4 answers
Kyleigh
Student
Oak Harbor, Ohio
4
Questions
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What does schooling and training look like for a substance abuse counselor?
I'm working on a career project for substance abuse counseling, and I'm looking for information on how much schooling is involved, and what typical training looks like. Like how many hours are needed, how long the process usually takes, and what a training program looks like.
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4 answers
Grace Sohn, LADC, CBIS
Substance Use Counselor
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Grace’s Answer
The schooling and training for substance use counseling depends a lot on the state, since there isn’t one nationally recognized license. For example, here in Minnesota, you need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some people major directly in alcohol and drug counseling, while others major in a related field like psychology and then complete the required alcohol and drug counseling coursework. If you already have a bachelor’s, you can finish 270 hours of specific coursework covering the 12 core functions, such as assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, and more. While completing your degree or coursework, you also need to complete 880 hours of supervised practicum in counseling that meets the state board’s standards. After that, you must pass a national licensing exam, usually the IC&RC or NAADAC's Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam. Finally, you submit an application to the board with your transcripts, practicum verification, exam results, and fees, along with a background check. From start to finish, the process typically takes about three to four years if you’re starting with a bachelor’s program and moving straight through, though it can be a bit shorter if you already have a degree in a related field.
In Ohio, the system is tiered, offering different levels of certification. The entry-level credential, called the CDCA, requires only a high school diploma plus 40 hours of chemical dependency-specific training, so people can start working fairly quickly under supervision. To move up to a full independent license, called the LICDC, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a behavioral science, supervised clinical experience, and passing the IC&RC exam.
In Ohio, the system is tiered, offering different levels of certification. The entry-level credential, called the CDCA, requires only a high school diploma plus 40 hours of chemical dependency-specific training, so people can start working fairly quickly under supervision. To move up to a full independent license, called the LICDC, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a behavioral science, supervised clinical experience, and passing the IC&RC exam.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Kyleigh!
Good question! Depending on your location and career goals, the coursework and training required to become a substance abuse counselor can vary slightly, but the general pathway is as follows:
- Education: A bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a similar discipline is usually a prerequisite for starting substance addiction counselor. An associate degree or certificate may be necessary for certain entry-level positions or certification programs, but a bachelor's degree expands your employment opportunities and eventually increases your income.
- Graduate Training (optional but common): A lot of counselors pursue master's degrees in clinical psychology, addiction studies, or counseling. They can then pursue private practice or supervisory positions after obtaining their licenses as mental health or drug abuse counselors.
- Supervised Experience: You will require practical experience after graduation, often 2,000 to 4,000 hours (about 1-2 years) of clinical practice under supervision. Here, under the supervision of a certified professional, you will get to practice actual counseling techniques.
- Licensing or Certification: Every nation or state has different needs. You must pass a state licensure or certification exam in order to work in the United States. CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) are common certifications.
- Ongoing Training: Counselors continue their education annually to stay current on new research and treatment procedures even after they have earned their certification.
- Timeline: If you choose the entire path (bachelor's degree plus supervised training), it will take you roughly four to six years to obtain your full license and be able to work on your own.
While completing their degrees, many people begin working in entry-level support positions such as case managers or rehabilitation coaches. It's a great way to gain experience and have an early presence.
You get to walk with people as they rebuild their lives, which is a very fulfilling experience, but it requires time and attention. That takes heart, patience, and compassion, all of which you already show by asking these kinds of questions.
Best wishes!
Good question! Depending on your location and career goals, the coursework and training required to become a substance abuse counselor can vary slightly, but the general pathway is as follows:
- Education: A bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a similar discipline is usually a prerequisite for starting substance addiction counselor. An associate degree or certificate may be necessary for certain entry-level positions or certification programs, but a bachelor's degree expands your employment opportunities and eventually increases your income.
- Graduate Training (optional but common): A lot of counselors pursue master's degrees in clinical psychology, addiction studies, or counseling. They can then pursue private practice or supervisory positions after obtaining their licenses as mental health or drug abuse counselors.
- Supervised Experience: You will require practical experience after graduation, often 2,000 to 4,000 hours (about 1-2 years) of clinical practice under supervision. Here, under the supervision of a certified professional, you will get to practice actual counseling techniques.
- Licensing or Certification: Every nation or state has different needs. You must pass a state licensure or certification exam in order to work in the United States. CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) are common certifications.
- Ongoing Training: Counselors continue their education annually to stay current on new research and treatment procedures even after they have earned their certification.
- Timeline: If you choose the entire path (bachelor's degree plus supervised training), it will take you roughly four to six years to obtain your full license and be able to work on your own.
While completing their degrees, many people begin working in entry-level support positions such as case managers or rehabilitation coaches. It's a great way to gain experience and have an early presence.
You get to walk with people as they rebuild their lives, which is a very fulfilling experience, but it requires time and attention. That takes heart, patience, and compassion, all of which you already show by asking these kinds of questions.
Best wishes!
Shay Marshall, MS
Senior Juvenile Probation Officer
18
Answers
Navarre, Florida
Updated
Shay’s Answer
Becoming a substance abuse counselor involves a structured journey that includes formal education, specialized training, and supervised clinical experience. The requirements can vary by state and the level of certification you aim for. Typically, the journey begins with education. Many entry-level or certified counselor roles need at least a bachelor's degree in fields like Substance Abuse Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work. For the highest level of licensure, which is often needed for private practice, a master's degree is usually required. This degree provides a strong foundation in behavioral health, addiction theory, and counseling techniques.
Beyond the degree, you need to complete a certain number of classroom hours focused on addiction and substance use disorders. These hours, usually between 120 to 300, cover important topics such as the effects of drugs, assessment methods, ethical responsibilities, crisis management, and counseling skills for families and groups. A key part of the training is gaining supervised clinical experience. This hands-on work is done under the guidance of a licensed professional. It helps you apply what you've learned in real-world settings. The experience is typically split into two phases: an internship during your degree and a post-graduate residency. The total supervised hours required are substantial, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000, and may take one to four years to complete, depending on state rules and the credential.
The final steps include passing a national certification or licensing exam, such as the IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor Exam, to show your professional skills. After completing all educational, training, and supervision requirements and passing the exam, you apply to the state board for certification or licensure. The entire process, from starting a bachelor's degree to achieving full independent licensure, can take about 6 to 9 years. Because requirements differ, it's crucial for aspiring counselors to research the specific regulations of the state where they plan to work. This ensures they understand the exact number of hours and type of degree needed.
Beyond the degree, you need to complete a certain number of classroom hours focused on addiction and substance use disorders. These hours, usually between 120 to 300, cover important topics such as the effects of drugs, assessment methods, ethical responsibilities, crisis management, and counseling skills for families and groups. A key part of the training is gaining supervised clinical experience. This hands-on work is done under the guidance of a licensed professional. It helps you apply what you've learned in real-world settings. The experience is typically split into two phases: an internship during your degree and a post-graduate residency. The total supervised hours required are substantial, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000, and may take one to four years to complete, depending on state rules and the credential.
The final steps include passing a national certification or licensing exam, such as the IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor Exam, to show your professional skills. After completing all educational, training, and supervision requirements and passing the exam, you apply to the state board for certification or licensure. The entire process, from starting a bachelor's degree to achieving full independent licensure, can take about 6 to 9 years. Because requirements differ, it's crucial for aspiring counselors to research the specific regulations of the state where they plan to work. This ensures they understand the exact number of hours and type of degree needed.
Xiorys M Montilla
Physical Therapy Assistant
3
Answers
Beardstown, Illinois
Updated
Xiorys M’s Answer
Hi Kyleig.
In my experience, training to become a substance abuse counselor includes classes in psychology, communication, and patient care.
You learn to listen to and support people who need help.
It requires time and practice, but it is a very important and humane job.
In my experience, training to become a substance abuse counselor includes classes in psychology, communication, and patient care.
You learn to listen to and support people who need help.
It requires time and practice, but it is a very important and humane job.