To advance from a Level II to Level III substance abuse counselor credential in California, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies, psychology, sociology, or a related behavioral health field. The three certifying agencies (CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP) each offer Level III credentials that recognize your higher education and open doors to better-paying positions and supervisory roles.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming a Level III Counselor
- CAADE: Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor III (CATC III)
- CADTP: Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor III (SUDCC III)
- CCAPP: Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor III (CADC-III)
- Which Credential Path Is Right for You?
- Salary Outlook: Level II vs. Level III
- Beyond Level III: Advanced Certifications
- Level III Job Opportunities in California
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Counselors
You’re a mid-career substance abuse counselor in California now, holding a Level II credential like the CATC II, SUDCC II, or CADC-II. You’ve put in the work, gained the experience, and now you’re ready to take your career to the next level.
The move from Level II to Level III isn’t just about adding letters after your name. It’s about positioning yourself for leadership roles, earning a higher salary, and demonstrating your commitment to the profession through advanced education.
In California’s tiered credentialing system, Level III certification shows employers and clients that you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This credential upgrade opens doors to positions with more responsibility, better pay, and greater professional recognition across all three of California’s certifying agencies.
Steps to Becoming a Level III Counselor in California
Moving from Level II to Level III certification is straightforward once you understand the process. You’re already familiar with the certification landscape from earning your Level II credential. The upgrade simply requires completing your bachelor’s degree and submitting an application to your certifying agency.
California recognizes three primary certifying organizations, each offering a Level III credential that acknowledges your bachelor’s-level education:
- Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California (ACCBC), under the authority of CAADE: Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor III (CATC III)
- California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP): Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor III (SUDCC III)
- California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP): Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor III (CADC-III)
All three credentials require the same basic component: a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or a related behavioral health field. The specific application process varies slightly by agency, but the educational foundation remains consistent.
ACCBC: Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor III (CATC III)
I currently hold the CATC II and want to qualify for the Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor III (CATC III) credential.
The Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California (ACCBC), under the authority of CAADE, issues the CATC III credential to recognize your bachelor’s-level education. This credential builds directly on your existing CATC II certification.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Recognized Field
You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or a related behavioral health or behavioral science field. Qualifying degree fields include:
- Addiction studies or substance abuse counseling
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Social work
- Other behavioral health disciplines
CAADE maintains a list of CAADE-accredited degree programs. While you’re not limited to these programs, your degree must align with ACCBC’s core substance use disorder education requirements and be in a recognized behavioral health field.
Step 2: Apply for CATC III Certification
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, complete and sign the Upgrade CAT Certification application for the CATC III tier. You’ll need to provide proof of your degree completion, typically through unofficial transcripts or a copy of your diploma.
Your CATC III certification maintains the same biannual renewal cycle as your CATC II, requiring at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
CADTP: Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor III (SUDCC III)
I currently hold the SUDCC II and want to qualify for the Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor III (SUDCC III) credential.
The California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) offers a straightforward path from SUDCC II to SUDCC III through bachelor’s-level education.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in SUD or a Related Field
Complete a bachelor’s degree in substance use disorder counseling or a related behavioral health field. Your degree demonstrates the advanced knowledge base expected of Level III counselors.
Step 2: Apply for SUDCC III Certification
Complete and sign the Certification Upgrade Application. You’ll need to provide proof of your bachelor’s degree through unofficial transcripts or a copy of your degree.
The SUDCC III maintains the same biannual renewal requirements as the SUDCC II, with 40 hours of continuing education required every two years.
CCAPP: Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor III (CADC-III)
I currently hold the CADC-II and want to qualify for the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor III (CADC-III) credential.
The California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) requires a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or an allied mental health field for CADC-III certification.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science or Allied Mental Health
Complete a bachelor’s degree in one of these qualifying fields:
- Psychology, sociology, or anthropology
- Marriage and family therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Other behavioral science or allied mental health disciplines
Step 2: Apply for CADC-III Certification
Apply for CADC-III certification through your existing Certemy account, the same portal you used for your CADC-I and CADC-II applications. The system will guide you through uploading proof of your bachelor’s degree.
CADC-III certification requires biannual renewal with 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
Which Credential Path Is Right for You?
All three Level III credentials are recognized throughout California, but some practical differences might influence your choice:
| Agency | Credential | CE Hours Required | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCBC/CAADE | CATC III | 40 hours/2 years | National recognition through ACCBC |
| CADTP | SUDCC III | 40 hours/2 years | Strong DUI treatment program connections |
| CCAPP | CADC-III | 40 hours/2 years | Widely recognized in California, comprehensive program network |
Your current Level II certification often determines your Level III path. Most counselors stick with their original certifying agency since the upgrade process is streamlined and your professional network is already established there.
Salary Outlook: Level II vs. Level III in California
Earning your bachelor’s degree and upgrading to Level III certification leads to measurable salary improvements. California substance abuse counselors earn competitive wages that increase with education and experience.
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in California earn:
- Median annual wage: $61,310
- Entry-level (10th percentile): $37,640
- Early career (25th percentile): $47,320
- Experienced (75th percentile): $84,810
- Top earners (90th percentile): $102,690
Level III counselors with bachelor’s degrees typically position themselves in the 75th percentile or higher, especially when combined with several years of experience. The top 10% of California counselors earn over $102,000 annually.
Note: Salary figures reflect 2024 data and may not represent current wages.
Major California metropolitan areas offer varying salary ranges. Some of the highest-paying regions for substance abuse counselors include:
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont: $83,140 mean annual wage
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $80,380 mean annual wage
- Vallejo: $82,490 mean annual wage
- Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom: $78,880 mean annual wage
- Santa Rosa-Petaluma: $78,220 mean annual wage
Your bachelor’s degree investment typically pays for itself within a few years through increased earning potential and access to higher-level positions. Learn more about substance abuse counselor salaries across different credential levels and regions.
Beyond Level III: Advanced Certifications
The Level III credential isn’t the end of your professional development path. All three certifying agencies offer advanced options for counselors ready to pursue master’s-level credentials or clinical supervision roles.
ACCBC/CAADE Advanced Options:
- CATC IV: Requires a master’s degree in addiction studies or related behavioral health field
- CATC V: Requires a doctoral degree in addiction studies or related field
- CATC N: Recognizes nursing degrees with addiction specialization
CADTP Advanced Options:
- SUDCC II-CS (Clinical Supervisor): Five years/10,000 hours of experience with two years supervising counselors, plus 40 hours of clinical supervisor education
- SUDCC III-CS (Clinical Supervisor): Bachelor’s degree plus five years/10,000 hours of experience including two years of supervision, plus 40 hours of clinical supervisor education
- SUDCC IV: Master’s degree in SUD-related field plus five years/10,000 hours of experience
- SUDCC IV-CS (Clinical Supervisor): Master’s degree plus five years/10,000 hours of experience including two years of supervision, plus 40 hours of clinical supervisor education
CCAPP Advanced Options:
- Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LAADC): Master’s degree in behavioral science or allied mental health, 315 hours of approved education, and 4,000 hours of supervised experience
- Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor Supervisor (LAADC-S): Available to LAADCs who complete 45 hours of clinical supervision education
These advanced credentials command the highest salaries in the field and qualify you for administrative, supervisory, and independent practice roles.
Level III Job Opportunities in California
Your Level III credential opens doors to positions with greater responsibility and better compensation. These roles often involve complex case management, program development, supervision of entry-level counselors, and specialized treatment modalities.
Here are examples of positions specifically seeking Level III counselors in California:
Kaiser Permanente Chemical Dependency Recovery Programs (CDRP)
Position: Substance Abuse Counselor III
Responsibilities: Provide chemical dependency services and psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and families. Handle crisis calls, conduct higher-level assessments, perform intakes, and develop treatment plans for presentation to the CDRP treatment team.
County of Napa Health and Human Services
Position: Alcohol and Drug Counselor III
Responsibilities: Conduct complex individual, family, and group counseling services. Assist in coordination of alcohol and drug abuse programs and activities. Provide clinical supervision to Level I and II counselors.
Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs
Position: AOD Support Staff III
Responsibilities: Provide education on recovery programs and lead individual and group counseling sessions. Manage crisis situations, conduct screenings and assessments, and collaborate with case managers and therapists on treatment planning.
County of Riverside CARES Lines Program
Position: Behavioral Health Specialist III
Responsibilities: Oversee the peer support program and conduct mental health and substance use screenings. Provide referrals to outside organizations and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams handling crisis callers.
Level III positions typically include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, paid continuing education, and clinical supervision toward advanced credentials.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs for California Counselors
California offers numerous bachelor’s degree programs specifically designed for working substance abuse counselors. Many programs offer evening, weekend, and online formats that allow you to maintain your current position while completing your degree.
California-Based Programs:
- InterCoast Colleges: Bachelor of Applied Science in Addiction Studies (hybrid format available)
- Antioch University Los Angeles: BA in Liberal Studies with Addiction Studies concentration
- National University: BS in Psychology with Addiction Studies specialization (online and on-campus options)
- Alliant International University: BS in Psychology with focus on substance abuse
- University of La Verne: Bachelor’s completion programs for counseling professionals
National Online Programs for California Counselors:
- Arizona State University Online: BS in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences
- Grand Canyon University: BS in Psychology with an emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
- Southern New Hampshire University: BS in Psychology with concentration in Addiction Studies
- Liberty University: BS in Psychology: Addiction and Recovery
- Purdue Global: BS in Psychology in Addictions
Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits total. If you earned an associate degree or completed previous college coursework, you’ll transfer those credits and typically need to complete 60-75 additional credits for your bachelor’s.
Degree Completion Timeline:
- Full-time enrollment (12-15 credits per semester): 2-2.5 years to complete remaining credits
- Part-time enrollment (6-9 credits per semester): 3-4 years to complete remaining credits
- Accelerated online programs: Some offer 8-week terms that can reduce completion time
Cost Considerations:
Bachelor’s degree costs vary widely based on institution type and format:
- California State University system: $7,000-$8,000 per year for residents
- University of California system: $14,000-$15,000 per year for residents
- Private California universities: $30,000-$50,000 per year
- Online national programs: $300-$600 per credit hour ($18,000-$36,000 for remaining 60 credits)
Many substance abuse treatment facilities offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for counselors pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Check with your employer about educational benefits before enrolling.
Key Takeaways
- Level III certification in California requires a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or a related behavioral health field, building on your existing Level II credential
- California’s three certifying agencies (CAADE, CADTP, and CCAPP) each offer Level III credentials with similar requirements but slight variations in continuing education and application processes
- Level III counselors typically earn $90,000+ annually in California, with top earners reaching nearly $119,000, representing a significant increase over Level II positions
- The upgrade process is straightforward: complete your bachelor’s degree, then submit an application and proof of degree completion to your certifying agency
- Many bachelor’s programs offer online and evening formats specifically designed for working counselors, allowing you to maintain your current position while completing your degree
- Level III credentials open doors to supervisory positions, complex case management roles, and specialized treatment programs with major healthcare systems and county agencies
Ready to Advance Your Counseling Career?
Explore bachelor’s degree programs designed for working substance abuse counselors and take the next step toward Level III certification.
Find Bachelor’s Programs2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
