Choosing a master’s degree in Addiction Counseling is a big decision and can be overwhelming, too. Counseling programs come in many shapes and sizes, such as being offered on-campus or online, CACREP-accredited or not, or within your price range.
Programs that are CACREP-accredited are important because they offer an integrated approach to addiction counseling in both educational content and clinical experiences. While not every state requires CACREP-accredited programs for Addiction Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling licensure, it does facilitate licensure portability between states by offering a standardized curriculum.
Quick Facts
- Average Program Completion Time: 2-4 years
- Average Credit Hours: 60 credit hours
- Programs That Do Not Require the GRE: 21
- Average Tuition: $268.49-1,046 per credit hour
- Total Online Programs: 8
The Best Online CACREP-Accredited Addiction Counseling Programs 2025
The following CACREP-accredited masters in addiction counseling programs offer the majority of their classes in an online format.
Adler Graduate School
- Minnetonka, Minnesota
- 2-3 years
- Online
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling, Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction Counseling
Modality: Online
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 64-73 credit hours / 2-3 years
Tuition: $745 per credit hour
Program Overview: Adler Graduate School uses a combination of emerging and evidence-based practices and hands-on fieldwork to educate future counselors. The program is Adlerian-focused and promotes social interest, advocacy, and harmony. Students will learn skills like Social Justice and Advocacy, Professional Identity, Assessment and Diagnosis, and Ethical Decision Making. Schooling also includes practicum and internship requirements.
Key Highlights:
- This program prepares students for licensure as both Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs).
Additional Considerations:
- The program at Adler Graduate School is extensive and requires more credit hours than some other counseling programs, which should be considered for those seeking fewer credits.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Central Michigan University
- Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
- 2-3 years
- Online + Campus
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Concentration
Modality: Online/On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 2-3 years
Tuition: $829 per credit hour
Program Overview: Addictions Counseling at Central Michigan University is designed for students looking to make a difference in the field of mental health and recovery. This program looks to focus heavily on rural and marginalized communities, which often face higher rates of substance abuse and fewer resources for recovery. Students will learn to work with diverse populations and understand the unique needs of those in marginalized communities experiencing addiction.
Key Highlights:
- Central Michigan University supports students to help students secure and obtain approval for their practicum and internship sites.
Additional Considerations:
- Along with meeting the educational requirements for Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC), students may also apply for the credential of Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Emporia State University
- Emporia, Kansas
- 60 Credit Hours
- Campus + Online + Hybrid
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Counseling – Addiction Counseling
Modality: Hybrid (On-campus/Online)
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / unknown completion time
Tuition: $23,600 for the program
Program Overview: The Master of Science program in Addiction Counseling is a hybrid degree, allowing students to complete coursework both on campus and online. Specialized courses in this program include Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders, Psychopharmacology, and Case Management in Addictions and Rehabilitation.
Key Highlights:
- Emporia State University offers a low student-to-staff ratio to allow for a personal and individualized experience.
Additional Considerations:
- Emporia State University offers a student counseling center that allows students to understand mental health from their own perspectives.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
- Center City, Minnesota
- 20-24 months
- Online + Hybrid
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling in Addictions Counseling
Modality: Hybrid/Online
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 20 months hybrid / 24 months online
Tuition: $849 per credit hour
Program Overview: This CACREP-accredited Addiction Counseling program includes intensive coursework and an emphasis on mental health and co-occurring disorders. This integrated approach reflects best practice to treat substance use disorder and related concerns with a comprehensive counseling approach. Faculty members bring forth first-hand knowledge from years of clinical experience, research, and teaching to ensure that students get the most out of their education.
Key Highlights:
- As a well-known Addiction Counseling graduate program, graduates are often recruited by addiction treatment agencies across the country.
Additional Considerations:
- This program offers a low student-to-staff ratio, which allows for a more individualized experience.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, Texas
- 2 years
- Online
Program: Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Modality: Online
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / about 2 years
Tuition: $6,610 per year
Program Overview: The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling was established in 2017 and is one of the first programs to teach students in counseling skills as well as distance counseling (tele-health) skills. This program is designed to be completed by those looking for a flexible education schedule and who need to work around other responsibilities, such as work or raising a family. Some courses that are taken by students include Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Abnormal Behavior: Treatment Planning and Case Management, Multicultural Counseling, Advanced Addiction Counseling, Neurobiology of Addiction, and Family Counseling.
Key Highlights:
- All graduates of this program will receive a certificate in telehealth. This program emphasizes distance counseling and its impact on mental health and addiction treatment.
Additional Considerations:
- Students are required to complete 12 credit hours of practicum and internship to be completed in the area where they reside.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Thomas University
- Thomasville, Georgia
- 18-24 months
- Online
Program: Master of Science in Counseling, Addiction Counseling Specialization
Modality: Online
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 18-24 months
Tuition: $635 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Master of Science in Counseling program is designed to prepare counselors to advocate for and serve the needs of clients in their care. The program offers four specializations, including Addictions Counseling. Courses included in the Addictions Specialization include Ethics in Addictions Counseling, Co-occurring Disorders and Trauma, Psychopharmacology, Psychosocial and Multicultural Aspects, Counseling Internship III, and Human Sexuality (if required by state licensure).
Key Highlights:
- All courses in the counseling program offer a 12:1 student-to-staff ratio that allows for a more individualized experience for enrollees.
Additional Considerations:
- Grants and assistantships are available to students enrolled in the counseling program to help offset the cost of higher education.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Waynesburg University
- Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
- 20 months
- Online + Traditional Classroom + Hybrid
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling, Addictions Concentration
Modality: Online, traditional classroom, and hybrid
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 20 months (full-time)
Tuition: $715 per credit hour
Program Overview: The online Master of Arts in Counseling program at Waynesburg will prepare students for the quickly growing counseling profession. Within all concentrations, students will blend theory and clinical practice to develop professionals who have the confidence and skills to work with diverse populations of clients. Students enrolled in the Addictions Counseling Concentration will take courses like Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances, Substance Use Disorder Counseling Techniques, Substance Use Disorders and Trauma-Informed Care, and Family Counseling for Substance Use Disorders.
Key Highlights:
- Students have flexibility in how they receive their courses, with options to be 100% online, hybrid, or in-person.
Additional Considerations:
- To fill the growing need for substance use counselors in Pennsylvania, students may receive grants to help pay for their education. Additional scholarship opportunities may also be available.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Western New Mexico University
- Silver City, New Mexico
- 3 years
- Online
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling, Addictions Concentration
Modality: Online
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 3 years
Tuition: $343.96 per credit hour
Program Overview: The counseling program at Western New Mexico University is a distance education program that prepares students to become professional counselors within a variety of settings, including schools, community health clinics, state agencies, hospitals, and private practices. This program is focused on assisting students in developing the skills needed to provide innovative and effective counseling experiences for diverse populations of clients. Students have the opportunity to choose between four separate concentrations, including clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and addictions counseling. Addictions Counseling Concentration courses include Child and Adolescent Counseling, Applied Theories in Counseling, Addiction Counseling Techniques, and Addiction Assessment and Treatment.
Key Highlights:
- This program is offered via “distance education,” meaning that students can complete courses from the location that feels most comfortable for them.
Additional Considerations:
- For students to be admitted into the practicum, they must have completed 24 credit hours of coursework, and to be admitted into the internship, students must complete 48 credit hours of coursework.
- To complete the program, all students must take and pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Best Campus-based CACREP-Accredited Addiction Counseling Programs
For those students looking for an in-person learning experience, the following addiction counseling programs are accredited by CACREP.
Boise State University
- Boise, Idaho
- 3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Cognate
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 3 years
Tuition: $544 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Addiction Counseling Cognate prepares students to work with individuals and families affected by substance abuse and other addictive behaviors in education, prevention, and intervention settings. This program focuses on assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention, as well as models of prevention and intervention. Addiction courses in this program include Foundations of Addiction Counseling, Addictions and Family Systems, and Addiction and Behavioral Health Assessment and Intervention.
Key Highlights:
- A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for students to work on campus and earn money toward their tuition.
Additional Considerations:
- Students have the freedom to choose an internship that meets the program’s requirements and educates them in their desired field of practice.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 2.5-3.5 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Professional Counseling: Addiction Counseling
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 2.5-3.5 years
Tuition: $1,046 per credit hour
Program Overview: Counseling at Carlow University trains students to work with adults and adolescents experiencing either substance or process addiction in a variety of community settings, like addiction/recovery centers, community mental health centers, hospitals, and employee assistance programs. In addition to core courses and practicum/internship experiences, students will take addiction courses, including Substance Abuse Counseling Theories & Interventions, the Biological Basis of Alcohol & Other Addictions, and Co-Occurring Disorders.
Key Highlights:
- Addiction Counseling students will partake in Addiction-Related Trainings, Trainings for Community Members, the NAADAC Certificate Program, and the AC-WIP Addiction Symposium.
- Additional funding is available for professional memberships and the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
Additional Considerations:
- In addition to finishing the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), graduates will also earn credits toward becoming a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) in Pennsylvania.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Johnson & Wales University
- Providence, Rhode Island
- 18 months
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 18 months
Tuition: $46,440 for the program
Program Overview: The Addiction Counseling program at Johnson & Wales allows students to learn clinical skills by turning theoretical foundations into positive, ethical client interactions and interventions. The counseling training laboratory and clinical field experience sites prepare students with hands-on training by licensed professionals. Some courses included in the Addiction Counseling program include Advanced Co-Occurring Disorders & Addictions Counseling I and II, Advanced Group Counseling, and Multicultural Counseling.
Key Highlights:
- While this program is offered on campus, many courses can be completed in a hybrid format, allowing for flexibility to those who may have other responsibilities in addition to school.
- Along with the flexibility of hybrid courses, students can choose either afternoon or evening classes.
Additional Considerations:
- 5 months of theory and skill-based courses are completed before 12 months of field experience.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Kutztown University
- Kutztown, Pennsylvania
- 2-3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling with an Addictions Counseling Concentration
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 2-3 years
Tuition: $534 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Addiction Counseling program consists of core counseling courses, specialty area courses, and 700 hours of field experience. Included in this program is an emphasis on developing knowledge and skills aligned with the standards of the Department of Drug & Alcohol Prevention in Pennsylvania, in combination with the ASAM criteria. Based on the focus of this program, graduates may enter the profession prepared to work in a variety of settings, such as community mental health centers, hospitals, and drug & alcohol treatment centers.
Key Highlights:
- Along with completing requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Pennsylvania, this program meets requirements to become a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).
Additional Considerations:
- Scholarships may be available to graduate students seeking to study counseling.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
- Moorhead, Minnesota
- 2 years
- Campus + Hybrid
Program: Master of Science in Counseling with Addiction Counseling Emphasis
Modality: On-campus/Hybrid
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 2 years
Tuition: $618.68 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Addiction Counseling emphasis at Minnesota State University – Moorhead prepares students to meet the growing need in the community for highly trained counselors to work with an increasing population of individuals struggling with various kinds of addictions. The Addictions emphasis includes courses like Introduction to Substance Use Disorders and Addictive Behaviors, Psychopharmacology for the Helping Professions, and Clinical Appraisal & Diagnosis, Intervention, and Treatment Planning.
Key Highlights:
- This program meets the licensure requirements for Minnesota and North Dakota, along with other states, due to CACREP-accreditation.
Additional Considerations:
- Scholarships may be available to students seeking a degree in Addictions Counseling.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Montclair State University
- Montclair, New Jersey
- 3 years
- Campus + Hybrid
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling, Addictions Counseling Concentration
Modality: On-campus/Hybrid
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 3 years
Tuition: $9,962 per year
Program Overview: The Addiction Counseling program at Montclair State University provides the necessary coursework to prepare counselors to work in a wide range of settings with diverse populations. Some of the courses required for the Addiction Counseling concentration include Orientation to the Profession: Addiction Counseling, Introduction to Addiction Counseling, Clinical Applications: Addiction Counseling, and Family Seminar: Addiction Counseling.
Key Highlights:
- Many students enrolled in the Addiction Counseling program at Montclair State University are part-time and can take courses in late afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals.
- Graduates will meet requirements to apply and obtain licensure as both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADCs).
Additional Considerations:
- A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to students to help students cover portions of their tuition while working on campus.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Northeastern State University
- Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- 60 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Counseling, Addiction Counseling Emphasis
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / Unknown completion time
Tuition: $297.50 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Master of Science in Counseling with Addiction Counseling emphasis is available on both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma campuses. This program familiarizes students with the scientific thought and principles as applied to the practice of professional counseling to prepare for a counseling career or further advanced study. Sample courses for this program include Foundation of Addiction Counseling, Addiction Counseling Theories, Family Addiction Theory, and Addicted Family Assessment & Intervention.
Key Highlights:
- All of the courses in the Addiction Counseling emphasis meet licensure requirements for both Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
Additional Considerations:
- Northeastern State University offers students career resources as well as personal counseling resources.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- 2-4 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Professional Counseling with Addiction Counseling Emphasis
Modality: On-Campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 2-4 years
Tuition: $667.04 per credit hour
Program Overview: Students enrolled in the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi will participate in experiential learning that will involve some degree of self-exploration and self-reflection. Special courses in the Addiction Counseling emphasis will be required to complete classes like Theories and Techniques in Substance Abuse Counseling, Behavioral and Process Addictions, and Counseling for Holistic Wellness.
Key Highlights:
- Completion of this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas.
Additional Considerations:
- In addition to successful completion of all courses, students will also be required to complete and pass a comprehensive written examination.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
University of Detroit Mercy
- Detroit, Michigan
- 3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 3 years
Tuition: $978 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Master of Addiction Counseling program at Detroit Mercy is known for its innovation in providing cutting-edge education to future substance use counseling professionals. The program utilizes specialized training in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of addictive disorders. The program of study combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience and promotes deep knowledge in addiction counseling to ensure the competency of future providers.
Key Highlights:
- Courses have an average of only 14 students enrolled to ensure an effective and individualized learning environment.
Additional Considerations:
- Before completing practicum and internship experiences off campus, students enroll in their first practicum at the University of Detroit Mercy Counseling Clinic. The Counseling Clinic is a teaching clinic that prepares master’s level students while meeting the needs of individuals without access to mental health treatment.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 2-3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / 2-3 years
Tuition: $268.49
Program Overview: The Master of Addictions Counseling program at UNC Charlotte prepares students to work effectively in various treatment settings and with many different addictive behaviors. Counseling students will learn how to assess clients, create effective treatment plans, help clients set realistic goals, and connect individuals to essential resources. Courses in the addictions concentration include Theories of Addiction, Assessment and Diagnosis of Addictive Disorders, Interventions in Addiction Counseling, and Treatment Planning and Relapse Prevention in Addiction Counseling or the McLeod Institute on Addiction.
Key Highlights:
- Completing the addiction counseling concentration makes students eligible for dual licensure as Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
Additional Considerations:
- To earn credit toward the addictions concentration, students have the opportunity to attend the McLeod Institute on Addiction, a week-long training conference for professional practitioners and graduate students. This training conference offers three credit hours toward the addiction concentration.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
University of North Georgia
- Cumming, Georgia
- 3 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Counseling, Addictions Counseling Track
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 60 credit hours / about 3 years
Tuition: $291 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Addictions Counseling Track of the Master of Science in Counseling program prepares students to work with individuals and families affected by substance abuse and other addictive behaviors in education, prevention, and intervention settings. The study of this track focuses on assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention as well as models of prevention and intervention for addiction. Graduates of this program will have the opportunity to work in drug and alcohol treatment centers, community service boards, community agencies with county court partnerships, and hospitals.
Key Highlights:
- Three levels of supervised clinical work in counseling are required, including labs, practicum activities, and internship experiences.
Additional Considerations:
- In Georgia, graduates of a counseling program who are working in the behavioral health field have the opportunity to apply for student loan forgiveness when funds are available, which is not always guaranteed.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Wright State University
- Dayton, Ohio
- 2.5-3.5 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Counseling, Addictions Concentration
Modality: On-Campus
GRE Requirement: Not required
Length: 63 credit hours / 2.5-3.5 years
Tuition: $680 per credit hour
Program Overview: Students enrolled in the counseling program at Wright State will learn theories and techniques for counseling individuals, families, and groups, and the administration and interpretation of psychometric assessment. This program prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Ohio, as well as other states due to CACREP-accreditation.
Key Highlights:
- Students who want to complete the clinical mental health counseling track, along with the addictions counseling can add on the addictions counseling certificate program.
Additional Considerations:
- A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for students to work on campus while earning a stipend and reduced cost of tuition for the counseling program.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, Ohio
- 2 years
- Campus
Program: Master of Science in Education in Counseling: Addictions Counseling Concentration
Modality: On-campus
GRE Requirement: Not required (may be added for applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 2.7)
Length: 63 credit hours / 2 years
Tuition: $473.80 per credit hour
Program Overview: The Addictions Counseling Program prepares students to work in a variety of community settings, including addiction/recovery centers, residential/community mental health centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and private practice. Students within this program focus on all areas of addiction, including drug, alcohol, and process addictions. Students who complete this program will satisfy the requirements to obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio.
Key Highlights:
- This program is situated near Pennsylvania and collaborates with practicum and internship sites in both Northeastern Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania for students traveling from out of state.
Additional Considerations:
- Students will need to complete around 20 hours per week at their internship site, which may not allow for full-time work outside of the program.
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Online vs. On-Campus: What to Expect
Online Addiction Counseling programs have become increasingly popular for their flexibility in scheduling and where courses can be completed. So, how do these online programs differ from on-campus courses? The main difference between these is whether the online program is synchronous or asynchronous.
Synchronous online courses require students and instructors to log into an online learning platform at the same time, whereas asynchronous courses can usually be completed on your own. Synchronous courses are most like on-campus learning due to the scheduling factor.
Another way that online programs may be different than on-campus is in the practicum and internship offerings. When programs are offered online, students often live in a different area from their program. This means that practicum and internship sites are chosen by the student and not the program.
To determine if a program is online or on-campus, a quick tip would be to check the CACREP directory. In the directory, you can filter by CACREP program and whether the program is online or on-campus.
What “CACREP-Accredited” Means for Addiction Counseling
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an accrediting body for master’s and doctoral counseling programs. CACREP is a specialized accreditation, which means it focuses on individual programs versus institutions as a whole. Another accrediting body that is program-specific is the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
NASAC accredits Certificate, Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels of education, whereas CACREP focuses on Master’s and Doctoral education. Accreditation by NASAC can be important when applying for licensure as Addiction Counselors across the country due to the standardized curriculum. Where this could be important is for addiction professionals who do not hold a master’s degree.
Many states offer licensure for addiction professionals outside of the traditional counseling realm, such as addiction specialists or Peer Supporters. These professionals do not require a master’s degree and therefore would not be educated by a program that is CACREP-accredited. NASAC is important to consider when choosing a program that is below the Master’s level, as it ensures standardized education among addiction programs.
An accreditation body that focuses on the whole institution would be the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Based on the six CHEA recognition standards, CACREP is formally recognized by CHEA.
While CACREP is not required for licensure in many states, it does help with license portability if you are to apply for licensure in another state. CACREP also helps weed out “degree mill” programs that are not up to standards with state licensure boards and often work to graduate students and make money, versus providing quality educational and clinical experiences.
To verify if your program is CACREP-accredited, you can look for the CACREP seal on your program’s website or visit the CACREP directory. In the directory, you can filter programs by state and type.
What You’ll Study in an Addiction Counseling (AC) Program
Students preparing to specialize as addiction counselors are expected to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to address a wide range of issues in addiction counseling, treatment, and prevention programs, as well as in the broader mental health counseling context.
In addition to the 6 CACREP foundational and core counseling courses, students studying addiction counseling are also required to complete courses in the following areas of study:
- Fundamentals of Addiction Counseling
- Addiction Treatment Planning
- Psychopathology, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Addiction
- Psychopharmacology of Addiction
- Trauma and Crisis Counseling
- Roles and Settings
- History and Models of Addiction
Admission Requirements for Addiction Counseling Programs
The admission requirements for most Addiction Counseling programs include graduation from an undergraduate degree in a field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Sociology. Many programs just require an undergraduate degree in any field. GPA requirements of 2.7/4.0 are common for most programs. Many programs also require an essay, letters of recommendation, and an entrance interview. Programs are starting to remove the requirement to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) from their admissions process to reduce barriers to admission.
The admissions process is different from university to university, with some offering admissions on a rolling basis (where students join whichever semester they apply) and others requiring students to wait until the Fall semester to start. Cohort sizes vary by university, but many programs listed above boast small class sizes to allow for more personalized educational experiences.
Practicum, Internship, and Supervision for AC Students
Practicum, Internship, and Supervision are all important parts of the educational curriculum in Addiction Counseling programs that allow for hands-on clinical experience. Many states follow the CACREP standards for hours related to these experiences. Practicum will require 100 hours of clinical experience with 40 hours of direct client care, and internship requires 600 hours of clinical experience with 240 hours of direct client care. Both practicum and internship students receive a minimum of 1 hour of individual supervision per week, in addition to many also getting group supervision.
Licensure and Careers After Graduation
While all careers are expected to grow by 3% between 2022 and 2023, the need for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors is expected to increase by 18% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To become an Addiction Counselor, most states require applicants to graduate from a 60-credit-hour graduate program in Clinical Mental Health or Addiction Counseling. Some states may also require applicants to have passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and/or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). To see all requirements for Addiction Counselor licensure, be sure to visit the website of your state’s board.
FAQs
Is CACREP required to become an addiction counselor?
It depends on the state you are seeking to gain licensure in. The only states that require CACREP-accreditation for counseling licensure (at this time) are Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky. However, CACREP-accreditation is becoming more common among programs across the U.S., and states are slowly adding accreditation requirements to their licensure, with the most recent addition being Florida in July 2025.
Are there fully online CACREP-accredited addiction counseling programs? How do I filter the CACREP directory?
Yes. In the program descriptions above, you will find many programs that are offered online. To review these on the CACREP directory, click the filter option on the webpage, select “Addiction Counseling,” and choose “Online” under the Program Characteristics tab.
What’s the difference between CACREP AC vs. CMHC with an addictions focus?
The difference is mostly in the title only. Students who complete a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program may practice as addiction counselors and often qualify for addiction counseling licensure with the completion of some addiction courses, and vice versa. In many programs, students complete elective courses in addition to the CACREP-required core courses.
How many clinical hours will I complete?
CACREP’s 2024 Standards, Section 3, establishes the professional practice requirements for students in an Addiction Counseling program.
- Students are to complete 100 hours of practicum over an academic period of no less than 10 weeks. At least 40 of these 100 hours are required to be direct client care. In addition to time with clients, students must also complete at least 1 hour of individual supervision, with many also completing group supervision.
- After the successful completion of the practicum, students will complete a 600-hour internship with 240 of these hours being direct client care/interaction. In addition to client care, students must also complete at least an hour of individual supervision per week, with many also completing group supervision.
Will a CACREP degree increase license portability?
Yes. While not every state requires an applicant to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program, most states follow the CACREP curriculum for licensure. This means that although it may not be required for licensure, the courses are likely to meet state curriculum requirements.
