Third, it helps them stay current with changes in the healthcare industry. With the rapid pace of change in the medical world, it is essential for health care professionals to keep abreast of new developments in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. The AIHCP reserves the right to approve all such courses for consideration toward substance abuse counseling  re-certification. For any courses to be considered, applicants must submit copies of all certificates of completion or transcripts verifying completion.

• If you are unable to complete all the requirements for a CASAC by the end of the five-year application period, your application and CASAC-T/CASAC-P, will expire.
• Often, they are matched with certified addiction counselors to obtain specialized attention, counseling, and therapy.
• The 100% online program consists of both synchronous and asynchronous content.
• The need for well-trained counselors who can diagnose, assess, and treat addiction is greater than ever — for those who’ve never received treatment and for the millions of people who benefit from counseling services every day.

At a minimum, counselors in this field must graduate from high school or have a GED. Earning an undergraduate degree is common, leading to more advanced certification or licensure and better job prospects. The most advanced certificates and licenses require graduate degrees. People with substance use disorders require dedicated care and support as they embark on their recovery.

Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program – (Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies)

Before committing to an online counseling master’s program, it’s important to research the licensing requirements of the state where you plan to practice. Doing so ensures your chosen program provides the necessary coursework, fieldwork opportunities and specialized training to fulfill your state’s academic requirements for licensure. At Golden Gate University, based in San Francisco, California, distance learners can pursue a master of arts in counseling psychology. This program is aligned with the Psychotherapy Action Network and equips students with the academic and clinical training to engage in relationally informed clinical practice in various mental health settings.

There has been a shift in some states in the treatment of alcohol and drug offender. Instead of requiring long jail times, increasing sentences require strict substance abuse counseling. This change has been one of the driving factors substance abuse counseling in the increased demand for substance abuse counselors. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement, though some boards set standards higher. In most states, lower level certifications do not require a college degree.

Character and Professional Competence Requirements

Master’s in counseling programs incorporate supervised clinical experience through practicums and internships. Consider how your program supports distance learners in securing suitable placements locally and whether it has strong connections for field clinical placements. The curriculum, accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA), offers an in-depth study of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, spanning planning to management. Learners gain supervised clinical experience through a practicum and two internships. At the University of Holy Cross, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, you can enroll in an online master of arts in counseling with a specialization in marriage, couple and family counseling.

• First, it helps them keep up with the latest advances in their field.
• Substance abuse counselors are employed at government agencies, clinics, hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, nonprofits, and residential treatment programs.
• Certification and licensure are available in every state to ensure counselors in this field have minimum education, training, and skill.
• Confirmed final results will be transmitted via U.S. mail approximately four weeks after your exam.
• This level of accreditation applies to an entire college or university and encompasses both its on-campus and its online offerings.
• By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.
• In addition to basic certification, you may also want to consider pursuing additional specialty certifications or training.

You may need to register or pursue an entry-level credential in the interim. Your state agency may mandate that a certain percentage of the counseling staff is ‘qualified’; the rest may be working toward this status. Chances are good that your supervisor will eventually need to provide an evaluation or recommendation to the certification board. Lastly, our comprehensive support services are committed to supporting our students personally and professionally to get through college, earn a certification, and enter a great career. Through in-field and classroom training and experience in mental health, psychology, and social work, graduates make an important—and potentially life-saving—impact on those who are struggling with addiction and the loved ones who care about them.

National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED)

The complete list of the CASAC qualifications and requirements, as well as the full course curriculum, can be found in the CASAC application. Once you complete the application process, you will need to meet ongoing requirements in order to maintain your CCMHC. Once you complete the application process, you will need to meet ongoing requirements in order to maintain and recertify your MAC. To continue learning about whether our online substance use counselor training program are a good fit for you, leave us a message to learn if our program could be a good fit. This program meets California’s academic MFT licensure requirements. We chose the best schools to display in each category of counseling master’s degrees.