How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Delaware

It may not seem like the likeliest of states to struggle under the weight of the nation’s drug epidemic, but Delaware is indeed facing its own crisis, which has only intensified in recent years. Between 2011 and 2021, the state’s drug overdose death rate tripled, jumping from 17.6 per 100,000 people in 2011 to 54 in 2021—significantly higher than the national average of 32.4 deaths for every 100,000 people as of 2021.

It’s clear that the opioid crisis has created a seismic shift in the number of overdose deaths here in recent years. The state reported 537 confirmed overdose deaths in 2022, up from 514 in 2021 and 447 in 2020. These numbers rank Delaware among the highest in the country in per-capita overdose deaths, according to the CDC.

But with a recent surge of funds totaling about $13.6 million coming in the form of Big Pharma settlements, Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium hopes to make significant changes to the scope of the state’s drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts. And that’s just the start. Delaware is expected to receive some $250 million more in opioid settlement funds over the next few years.

For community advocates, healthcare professionals, state officials, and frontline Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors (CADCs), this sort of funding aimed at substance abuse and mental health issues is a game changer. In fact, that’s exactly the term Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long used to describe it.

Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors are crucial in this fight, providing essential support, resources, and guidance to individuals and families struggling with addiction. For those looking to become part of the solution, this guide will walk you through the process of becoming a substance abuse counselor in Delaware.

Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Delaware

1. Earn an Associate Degree at Minimum in Any One of Several Relevant Fields

2. Complete a Period of On-the-Job Supervision and Work Experience

3. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)

4. Take and Pass the IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam

The road to becoming a CADC in Delaware just got a whole lot easier! We’ve broken down the certification process and provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the certification process in Delaware.

1. Earn an Associate Degree at Minimum in Any One of Several Relevant Fields

To become a substance abuse counselor in Delaware, you must earn at least an associate degree in a relevant field. The DCB doesn’t specify the specific degree focus, which leaves your options open. You’ll find a number of Delaware community colleges offering associate degree programs in chemical dependency counseling, drug & alcohol counseling, and human services.

As part of your education, you’ll need to complete at least 300 hours of education and training relevant to substance abuse counseling, including at least six hours in ethics training specifically related to substance use disorders. When you complete a degree in an area related specifically to substance abuse counseling, chances are good that you will meet this requirement (most three-credit college/university courses count as 45 hours, so you’ll need about seven college courses to meet this requirement).

However, if your college transcripts don’t include all the required courses, you can complete additional courses through any type of formal education. This may include participation in workshops, trainings, seminars, or by completing college/university courses, with no limit on online education hours.

2. Complete a Period of On-the-Job Supervision and Related Work Experience

To become a substance abuse counselor in Delaware, you’ll also need to complete a period of on-the-job supervision and related work experience totaling at least 4,000 hours (about two years).

The first step is to complete at least 200 hours of on-the-job training, which is typically integrated into your associate degree program.

Your associate degree program will more than likely require a practicum or internship as part of the program. That means your school will assist you with placement with a local employer where you can satisfy the 200-hour supervision requirements necessary for CADC certification.

Most colleges and university programs will help you locate an agency and supervisor who will help you obtain these on-the-job supervision hours. Internships can serve as a great opportunity to potentially land a position where you can begin working toward satisfying the 4,000-hour work experience requirement.

Your work experience needs to be well-documented. If you’ve worked for multiple employers, or gained experience through volunteer work, gather documentation from each one detailing your job duties, titles, and dates of employment.

3. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)

Congratulations on getting this far in your journey to becoming a CADC in Delaware!

Once you’ve completed your required work experience and education, it’s time to apply for certification. Download and complete the CADC Application and mail, fax, or email it (along with your supporting documents) back to the DCB.

The application fee is $350, which includes the cost of the examination. This can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. If an employer or organization is paying the fee, they should include your name with the payment.

4. Take and Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam

After your application is approved, it’s time to gear up for the next step: passing the IC&RC Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC exam). You’ll know your application is approved when you receive an email from the testing company with instructions detailing how to register for the exam. You can choose the day, time, and location that works best for you at one of the approved testing sites statewide.

If you haven’t heard anything back from the DCB regarding your application in ten business days, you can email them at [email protected].

Here’s what you need to know about the exam:

Screening, Assessment, & Engagement
Treatment Planning, Collaboration, & Referral
Counseling
Professional & Ethical Responsibilities

To set yourself up for success, take advantage of available resources such as the Candidate Guide, which includes domains, task statements, sample questions, and references on the DCB website.

If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, don’t worry! You can retest after a 90-day waiting period, and you have three opportunities to retake the exam. If you need to take it a fourth time, you’ll need to submit a study plan and wait one year from your last attempt.

Once you pass the exam, your certification is valid for two years. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to re-certify every two years by completing at least 40 hours of continuing education relevant to substance use, including at least three hours in ethics.

With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options

As you gain more experience and continue your professional development, Delaware offers advanced certification options for substance abuse counselors. Here’s a quick overview:

Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC): To achieve this certification, you’ll need a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field. Additionally, you must complete one year of full-time or 2,000 hours of part-time clinical work experience and pass the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (AADC).
Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS): This credential is for professionals who provide clinical supervision to substance use disorder counselors. To qualify, you must hold a current and valid CADC, CAADC, CCDP, or CCDPD certification, or have a master’s degree in a relevant field.

Once you’re a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), you can also apply for chemical dependency licensure in Delaware to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional (LCDP) through the Board of Mental Health and Dependency Professionals.

In addition to your CADC certification, you’ll need the following to become an LCDP:

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Wilmington, Dover, and Throughout Delaware

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent between 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This significant growth highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field

Substance abuse counselors jobs are plentiful in settings like community clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities throughout Delaware. In Wilmington, facilities like Brandywine Counseling & Community Services offer comprehensive treatment programs, while Connections Community Support Programs in Dover provides both inpatient and outpatient care. Other notable facilities include:

Aquila of Delaware, Wilmington: Specializing in adolescent and family services
Dover Behavioral Health System, Dover: Offering a range of behavioral health services
Corinthian House, Georgetown: Providing residential treatment services
Kent Sussex Community Services, Dover: Offering outpatient services and recovery support
Limen House, Wilmington: Providing sober living environments and recovery support

As a substance abuse counselor in Delaware, you’ll be at the forefront of helping individuals overcome addiction and contributing to healthier communities throughout the state.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wilmington, Dover, and Throughout Delaware

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Delaware earned a median salary of $45,822 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $34,090 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $71,210.

Wilmington: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $54,350 for substance abuse counselors in Wilmington. Less experienced counselors earned about $37,590 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $88,180.
Dover: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Dover earned a median salary of $43,077 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned around $33,310, while more experienced counselors earned about $73,630.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Delaware

A number of colleges throughout Delaware offer programs designed to satisfy the requirements for CADC certification. For example, Delaware Technical College offers an AS in Drug/Alcohol Counseling, while the University of Delaware offers a BS in Human Services with concentration options in pre-social work/counseling.

Additionally, many accredited programs from colleges and universities outside the state fulfill the requirements for certification in Delaware. A significant number of these programs are available online, providing flexibility and convenience for students regardless of their location. This means you can pursue your degree and meet the certification requirements while balancing other commitments.

Whether you choose a local institution or an online program, a degree in social work, counseling, or a related field will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact as a substance abuse counselor in Delaware.

Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

Accreditation: MSCHE
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.