Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Wyoming
Wyoming offers three levels of addiction counselor credentials: Licensed Addictions Therapist (LAT), which requires a master’s degree and 3,000 supervised hours; Certified Addictions Practitioner (CAP), which requires a bachelor’s degree; and Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant (CAPA), which requires an associate degree or 270 hours of training. All pathways require passing approved exams and applying through the Wyoming Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board.
There’s a good chance you’re reading this because you understand what addiction can do—maybe you’ve seen it in your own family, or across Wyoming’s vast, isolated communities where help can feel worlds away. Wyoming has one of the nation’s lowest overdose rates at 21.9 deaths per 100,000 people, but that doesn’t mean everyone who needs treatment gets it. In a state with some of the most remote and isolated communities in America, distance and limited resources create barriers that counselors like you can help break down.
Wyoming’s addiction counseling workforce is small but essential. Whether you’re drawn to this work through personal experience or a calling to serve your community, the state offers three clear pathways to credentials. Each serves a different role, requires different preparation, and opens other doors in your career. Here’s how to join Wyoming’s recovery community.
Comparing Wyoming’s Three Credential Levels
Before diving into specific requirements, here’s how Wyoming’s three addiction counselor credentials compare. This helps you choose a pathway that aligns with your current education and career goals.
| Credential | Education Required | Supervised Hours | Exam Options | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPA (Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant) | Associate degree in SUD counseling OR 270 hours of training | Varies by pathway | NAADAC NCAC Level I | 1-2 years |
| CAP (Certified Addictions Practitioner) | Bachelor’s degree (addiction-related or human behavior field) | 2,000 hours (if certified by experience pathway) | NAADAC NCAC II or IC&RC AODA | 4-5 years |
| LAT (Licensed Addictions Therapist) | Master’s degree in addiction studies or related field | 3,000 total (1,200 direct client contact) | NAADAC MAC, IC&RC AADC, or NBCC MAC | 6-8 years |
You don’t need to start with a master’s degree. Wyoming’s three-tier system means you can begin making a difference with an associate degree or focused training, then advance as you gain experience and education. Many counselors start as CAPAs, work in the field while earning their bachelor’s, then pursue CAP certification.
Licensed Addictions Therapist Requirements
The Licensed Addictions Therapist represents Wyoming’s highest level of addiction counseling credential. LATs can work independently, supervise other counselors, and provide clinical assessment and treatment planning without oversight.
Education Requirements for LAT
You’ll need a graduate degree in addiction studies, chemical dependency, or a related field from an accredited college or university. On top of that, the Wyoming Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board requires specific coursework in these areas (undergraduate courses count toward these requirements).
Required coursework includes three semester credits in each of these domains:
- Counseling theory
- Counseling skills
- Professional ethics
- Chemical dependency practicum
You’ll also need ten semester credits covering these areas:
- Alcoholism
- Drugs and behavior
- Addictions and special populations
- Addictive behaviors (eating disorders, gambling, cults)
- Addiction prevention and education
- Administration of addiction services
- Addiction and chemical dependency assessment
Finally, you’ll need six contact hours of training in communicable diseases. You can complete this through your degree program or by attending workshops after graduation.
Supervised Experience for LAT
After earning your master’s, you apply to become a Provisional Addictions Therapist and start accumulating supervised clinical hours. You’ll need 3,000 hours total, with 1,200 earned through direct client contact. Your remaining hours can include attending meetings, charting client data, case consultations, and other counseling-related tasks. You must complete 100 hours working directly with your Designated Qualified Clinical Supervisor (DQCS).
Most counselors complete their supervised hours in two to three years while working full-time in treatment settings, recovery centers, or behavioral health agencies.
LAT Examination
When you’ve completed your supervised hours, you’ll take a final certification exam. The Board gives you several options:
- National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors’ (NAADAC) Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) Exam
- International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) Exam
- National Board for Certified Counselors’ (NBCC) Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) Exam
- Other Board-approved exams
LAT Path for Licensed Mental Health Professionals
If you’re already licensed as another type of mental health professional in Wyoming (such as an LPC, LCSW, or LMFT), you can become an LAT through a streamlined process that recognizes your existing clinical training.
You’ll need 150 contact hours of specialized training covering at least four of these five areas (assessment is mandatory):
- Alcoholism
- Drugs and behavior
- Addictions in special populations
- Addictive behaviors
- Addiction assessment (required)
For supervised experience, you have three options. You can complete a practicum serving clients with substance use disorders through a master’s program, complete 150 hours of face-to-face counseling with clients battling substance use disorders under LAT supervision, or demonstrate that you’ve worked full-time with clients in recovery for at least five years.
You’ll still need to pass one of the approved LAT exams listed above.
Certified Addictions Practitioner Requirements
The Certified Addictions Practitioner credential is Wyoming’s bachelor’s-level certification. CAPs work with clients directly, conduct assessments, and implement treatment plans, though typically under clinical supervision until they gain significant experience.
Education Options for CAP
You have three ways to meet CAP education requirements:
Option 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree in a field directly related to substance use disorder treatment.
Option 2: Hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to human behavior AND have an addiction-related associate degree from a program accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
Option 3: Earn a bachelor’s degree in a human behavior-related discipline and complete these specific courses:
- Counseling theory
- Counseling skills
- Professional ethics
- Chemical dependency practicum
- Ten semester hours covering alcoholism, drugs, and behavior, addictions in special populations, addictive behaviors, addiction prevention, administration of addiction services, and addiction assessment
- Six hours of communicable diseases training
CAP Examination
For the final exam, you can take the NAADAC’s National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) Exam, the IC&RC’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (AODA) Exam, or another Board-approved exam.
Certification By Education and Experience
If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field but not specifically in addiction counseling, the Board offers an experience-based pathway. You’ll first become a Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant, then complete 2,000 direct client contact hours. These hours must be completed no more than five years before you submit your CAP application.
This pathway works well for career changers with degrees in psychology, social work, or other helping professions who want to specialize in addiction treatment.
Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant Requirements
The CAPA credential is Wyoming’s entry point into addiction counseling. CAPAs work under supervision, providing vital recovery support and direct services to clients. Many counselors start here while completing their bachelor’s degree.
Education Options for CAPA
You can qualify for CAPA certification in two ways:
Option 1: Earn an associate degree in substance use disorder counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
Option 2: Complete 270 hours of focused training on substance use disorders. At least 200 hours must relate directly to substance use disorder therapy, including assessment skills. Your remaining 70 hours can cover general mental health counseling skills, but 30 of those hours must focus specifically on counseling ethics. You’ll also need six hours of communicable diseases training.
The training pathway works well if you want to enter the field quickly or if you’re already working in a related role and need formal credentials.
CAPA Examination
You’ll take the NAADAC’s NCAC Level I Exam or another exam the Board deems appropriate for entry-level certification.
Application Process
Wyoming handles all addiction counselor applications through the Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. The process is straightforward, though it requires careful documentation.
You can download all application forms from the Board’s website. Print them, complete them carefully, and mail them to the Board with your supporting documentation.
Depending on your pathway, you’ll submit materials like college transcripts, supervision assessment forms, training verification forms, and exam scores. Every applicant must complete a criminal background check, which takes three to five weeks. The Board processes most applications within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving complete documentation.
The Board may contact you by email if they need additional information, but you can also check your application status by emailing them directly.
Application fees:
- CAPA: $343
- CAP: $343
- LAT: $393
Out-of-State Addiction Counselors
If you’re already licensed in another state, Wyoming offers a separate process for transferring your credentials. Generally, you can get licensed if you’ve completed similar requirements in your home state and passed a Board-approved exam.
The Board reviews your qualifications individually to determine the best pathway forward. If your previous state’s requirements closely match Wyoming’s, the process moves quickly. If there are gaps in education or supervised hours, the Board will identify what you need to complete.
One exception: if you’re transferring as a Licensed Addiction Therapist with a master’s degree but haven’t met Wyoming’s supervised experience requirements, you’ll need to apply for a provisional license and complete your remaining hours under Wyoming supervision.
Wyoming Salary and Job Outlook
Understanding what addiction counselors earn in Wyoming helps you plan your career path and weigh the investment in education and training.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Wyoming earned a median annual wage of $52,150 in 2024. Entry-level counselors (typically CAPAs) earned around $37,690, while experienced counselors at the LAT level earned $68,420 or more.
Your earnings increase as you advance through credential levels:
- CAPA level: Generally start at $35,000-$42,000 annually
- CAP level: Typically earn $45,000-$55,000 with experience
- LAT level: Command $58,000-$72,000+, especially in independent practice
Location matters in Wyoming. Counselors working in Cheyenne, Casper, and other population centers typically earn more than those in rural communities. However, rural positions may offer benefits such as loan-repayment programs, housing assistance, or opportunities to serve underserved populations.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% growth in the number of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors nationwide through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Wyoming’s addiction counseling workforce remains small, meaning new counselors often find opportunities in tribal behavioral health programs, VA services, community mental health centers, and private treatment facilities across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become an addiction counselor in Wyoming?
How long does it take to become a Licensed Addictions Therapist in Wyoming?
Can I practice in Wyoming with an out-of-state addiction counseling license?
What’s the difference between LAT, CAP, and CAPA credentials in Wyoming?
Can I complete my addiction counseling education online if I live in rural Wyoming?
How much does it cost to become licensed as an addiction counselor in Wyoming?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my supervised hours?
Does Wyoming have reciprocity with neighboring states for addiction counselor licenses?
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming offers three addiction counselor credentials at different education levels: CAPA (associate degree or training), CAP (bachelor’s degree), and LAT (master’s degree), allowing you to enter the field and advance over time.
- You don’t need a master’s degree to start counseling—the CAPA credential requires only an associate degree or 270 hours of specialized training, letting you begin making a difference quickly.
- All pathways require passing national certification exams from NAADAC, IC&RC, or NBCC, and completing supervised clinical hours that vary by credential level (up to 3,000 for LAT).
- Wyoming’s small counseling workforce means opportunities exist across the state, especially in rural communities, tribal programs, and areas with limited access to treatment services.
- Licensed mental health professionals already credentialed in Wyoming can pursue LAT through a streamlined pathway requiring 150 contact hours of addiction-focused training rather than a complete master’s degree.
- You can complete much of your education online through accredited programs, which is valuable in a rural state like Wyoming, where traditional colleges may be hours away.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in Wyoming?
Whether you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, finding the right program is your first step toward making a difference in Wyoming’s recovery community.
Additional Resources
For more information about Wyoming’s specific requirements, pathways, and application materials, visit the Wyoming Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board. They maintain a complete database of relevant statutes and can answer specific questions about your situation. You can also contact the Board by email with application questions.
For information about advocacy events, training opportunities, continuing education, and professional networking, contact the Wyoming Association of Addiction Professionals (WAAP). As Wyoming’s local NAADAC affiliate, they connect counselors across the state and provide ongoing support for both students and practicing professionals.
If you’re exploring what it takes to become an addiction counselor more broadly, or wondering about why addiction counselors go by so many different titles, we have comprehensive guides to help you understand this rewarding career field.
Salary data sourced from the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.