The CADC is still your path, with 5,000 hours. A bachelor’s degree would drop that to 4,000 and open the CADC-I later.
If you have a bachelor’s degree: The CADC (4,000 hours) gets you certified faster than the CADC-I (8,000 hours). Most counselors start with the CADC and upgrade as their experience grows.
If you have a master’s degree: The CADC (2,000 hours) is the fastest route. The CAADC (4,000 hours) is the most direct path to advanced clinical work. The CADC-II (10,000 hours) recognizes long, extensive experience.
Most Mississippi counselors follow the same arc: earn the CADC to start working, build experience and education, then upgrade as opportunities open up.
The MAAP Application Process
MAAP has moved its applications online. You’ll complete your application in the MAAP Member Portal and upload your documents there. Start with the alcohol and drug counselor application page on MAAP’s website.
What You’ll Need to Submit:
- Application and portfolio forms
- Documentation of your supervised work experience and supervised practical training
- Certificates for your training hours
- A signed copy of MAAP’s Code of Ethics
- A written case study (required for the CADC and CAADC, so ask MAAP whether it applies to the CADC-I or CADC-II)
- The application fee, paid through the Member Portal
Documents from other people, such as supervisors, references, and schools, must go to MAAP directly from the source. That includes your official transcripts.
Fees and Membership: MAAP’s posted fee schedule lists $115 per year for professional membership and $130 for application and portfolio processing. Membership isn’t optional. MAAP requires current membership when you apply and continuous membership to keep your credential active. IC&RC exam fees vary by exam, so check the current amount when you register.
What Happens Next: Once MAAP approves your application, you’ll get instructions to register for your IC&RC exam. If you don’t pass, you’ll wait 90 days before retesting, with a new exam fee and a new registration. After you pass, MAAP issues your credential.
Renewing Your MAAP Credential
MAAP credentials renew every two years. Each cycle, you’ll need 40 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of alcohol and drug counseling ethics and 2 hours of person-centered planning. Your MAAP membership must stay current the whole time.
Plan ahead, because there’s no grace period. Submit your renewal at least 60 days before your credential expires. If it lapses for more than four years, you’ll need to submit a new portfolio and retake the exam.
DMH Substance Use Therapist Certification
If you work in Mississippi’s state mental health system, meaning programs that DMH operates, funds, or certifies, you can pursue certification through the DMH Division of Professional Licensure and Certification (PLACE). Under rules effective July 28, 2026, DMH renamed its Addictions Therapist program the Substance Use Therapist program.
Who DMH Certification Is For
DMH offers two credentials to new applicants:
- Provisionally Certified Substance Use Therapist (PCSUT), formerly PCAT. It’s valid for up to 24 consecutive months, it isn’t renewable, and it requires no prior experience.
- Certified Substance Use Therapist (CSUT), formerly CAT. This is the full credential for experienced therapists.
The licensed level (LCSUT, formerly LCAT) is no longer offered to new applicants. Employment within the state mental health system is mandatory to apply for and hold a DMH credential. That’s an eligibility rule, not a blanket requirement, so working at a DMH-funded or certified program doesn’t by itself mean you must hold a DMH credential. Your employer can tell you which credentials your role calls for.
Education Requirements
You’ll need a graduate degree (master’s or above) from a DMH-approved institution, made up of at least 30 semester hours. Examples of related fields include behavioral science, counseling and guidance, family and child studies, health science, nursing, psychology, rehabilitation services, social sciences, and social work.
Alternative Path: If your degree type isn’t on DMH’s list, you can still qualify by completing at least five graduate-level courses, each worth at least three semester hours, in areas the department considers relevant. You’ll still need the graduate degree itself.
Experience and Training Requirements
Beyond education, you’ll need:
- Web-based training: Complete DMH’s online training component, which covers topics such as medications for opioid use disorder, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and HIV
- Examination: Pass the DMH examination for the program, which is built on the web-based training courses. Under DMH’s earlier rules, passing it was required for full certification, so confirm the current timing with PLACE.
- Background checks: Your employer verifies your employment and documents that criminal background checks have been completed
- Experience for the CSUT: Two years of full-time work experience (24 months or the full-time equivalent), verified by a qualified supervisor
The DMH Application Process
Most applicants start as a PCSUT and upgrade to CSUT once they’ve completed two years of full-time experience. If you already have that experience, you may qualify for the CSUT right away.
DMH now handles applications, fees, upgrades, renewals, and exam and training registration through its online credentialing system. You’ll find the current rules and a link to the portal on the DMH PLACE page. Because employment in the state system is required to hold the credential, talk with PLACE before changing jobs so you understand how it affects your status.
Mississippi Addiction Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Mississippi earn a median annual wage of $46,990, according to May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. About 2,090 counselors work in the state.
| Percentile | Mississippi | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $32,770 | $38,940 |
| 25th | $38,760 | $47,100 |
| Median | $46,990 | $59,350 |
| 75th | $58,560 | $76,530 |
| 90th | $77,310 | $97,590 |
These BLS figures cover the whole occupation. BLS doesn’t publish wages by MAAP credential, so treat this range as a picture of the field rather than a pay scale for any specific certification. Pay also varies by metro area. Among the areas below, Gulfport-Biloxi has the highest 90th percentile wage.
| Metro Area | Counselors Employed | Median Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | 210 | $49,180 | $106,710 |
| Jackson, MS | 760 | $47,380 | $75,940 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 80 | $38,300 | $56,740 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR (multi-state) | 1,560 | $50,260 | $73,170 |
Memphis figures cover the full three-state metro area, including DeSoto County, MS, so they don’t represent Mississippi workers alone.
Job Growth: Demand is rising faster in Mississippi than nationally. ProjectionsCentral expects counselor jobs in the state to grow 22.4% from 2024 to 2034, from 2,470 to 3,020 positions, with about 260 openings a year. Nationally, the projected growth is 16.8%.
| Area | 2024 Jobs | 2034 Jobs | Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 2,470 | 3,020 | 22.4% | 260 |
| United States | 483,500 | 564,600 | 16.8% | 48,300 |
Related Roles While You Build Hours
Many counselors-in-training work in related roles while they log supervised hours. Here’s what two common ones pay in Mississippi.
| Role | Median Wage | Projected Growth (2024-34) |
|---|---|---|
| Peer Recovery Specialists (Social and Human Service Assistants) | $31,200 | 17.9% |
| Substance Use Disorder Technicians (Psychiatric Technicians) | $35,320 | 13.6% |
These figures cover the broader occupations these roles fall under, not peer recovery or SUD tech positions alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become an addiction counselor in Mississippi?
What’s the difference between CADC, CADC-I, CADC-II, and CAADC certifications?
How long does it take to become certified as an addiction counselor in Mississippi?
Does Mississippi accept addiction counselor certifications from other states?
Can I work as an addiction counselor in Mississippi while completing my certification requirements?
What’s the difference between MAAP certification and DMH certification?
Do I have to renew my Mississippi addiction counselor certification?
Which credential should I pursue if I have a master’s degree?
Can I earn a substance abuse counseling degree online in Mississippi?
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi has no general state license for addiction counselors. MAAP certifies counselors, and its credentials can transfer to other IC&RC member boards through reciprocity when the receiving board offers the same credential.
- MAAP’s four reciprocal credentials (CADC, CADC-I, CADC-II, CAADC) require 2,000 to 10,000 hours of supervised work experience depending on your degree and credential.
- Every MAAP credential requires 270 training hours, including MAAP’s six-hour ethics course and six hours of HIV/AIDS training, plus a passing IC&RC exam.
- Master’s-level applicants now need 100 hours of supervised practical training under MAAP’s 2026 manual.
- A degree shortens your path. A master’s drops the CADC experience requirement from 6,000 hours to 2,000.
- MAAP credentials renew every two years with 40 hours of continuing education and current MAAP membership.
- DMH’s PCSUT and CSUT credentials (formerly PCAT and CAT) are only for people employed in programs DMH operates, funds, or certifies, and they require a graduate degree.
- Mississippi counselors earn a median of $46,990, and jobs are projected to grow 22.4% from 2024 to 2034.
Ready to Start Your Mississippi Addiction Counseling Career?
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Contact Information
Contact the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals (MAAP) at 601-228-1858 or [email protected] with general questions. For certification, applications, and exam scheduling, email [email protected].
Contact the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Division of Professional Licensure and Certification at 601-359-5360 or [email protected] about PCSUT and CSUT certification for state system positions.
Salary figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Social and Human Services Assistants (Peer Recovery Specialists), and Psychiatric Technicians and Aides (Substance Use Disorder Technicians) come from May 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics city, state, and national data. 2024-34 job growth projections come from ProjectionsCentral state and national data. These figures are not school-specific, and conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2026.