Substance abuse counselors work with people and families affected by addiction and substance use. This psychology career requires a degree but may also require certification.
Below, we've broken down some of the best substance abuse counseling certification and certificate programs across the United States.
Top Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are typically run by colleges and other bodies of higher learning. You often earn a certificate alongside or in addition to your degree.
1. Colorado State University
Colorado State University is a public research university in Fort Collins, a city north of Denver. It offers a graduate certificate in substance use disorder identification and treatment.
This program provides specific education on screening tools and interventions for substance use disorders.
The program requires 12 credits. The required courses are:
- Advanced Addiction Counseling
- Advanced Addiction Treatments
- Motivational Interviewing
- Neuropharmacology of Addiction
2. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan is a private evangelical Christian university in Marion, a city northeast of Indianapolis. It offers a graduate certificate in addictions counseling.
Students must hold a bachelor's degree to take this program, and it requires a total of 18 credits.
There are six total courses including:
- Counseling Addicted Families
- Human Growth and Development
- Issues in Addiction Recovery
- Theories and Treatment of Addiction
3. University of St. Francis
The University of St. Francis is a private university southwest of Chicago in the city of Joliet, IL. It offers a unique certified recovery support specialist program.
This program is specifically for students with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse use challenges to learn how to provide recovery services.
It requires 14 total credits split between three courses. Thanks to state grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services, tuition is free for accepted applicants through June 2024.
4. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university in Richmond. It offers a graduate certificate in international addiction studies.
The program provides students with an in-depth, evidence-based, multidimensional, and cross-cultural understanding of addiction studies.
There are three courses that can be completed over the course of nine to 16 months. These courses are:
- Biological Basis of Addiction
- Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction
- Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions
To participate in this program, students need to have a bachelor's degree. The program is available to students all over the world, but is only administered in English.
Substance Abuse Counseling Certifications
Certifications are offered by certifying bodies. These are typically large groups of professionals run by a board.
There are three predominant certification bodies for substance abuse counselors. We've listed them and the certifications they offer below in alphabetical order.
1. International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium
The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) is a non-profit organization that has developed internationally recognized standards for substance abuse counselors.
It offers six certifications:
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional
- Clinical Supervisor
- Peer Recovery
- Prevention Specialist
To earn each credential, you'll need to meet the necessary requirements and pass an exam. Requirements and exam details vary by credential.
2. National Board for Certified Counselors
The National Board for Certified Counselors is an international certification body for many types of counselors. It offers a Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) certification.
Before you can earn the MAC certification, you must first earn your National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification.
This certification requires you to have a counseling degree plus a certain amount of graduate coursework from an accredited institution. You must also pass an exam.
For the Master Addictions Counselor, in addition to the NCC certification, you must also have at least 12 hours of graduate coursework in addictions counseling. No exam is required.
3. National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals
The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) is run by the Association for Addiction Professionals, a group dedicated to addiction studies.
There are three primary certifications you can earn through the NCC AP:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I)
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II)
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Each certification builds on the requirements of the previous certification and requires you to pass an exam.
The NCC AP also offers three specialization exams, each with their own requirements:
- Nicotine Dependence Specialist (NDS)
- National Certified Adolescent Addiction Counselor (NCAAC)
- National Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
FAQs About Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and Certificate Programs
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about substance abuse counseling certification and certificate programs
How Long Are Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate Programs?
The length of a substance abuse counseling certificate program will depend on the program, but many take between one and four semesters to finish.
Do I Need a Certificate or Certification to Be a Substance Abuse Counselor?
If you've earned your degree in counseling with a focus on substance abuse counseling, you likely won't need to earn a graduate certificate.
Certifications aren't a requirement, either, but they can help you gain employment or promotions. They may also be able to connect you to a network of other substance abuse professionals.
How Do I Become a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in My State?
Requirements vary among states for licensed substance abuse counselors. Check your state requirements to find out what is needed to practice in your state.
Earn a Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and Certificate
There are many excellent certification and certificate programs for substance abuse counselors. Check out the ones listed above to get started today.
