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Best substance abuse counselor certifications
Substance abuse counselor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an substance abuse counselor to employers. However, not all substance abuse counselor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a substance abuse counselor are Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), and Pastoral Counseling Certification.
Below is a list of the best substance abuse counselor certifications. Obtaining an substance abuse counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for substance abuse counselors
| Rank | Substance abuse counselor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) | ACADC |
| 2 | Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) | IC&RC |
| 3 | Pastoral Counseling Certification | Mt. Vision In... |
| 4 | Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor | NAFC |
| 5 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 6 | Master Addictions Counselor | NAFC |
| 7 | National Certified Counselor (NCC) | NBCC |
| 8 | Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) | NAADAC |
| 9 | Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) | CRCC |
| 10 | Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC) | NAFC |
| 11 | Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) | NBCC |
| 12 | Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AAODA-C) | IC&RC |
| 13 | Thinking for a Change Certified Facilitator (T4C-CF) | CCE |
| 14 | National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC) | NAADAC |
14 best substance abuse counselor certifications
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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
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 Addictions 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)
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)
8. 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)
9. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services in the U.S. and Canada. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, the CRCC has certified more than 30,000 counselors with its widely recognized Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CCRC) designations.
- 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)
10. Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC)
- 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)
11. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The CCMHC was launched originally in 1979 by the National Academy for Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors. In 1993, the Academy and NBCC reached an agreement for NBCC to take over administration and testing for the CCMHC certification. Over 1100 NCCs currently hold the CCMHC 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? Every 5 year(s)
12. Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AAODA-C)
- 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)
13. Thinking for a Change Certified Facilitator (T4C-CF)
Thousands of correctional staff working directly with offender groups have been trained to facilitate the T4C curriculum. In order to promote and recognize T4C group facilitators who demonstrate commitment to the curriculum, the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the authors of the T4C curriculum developed the T4C-CF credentialing process.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
14. National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC)
- 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)
What is the best certification for a substance abuse counselor?
The best substance abuse counselor certification is Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is awarded by the Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this substance abuse counselor certification:
- To become a certified Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for substance abuse counselors?
The most in-demand substance abuse counselor certification is Certified Substance Abuse Counselor based on all active job postings. Having this substance abuse counselor certification will give you access to more substance abuse counselor jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a substance abuse counselor career and salary?
The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor certification will help you to secure a counselor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A counselor's average salary is $37,562 whereas substance abuse counselors make an average salary of $43,069.
The most common combination of substance abuse counselor certifications include: Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), and Pastoral Counseling Certification.
Online courses for substance abuse counselors to earn certifications
1. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
2. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
3. [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!...
4. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
5. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
6. NEW! Complete Guide to Substance Painter 2022
Learn Texturing in Substance Painter from Beginners to Advanced Level with 3 complete projects...
7. Accredited Professional Counselling Diploma For Sexual Abuse
Fully Accredited Course For Counsellors Of Sexual Abuse With Easy Techniques To Survive The Trauma Of Abuse...
8. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate
Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...
9. Learn the ART of Substance Painter
Learn to use the latest Substance Painter (and Designer) and become a professional game environment texture artist...
10. 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...
11. Scene Creation with Blender and Substance Painter
Use Blender and Substance Painter to create an interior scene for animation, games, or architectural visualization...
12. Substance Designer Basics: Create a Video Game Material
Learn to create professional quality textures for video games with the industry standard tool, Substance Designer...
13. Certified Spiritual Counselor & Psychology EmpathACCREDITED
Use a humanistic, soul care approach using strategy, positive psychology, emotional/impulse responses & natural empathy...
14. Substance Designer 2020: Stylized material creation.
Learn all the fundamentals to create materials from scratch using the powerful node system of Substance Designer...
15. Psychology and Therapy of Addictions -ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
Working with alcohol and drugs addictions, substance misuse and rehabilitation helper, counselling, psychotherapy, coach...
16. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
17. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
18. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
19. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
20. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...