You’ve earned a bachelor’s degree and significant experience in substance abuse counseling. Now it’s time to earn a master’s degree and advance your professional credential to signify your commitment to, and knowledge of, the substance abuse counseling profession.
You currently hold the CATC III, SUDCC III, or CADC-III credential. A master’s degree in a field related to substance abuse counseling is the next step in your career progression and a direct path to one of the following certifications/licenses:
- California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) of the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of America (ACCBC)
- Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor IV (CATC IV)
- Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor IV (SUDCC IV)
- Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC)
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor/CADTP Alcohol/Other Drug Counselor Advanced (CAT IV) in California
As a California CATC III, SUDCC III, or CADC-III, you’re very familiar with the certification process, so advancing to the next rung of the career ladder will be a relatively seamless process; it’s just a matter of gaining the required education to earn the CATC IV, SUDCC IV, or LAADC credential. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) of the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of America (ACCBC)
I currently hold the CATC III and want to qualify for the Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor II (CAT IV) credential.
The ACCBC’s career ladder is an honorary tiered system that is designed to reflect your higher level of education. Therefore, becoming a CAT IV through the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) requires earning a master’s degree in a recognized field of study. Once you’ve earned this degree, you’ll be ready to apply for the CATC IV credential.
Step 1. Earn a master’s degree or higher in addiction studies or in a related behavioral health/behavioral science field
To transition from the CAT III to the CAT IV credential, you must earn a master’s degree in addiction studies or in a field related to behavioral science/health (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology). CAADE maintains a list of a CAADE-accredited degree programs, although you’re not limited to choosing one of these programs, provided the degree is in a recognized field.
Step 2. Apply for CAT IV certification
Once you’ve earned a master’s degree, you’ll complete and sign the Upgrade CAT Certification – CATC IV Tier application.
Just like your CAT III certification, CAT IV certification requires a biannual certification renewal, with the completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education required for renewal.
California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP)
I currently hold the SUDCC III and want to qualify for the Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor IV (SUDCC IV) credential.
You’ll need to earn a master’s degree to become an SUDCC IV with the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP). Once you’ve earned a recognized degree, you’ll be ready to apply for the SUDCC IV credential.
Step 1: Earn a master’s degree or higher in SUD or a related field
To transition from the SUDCC III to SUDCC IV, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in SUD or a related field.
Step 2: Apply for SUDCC IV certification
You must complete and sign the Certification Upgrade Application and provide proof of the completion of your master’s degree by sending unofficial transcripts from your college or university or by providing a copy of your degree.
Just like your SUDD III certification, SUDD IV certification requires a biannual certification renewal, with the completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education required for renewal.
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
I currently hold the CADC-III and want to qualify for the Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC) credential.
The LAADC is the highest level of competency in California and is recognized as being on par with many of the licensed disciplines in the state. With this credential, you can work at any state-licensed or certified facility and bill many insurance providers.
To transition from a CADC-III to an LAADC through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in a recognized field and pass the IC&RC’s AADC exam.
Step 1: Earn a master’s degree in a behavioral science or allied mental health field
You must earn a master’s degree in a behavioral science (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.) or allied mental health field (e.g., marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, etc.) to qualify for the LAADC credential.
Step 2. Pass the IC&RC’s AADC exam
You’ll need to take and pass the IC&RC’s Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) exam to become an LAADC in California. You’ll apply to take the exam through the CCAPP when you apply for the LAADC credential.
Step 3: Apply for licensure as an LAADC
You must apply to become an LAADC through your current Certemy account, the same portal through which you applied for your CADC credentials. Along with your application, you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve obtained professional liability insurance coverage in the amount of $1 million per incident ($300,000 aggregate).
Just like your CADC III certification, LAADC licensure requires a biannual certification renewal, with the completion of at least 50 hours of continuing education required for renewal.
With a Higher Degree and More Experience You Can Become a CADTP Alcohol/Other Drug Clinical Supervisor/CCAPP Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor-Clinical Supervisor in California
When you’re ready to take your credentials even further, all three certifying agencies offer advanced certification options in substance abuse counseling:
- CAADE:
- 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
- CADTP:
- 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-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-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.
- CCAPP:
- The Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor Supervisor (LAADC-S): Available to LAADCs who have completed 45 hours of clinical supervision education
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor IV/ Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor Jobs in California
Exciting job opportunities, often as program managers and lead counselors, are reserved for substance abuse counselors in California who hold a master’s degree and extensive experience. For example:
- Master’s-level drug and alcohol detox counselors at Eternal Purpose Detox in North Hollywood ensure a safe environment for individuals while they undergo treatment. They coordinate, develop, and carry out treatment plans for patients and treat patients with both SUD and mental health diagnoses.
- Drug and alcohol counselors/case managers for Northbound Treatment Services in Garden Grove support detox and residential clients with substance abuse and dual diagnoses. They provide assessment, case management, crisis intervention, addiction education, family contact and engagement, discharge, and continued care planning services.
- Master’s-level lead SUD counselors IV at Horizon Services in San Leandro collaborate with the program manager to create a welcoming atmosphere for incoming clients. They monitor clients and prepare them for continued treatment. They also help clients find appropriate ongoing services and oversee the activities of other staff, providing guidance when necessary.
- Master’s-level program managers at Clare|Matrix in Santa Monica are responsible for the daily operations of the program. They develop, manage, report on, and are accountable for, the activities of the program and its staff. They also represent the nonprofit by participating in community activities and serving as a key leader in the overall management of the program.
Degree Options to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor IV/Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor
Master’s degrees for substance abuse counselors are usually in addiction counseling, in a field in behavioral science (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology), or in one of the allied mental health professions (e.g., marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling).
Some of the California colleges and universities that offer degrees in substance abuse counseling include the University of Southern California, which offers a Master of Addiction Science (MAS) and Loma Linda University, which offers an MS in Counseling with Marital and Family Therapy and a Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate.