How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in California

Spilling out from behind California’s exclusive neighborhoods is a drug crisis of epic proportions that’s taking the shine off the state’s reputation for wealth and celebrity. Drug problems are nothing new here. But even veteran outreach workers who still remember the crack epidemic of the 80s and 90s are shaken by the latest scourge to hit the streets of killer-Cali.

In just five years, overdose deaths attributed to the powerful synthetic drug fentanyl have jumped more than 2,100%, according to figures published by the California Department of Public Health.

Fent has infiltrated every corner of the state, but it’s the Bay Area’s Tenderloin and South of Market (SoMa) districts that have become the gaunt face of the modern drug epidemic here. In the past two years, more than 1,300 people have died from overdoses in San Francisco alone. Poverty, homelessness, and drug abuse go hand-in-hand in the Tenderloin, a gritty reality that exists just beneath the surface in SF, and all of California’s other world class cities.

But somehow there’s never a shortage of compassion here in California, backed-up by organizations committed to providing solutions and wielding the resources to make it happen. City caseworkers are on hand to secure treatment and affordable housing, organizations like the Glide Foundation are on the streets offering everything from clean needles to hot meals, while a city-run linkage center in the Tenderloin offers a break from the streets, providing hot showers and treatment referrals.

Regardless of what corner of the state you live in, there are real opportunities to become part of the solution. From state-run programs deploying resources on the streets of the Tenderloin to small neighborhood clinics out in the burbs of Bakersfield, substance abuse counselors are helping make profound and lasting changes in the lives of people struggling with the disease of addiction. And you can be one of them.

Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in California

As you look into what it takes to become a substance abuse counselor in California, the first thing you’ll notice is that the California Department of Health Care Services, Substance Use Disorders Compliance Division (DHCS-SUDCD) does not certify substance abuse counselors.

Instead, DHCS requires that anyone providing counseling services in any drug or alcohol program certified to operate in the state first earn certification through one of the three organizations shown below.

Each of these organizations offer several credential levels, ranging from those for technicians and peer counselors with a basic level of training all the way up to advanced independent practitioners and supervisors with master’s and doctoral degrees.

In this guide, we focus on the accessible certificate-level counselor credential offered by each organization. These credentials are the standard for career-focused counselors in California with a scope of practice that includes chemical dependency assessment, diagnosis, and treatment with minimal oversight.

- Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor I (CATC I)

- Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC)

- Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC 1)

Looking for Guidance on Another Credential?

Do you already hold an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in a human services or behavioral science field? Or perhaps you’re interested in a technician credential that doesn’t require a degree at all.

If you’re looking for a different level of certification in California, we got you covered. See our other credentialing guides for substance use disorder professionals in California:

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to earn certificate-level certification as a substance abuse counselor with one of the above certifying organizations:

1. Complete a Certificate or Degree Program in Alcohol and Drug Studies/Addiction Studies/Substance Use Disorder (AOD/ADS/SUD)

2. Register with the CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP

3. Satisfy Your Agency’s Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements

4. Pass the Exam Recognized by Your Agency and Become Certified

You’ll definitely have plenty of questions when it comes to earning the credential that will launch your career as a substance abuse counselor in California. Not to worry. We’ve broken it all down into clear and easily manageable steps so you can move forward with confidence.

1. Complete an Alcohol and Drug Studies/Addiction Studies/Substance Use Disorder (AOD/ADS/SUD) certificate or degree program from an approved school

The DCHS leaves it up to you to decide which organization to earn certification through.

All three meet the requirements of the State of California, so you can feel confident knowing you are on the right track with any one of them.

But which program should you go with?

While each organization has its own specific set of requirements for certification, they’re all fairly similar. All three certifying bodies require a minimum of 315 hours of Alcohol and Drug Studies/Addiction Studies/Substance Use Disorder (AOD/ADS/SUD) education from an approved school/program.

Programs approved by all three certifying bodies are offered through community colleges, four-year state colleges, and private universities. You’ll find nearly as many programs resulting in bachelor’s and advanced degrees as those that award certificates of achievement and associate degrees.

That means the program and school you choose largely comes down to how much college you’ve already completed, if any. Earning a certificate is always an option, and that applies whether you currently have a degree or not. But, if you already have an associate degree you also have the option of going on to a bachelor’s completion program. And if you have a bachelor’s, then the master’s degree option is on the table.

That said, a certificate or associate degree is the standard for earning the credentials discussed here and getting started in the field.

Regardless of which type of program you choose, you’ll need to complete an internship/practicum in addition to the 315 hours of classroom education. CADTP and CAADE require an internship of at least 250 hours as part of your education, while CCAPP requires an internship of at least 255 hours.

You’ll have the option of either (a) choosing a degree/certificate program and then choosing the certifying organization that accredits it; or (b) choosing a certifying organization and then selecting one of its accredited degree/certificate programs:

CAADE maintains a list of a CAADE-accredited Alcohol and Drug Studies community college programs, as well as bachelor’s and master’s programs that also meet the minimum requirements for certification. They also maintain a path to certification for individuals who didn’t complete a CAADE-accredited program through their Education Equivalency process. (More on that in Step 2.)
CADTP accepts most addiction counseling programs through accredited colleges and post-secondary schools. They maintain a list of SUD providers.
The CCAPP Education Institute maintains a list of CCAPP-approved programs. Note: If you earn a minimum of an associate degree in behavioral science or in an allied mental health profession, you’ll need 920 fewer experience hours for certification. (More about this in Step 3.)

2. Register with the CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP

Before you can begin the certification process, you must register with one of the certifying organizations. Registration starts the certification process, at which point you’ll have five years to complete all education, exam, and experience requirements to become certified. You must also be registered before you can begin interning and stacking-up pre-certification experience hours at a DHCS-certified program.

You’ll need to register annually while you work toward certification, which includes documenting your progress toward meeting certification requirements.

You don’t need to wait until you finish your education to register, but it’s important to keep in mind that once you’re registered, the clock starts ticking, so you’ll need to ensure you complete all requirements for certification within that five-year window.

All three certifying organizations require the completion of a nine-hour orientation course that includes three hours of ethics, three hours of professional boundaries, and three hours of confidentiality training before you can become registered. If you’ve already completed or are in the process of completing your education, you may have already met this requirement. If you haven’t yet started a program, you can take the course through a number of online providers.

Student registration if you are currently enrolled or have already completed an AOD/ADS program.
Individual registration if you didn’t complete a CAADE-approved AOD/ADS program but want to qualify for certification through the Education Equivalency process. You’ll need to complete and submit an Education Equivalency Evaluation Application at the time of registration, which is available on the CAADE website.
Intern registration if you’ve already taken and passed the CATC exam.

3. Satisfy Your Agency’s Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements

Once you’re registered and have completed your education, you’ll be ready to start logging the clinical experience requirements necessary for certification with one of the three certifying organizations. Good news! The practicum/fieldwork hours you completed while in school will count toward your total experience requirements, provided you were registered at the time you completed them.

CAADE requires the completion of at least 2,240 hours of supervised clinical/field experience in a DHCS licensed and/or certified drug/alcohol treatment center or facility. Only those hours acquired by providing AOD counseling services qualify for certification. Your supervisor must verify all dates on the ACCBC Summary of Hours form.
CADTP requires the completion of at least 2,080 hours of SUD counseling work experience. A SUD Counseling Work Experience form verifying your hours must be signed by an authorizing agent.
CCAPP requires the completion of at least 2,080 hours of work experience providing drug and alcohol treatment services if you’ve earned an associate degree or higher in behavioral science or in an allied mental health profession. With a certificate of completion, you’ll need to complete at least 3,000 hours of work experience providing drug treatment services.

4. Pass the Exam Recognized by Your Agency and Become Certified

All three certifying organizations require students to take and pass an exam to become certified:

CAADE: CAADE has its own exam, the CATC Exam. Before you take the exam, you’ll need to complete an Exam Eligibility Application. Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive an Exam Approval Letter from the ACCBC that details instructions for registering to take the exam at a PSI testing center near you. (PSI has nearly 80 testing sites throughout California.) You’ll need a passing score of at least 70 percent to qualify for CAT I certification. You can find the Exam Eligibility Application and more information on what to expect on the exam on the CAADE’s ACCBC website.
After you pass the CATC exam, you’ll need to complete the Initial CAT I Certification Application and submit it, along with all required documents, including your education transcripts, a copy of your passing CATC exam score report, proof of the completion of the required clinical work experience, and three letters of recommendation.

Both CADTP and CCAPP use the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC examination).

The ADC Exam is a computer-based exam of 150 multiple-choice questions that’s administered through ISO-Quality Testing Inc. You’ll have three hours to complete the exam, and you’ll receive a preliminary score immediately afterwards. The score range is 200-800, with 500 being a passing score.

CADTP: To become certified with CADTP, you must complete the Exam Certification Application and provide transcripts and documentation detailing your education and experience. Normal processing times can take up to eight weeks. Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions that detail how you’ll schedule to take the exam. Once you pass your exam and paid all necessary fees, you’ll automatically received your Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC) certificate. You can find exam prep materials on the CADTP website.
CCAPP: To become certified as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level I (CADC I) with CCAPP, you must complete the CADC I application through Certemy, their online portal. (The CADC I A application is for those who have completed a minimum of an associate degree; the CADC I B application is for those who have met the requirements through a certificate of completion.) After your application and portfolio have been reviewed (it can take six to eight weeks), you’ll receive email notification that you have been pre-registered for the IC&RC ADC exam. You’ll also receive an email from ISO-Quality Testing with instructions detailing how to schedule your exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll receive your certificate within four to six weeks.

All three certifying organizations require a biannual certification renewal. CADTP and CAADE require the completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education for renewal, while CCAPP requires the completion of at least 50 hours of continuing education.

With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options in California

Ready to climb the career ladder? California’s certifying organizations have advanced certification options available to those who have completed additional post-secondary education and/or experience:

CATC II: Earn an associate degree in addiction studies or in a related behavioral health/behavioral science area of study.
CATC III: Earn a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or in a related behavioral health/behavioral science area of study.
CATC IV: Earn a master’s degree in addiction studies or in a related behavioral health/behavioral science area of study.
CATC V: Earn a doctoral degree in addiction studies or in a related behavioral health/behavioral science area of study.
CATC N: Earn a nursing degree

SUDCC II-CS – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor – Clinical Supervisor: Complete at least 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience, with at least two years of experience directly supervising SUD counselors; AND at least 40 hours of clinical supervisor education courses.
SUDCC III – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor – Advanced Experience and Bachelor’s Level Education: Complete a bachelor’s degree in a SUD-related field; AND at least 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience.
SUDCC III-CS – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor Clinical Supervisor: Complete a bachelor’s degree in a SUD-related field; AND at least five years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience that includes at least two years of experience directly supervising SUD counselors; AND at least 40 hours of clinical supervisor education.
SUDCC IV – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor – Advanced Experience and Master’s Level Education: Complete a master’s degree in a SUD-related field; AND complete at least five years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience.
SUDCC IV-CS – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor Clinical Supervisor: Complete a master’s degree in a SUD-related field; AND at least five years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience, two years of which must be directly supervising SUD counselors; AND at least 40 hours of clinical supervisor education.

CADC – II – Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II: Complete at least 6,000 hours of supervised work experience, including 255 hours of field practicum.
CADC – III – Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor III: Complete at least 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, including 255 practicum hours; AND a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science or allied mental health field

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in California

Substance abuse counselors in California lend their talents in a variety of settings, from inpatient treatment centers to private practices to correctional facilities to hospitals. Jobs for substance abuse counselors here are growing as California lawmakers consider the value of treatment over punishment for those suffering from addiction.

In October 2023, Governor Newsom signed a voluntary pilot program into law to help those experiencing addiction choose treatment over jail or prison time. Called “Hope California,” the program will allow the courts in both Yolo and Sacramento Counties to authorize confined drug treatment instead of jail or prison time for those who commit certain non-violent felonies because of their addiction. The law will also allow counties to offer wrap-around services and even clear the criminal records of offenders who successfully complete treatment.

California is sounding the alarm in response to the dramatic rise of opioid overdoses and deaths. According to the California Health Care Foundation’s 2022 California Health Care Almanac, the number of heroin-related emergency department admissions rose from 1,362 in 2010 to 3,979 in 2020. Non-heroin related opioid ED visits were much higher, rising from 4,304 in 2010 to 11,685 in 2020, largely due to the rise in the use of fentanyl.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), San Francisco County had the fourth highest opioid overdose rate in the nation as of 2022, reporting a rate of 86.8 per 100,000 people. Seventy-five percent of those were related to fentanyl.

Though California’s largest counties reported relatively low rates of opioid overdose deaths (per 100,000 people) during this time, including Los Angeles County (26.2), San Diego County (32.3), Orange County (26.1), and Riverside County (36.2), many smaller counties rose to the top for their share of opioid overdose deaths:

Statewide, the number of substance abuse facilities have steadily grown in recent years to meet the rising demand for addiction treatment. Between 2017 and 2019, the number of facilities in California offering residential care for substance abuse treatment increased by 68 percent, while the number of facilities offering inpatient hospital care more than doubled.

As expected, jobs for substance abuse counselors in California have risen alongside the growing number of substance abuse facilities. As of May 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 36,100 jobs in this field, making it the top state in the nation for substance abuse counselor jobs.

The U.S. Department of Labor expects that trend to continue. In the decade leading up to 2030, jobs for substance abuse counselors are expected to rise by 17 percent in California. During this ten-year period, the state should see about 4,330 annual job openings for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors due to new job creation, retirements, and natural job turnover.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Los Angeles

As the state’s largest metropolitan area, LA is home to hundreds of substance abuse facilities and treatment centers. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Los Angeles County was the site of 609 facilities as of 2020. Also, according to the BLS, the Los Angeles metro area was home to the second highest number of substance abuse counselors (behind only NYC) as of May 2022, at 12,400.

Opportunities for substance abuse counselors in Los Angeles are found at facilities like Seasons in Malibu, which provides both inpatient and outpatient programs based on evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and 12-step counseling. Similar opportunities can be found at Joint Commission Alta Centers Detox in Los Angeles, an addiction treatment center focused on drug and alcohol detox programs, inpatient rehabilitation, dual diagnosis, and aftercare.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in San Diego

In San Diego, substance abuse counselors are employed at facilities like Hazelden Betty Ford, one of the preeminent facilities for substance abuse. The Betty Ford Center offers outpatient rehab and mental health programs that specialize in treating adults with mental health disorders and alcohol and drug addiction. This facility features an intensive daily addiction treatment program (partial hospitalization) and an outpatient alcohol and drug rehab program. They also offer virtual outpatient services.

Another familiar facility in San Diego is the Soledad House, a recovery center for women. Substance abuse counselors are part of a highly qualified staff of professionals that oversee treatment programs for both drug and alcohol addiction. Programs here emphasize relapse prevention, group and individual therapy, family programs, and a number of addiction treatment therapies.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in San Jose

San Jose is Santa Clara County’s largest city and California’s third largest city. As expected, it’s home to dozens of substance abuse facilities and outstanding opportunities to make your mark as a substance abuse counselor.

Substance abuse counselors are found at places like Camp Recovery Center, a large treatment facility that offers a vast array of services and programs, including adult and adolescent detoxification, a partial hospitalization program, a Veterans Affairs program, outpatient treatment, and family resources. Work can also be found at Pathway Society, a community-based nonprofit organization focused on substance abuse and counseling services. As an institution in the San Jose community for more than 50 years, Pathway Society offers inpatient/residential treatment, transitional programs, outpatient counseling, and relapse prevention programs.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in San Francisco

According to SAMHSA, San Francisco County is home to 57 substance abuse facilities where substance abuse counselors are making a difference.

For example, the Epiphany Center helps the region’s marginalized women with holistic substance abuse and trauma recovery services. They offer residential drug treatment at two sites. Their programs are focused both on women and their children, and they provide parenting support and transitional housing.

Substance abuse counselors in San Francisco can also be found at UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, which cares for thousands of patients each year through its Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine division. Substance abuse counselors provide services through their Community Health Network sites, which include the Tom Waddell Health Center, Positive Health Clinic, and the Potrero Hill Health Center.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Fresno

Professional opportunities for substance abuse counselors in Fresno include places like Touchstone Recovery Center, which has been helping people recover from addiction for more than 18 years. They offer residential inpatient care, a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and adolescent and family support services.

The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center is another Fresno facility that’s been helping people experiencing addiction, serving the area for more than 100 years. The center offers free residential housing, work therapy, and group and individual therapy, along with housing and food.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in California: Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento

According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in California earned a median salary of $56,060 as of May 2022, which is about $6,000 more annually than the national median in this field. Those newest to the profession earned about $45,130, while those at the top of the profession here earned more than $102,940.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Fresno

As of May 2022, the BLS reported a median salary of $51,600 for substance abuse counselors in Fresno. Those with little experience earned about $40,460 during this time, while those at the top of the profession earned more than $142,320.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Los Angeles

According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the Los Angeles metro area (also includes Long Beach and Anaheim) earned a median salary of $50,410 as of May 2022. Those with just a few years of experience they earned about $44,700, while those with extensive experience earned more than $102,940.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Riverside-San Bernardino

The BLS reported that as of May 2022, substance abuse counselors in the Riverside metro area, which also includes San Bernardino and Ontario, earned a median salary of $58,120. Those newest to the profession earned about $44,110, while those at the top of the pay scale earned more than $99,310.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Sacramento

According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the Sacramento metro area, which also includes the towns of Roseville, Arden, and Arcade, earned a median salary of $61,850 as of May 2022. Those with little experience earned about $45,670 during this time, while those with extensive experience earned more than $104,130.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in San Diego

The BLS reports that substance abuse counselors in the San Diego metro area, which also includes Carlsbad, earned a median salary of $48,340 as of May 2022. Those with just a few years of experience earned about $42,430, while those at the top of the profession earned more than $87,910.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in San Francisco

According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the San Francisco metro area, which also includes the cities of Oakland and Hayward, earned a median salary of $59,530 as of May 2022. Those newest to the profession earned about $47,910, while those at the top of the profession earned more than $116,680.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in San Jose

The BLS reports that substance abuse counselors in the San Jose metro area, which also includes the towns of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, earned a starting salary of about $52,760, a median salary of $66,040, and a top salary of more than $127,150 as of May 2022.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in California

As expected, California has its share of post-secondary degrees and programs that meet the certification requirements to become a substance abuse counselor.

For example, CCs like College of the Redwoods, Fresno City College, and Long Beach City College all have CAADE-approved associate degree programs leading to certification. And for substance abuse counselors with aspirations of advancing their education, they also have a number of CAADE-approved programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. For example, California State University Fullerton offers an MS in Counseling that meets certification requirements.

CADTP recognizes a number of SUD programs that meet certification requirements. Just some of the SUD education providers recognized by CADTP include American River College, which offers an AA in Chemical Dependency Studies, and the College of the Desert, which offers both an Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate of Achievement and an AS in Alcohol and Drug Studies.

And CCAPP maintains a list of CCAPP-approved schools like Palomar College, which offers an AS in Alcohol and Drug Studies, and the City College of San Francisco, which offers an Addiction & Recovery Counseling Certificate.

Allan Hancock College

Health Sciences Pathway
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Certificate of Achievement in Human Services-Addiction Studies
Certificate of Accomplishment in Human Services-Addiction Studies Advanced
Certificate of Accomplishment in Human Services-Addiction Studies Basic
Certificate of Accomplishment in Human Services-Addiction Studies Foundation

Associate Degrees

American River College

Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Cabrillo College

Division of Human Arts and Social Sciences
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

California Nurses Educational Institute

Accreditation: COE
Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

California Southern University

School of Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Graduate Certificates

City College of San Francisco

Health and Safety
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

College of San Mateo

Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

College of the Desert

School of Social Sciences and Art
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

College of the Redwoods

Career Education Division
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Associate Degrees

Galaxy Medical College

Accreditation: ABHES
Campus

Associate Degrees

Glendale Community College

Kumud Parikh Health Sciences Division
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Hartnell College

Social Sciences
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Imperial Valley College

Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

InterCoast Colleges

Accreditation: ACCET
Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Bachelor's Degrees

Lake Tahoe Community College

Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Loma Linda University

School of Behavioral Health
Accreditation: WASC
Hybrid

Master's Degrees

Undergraduate Certificates

Oxnard College

Public Safety, Health, and Wellness pathway
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Certificate of Achievement in Addictive Disorders Studies in the Criminal Justice System
Certificate of Achievement in Addictive Disorders Studies
Certificate of Achievement in Advanced Skills for Addiction Treatment Counselors
Certificate of Achievement in Community Behavioral Health Worker

Associate Degrees

Palo Verde College

Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Palomar College

Social and Behavioral Sciences Division, Behavioral Sciences Department
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Rio Hondo College

Behavioral and Social Sciences Area of Interest
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Saddleback College

School of Health and Wellness
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

San Bernardino Valley College

Division of Social Sciences Human Development Kinesiology and Health, Department of Human Services
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

San Diego City College

School of Behavioral and Social Science, Consumer and Family Studies
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

San Joaquin Delta College

Psychology
Accreditation: WASC
Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

San Jose City College

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts Division
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Certificate of Achievement Level 2 in Alcohol and Drug Studies
Certificate of Achievement Level 3 in Alcohol and Drug Studies
Certificate of Specialization in Addiction and Criminal Justice
Certificate of Specialization in Alcohol and Drug Studies Peer Mentor
Certificate of Specialization in Integrated Behavioral Health

Associate Degrees

Santa Barbara City College

Addictive Disorders Counseling
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Santa Rosa Junior College

Human Services
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Touro University Worldwide

School of Behavioral Health and Applied Sciences
Accreditation: WASC
Online

Master's Degrees

West Los Angeles College

Health Sciences Division
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Western Seminary

Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Woodland Community College

Social Justice and Public Service interest area
Accreditation: WASC
Campus, Online

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Yuba College

Health and Medical Careers area of interest
Accreditation: WASC
Campus

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.