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Best primary counselor certifications
Primary counselor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an primary counselor to employers. However, not all primary counselor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a primary counselor are Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), Pastoral Counseling Certification, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC).
Below is a list of the best primary counselor certifications. Obtaining an primary counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
7 best certifications for primary counselors
| Rank | Primary counselor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) | IC&RC |
| 2 | Pastoral Counseling Certification | Mt. Vision In... |
| 3 | Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) | ACADC |
| 4 | Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor | NAFC |
| 5 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 6 | Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) | NAADAC |
| 7 | National Certified Counselor (NCC) | NBCC |
7 best primary counselor certifications
1. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
The International Examination for Alcohol & Drug Counselors is the first examination to test knowledge and skills about alcohol and drug counseling on an international level. It has been developed by IC&RC through the cooperation of its Member Boards and their strong desire to have an international exam that is based on current practice in the field.Alcohol & Drug Counselor is one of the five reciprocal certifications offered through IC&RC.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Pastoral Counseling Certification
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
3. Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
The Mission of the Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors, as a counselor certification organization for the California Department of Alcohol & Drug Programs, is to provide an entrance to the professional counseling arena, to train and certify Christian men and women who desire to do professional drug, alcohol and addiction counseling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Certified Professional Counselor
You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
6. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
A voluntary national certification intended for professionals working within addiction-related disciplines wishing to demonstrate their specialized addiction treatment skills gained through supervised work experience and specific graduate course work.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. National Certified Counselor (NCC)
The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a primary counselor?
The best primary counselor certification is Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC). The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) is awarded by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this primary counselor certification:
- To become a certified Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
The most common combination of primary counselor certifications include: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), Pastoral Counseling Certification, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC).
Online courses for primary counselors to earn certifications
1. Health for All Through Primary Health Care
This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions. Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context...
2. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care
This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...
3. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
4. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor
Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...
5. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
6. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
7. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
8. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
9. Professional Anger & Aggression Counselling Diploma
Fully Accredited Diploma Course For Powerful Counselling Techniques For Anger & Aggression Management...
10. Professional Certification in Counseling - Fully Accredited
Become Professional Counselor (Counsellor)...
11. Counselling clients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Learn step by step, highly practical and rapid learning. Useful during and after the pandemic. CBT-REBT based...
12. Certified Spiritual Counselor & Psychology EmpathACCREDITED
Use a humanistic, soul care approach using strategy, positive psychology, emotional/impulse responses & natural empathy...
13. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
14. Anger Management & Conflict Resolution Program - (4 hours)
How to manage anger and ensure it does not explode into rage. Enhance your life by building quality relationships...
15. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide
How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...
16. Couples Counselling using Systemic Family Therapy
Help people build stronger relationships and marriages by learning couples counselling skills...
17. Mental Health First Aid Skills -
This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...
18. Specialized Certificate Course in Psychological Counseling
The course develops your Practical Counseling Skills and Therapeutic Competencies...
19. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate
Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...
20. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course
Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...