To become a substance abuse counselor in Idaho, you’ll need an associate or bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field, 270 education hours covering four core domains, 4,000 supervised work experience hours, 200 supervised clinical hours, IBADCC application approval, and passage of the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam. The process typically takes 2-3 years after earning your degree, depending on how quickly you complete experience and clinical hours.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Idaho
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Fulfill Other Education Requirements
- Step 2: Complete Supervised Work Experience Hours
- Step 3: Complete 200 Supervised Clinical Hours
- Step 4: Submit Your ADC Application to the IBADCC
- Step 5: Pass the IC&RC’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
- With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification in Idaho
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Throughout Idaho
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Throughout Idaho
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Idaho
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Idaho Office of Drug Policy reported that close to 1,000 Idahoans died from alcohol-related issues between 2020 and 2021. In 2022, about 200 people died from fentanyl overdoses. When compared to other states, those numbers may seem relatively low. But when compared to the Idaho of the not-too-distant past, those numbers set off major alarms.
Alcohol-related deaths in Idaho are up 41% from only five years ago. Fentanyl-related deaths rose more than 700% from 2019 to 2022. However, what’s perhaps most worrying is that Idaho does seem ready to turn the tide.
As of 2024, nearly all Idaho counties are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). This means that many residents who need help navigating mental health issues, substance use disorders, and combinations of the two never receive adequate support.
Fortunately, Idaho is expected to receive more than $250 million over 18 years from opioid settlements, with $26 million disbursed by early 2024. As the state invests that money in prevention and recovery programs, thousands of Idahoans stand to regain their lives.
If you’re interested in being a part of that process, there’s perhaps never been a better time to become a substance use disorder counselor in Idaho. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the application process, discuss potential employers and salaries, and introduce you to some substance abuse counseling degree programs that can prepare you to answer the call.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Idaho
If you want to become a substance abuse counselor in Idaho, you’ll have to be certified through the Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC). The IBADCC offers ten levels of certification:
- Substance Use Disorders Associate (SUDA)
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
- Provisional Certified Recovery Coach (P-CRC)
- Certified Recovery Coach (CRC)
- Provisional Certified Peer Recovery Coach (P-CPRC)
- Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC)
- Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ADC)
- Advanced Alcohol/Drug Counselor (AADC)
- SUDA, CADC, and AADC Supervisor
- Recovery Coach Supervisor
While professionals at every level play an important role in recovery, becoming an Alcohol/Drug Counselor can be a great way to enter Idaho’s substance use disorder support network if you’re looking to establish a career in the field.
ADCs are trained to assess clients, counsel them individually and in groups, and collaborate with other professionals involved in their treatment. In this section, we’ll cover every step you need to take to become an ADC in Idaho.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Fulfill Other Education Requirements
2. Complete Supervised Work Experience Hours
3. Complete 200 Supervised Clinical Hours
4. Submit Your ADC Application to the IBADCC
5. Pass the IC&RC’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Fulfill Other Education Requirements
Your first step in becoming a substance abuse counselor in Idaho is earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field. A bachelor’s degree is preferred for ADC certification. This means you can get a bachelor’s degree in:
- Addiction studies
- Counseling
- Social work
- Sociology
- Psychology
But no matter which path you choose, the IBADCC says your studies should cover clinical duties, as well. This includes assessment, treatment planning, and other responsibilities related to client care and support.
In total, you’ll need at least 270 hours of education. You’ll need to spend at least 30 hours learning about each of the four domains of substance use disorder counseling:
- Screening, assessment, and engagement.
- Treatment planning, collaboration, and referral.
- Counseling.
- Professional and ethical responsibilities.
Two hundred seventy hours may sound like a lot, but every semester hour of class you take through a college or university can count for up to 15 education hours. At the bachelor’s level, a single class is often worth two to three semester hours or 30 to 45 education hours. Keep in mind that not all bachelor’s programs will automatically fulfill the 270-hour requirement, so you may need to supplement your degree coursework with additional training.
Ethics Training Requirements
In addition to 270 education hours, you also need to spend six hours learning about your ethical and professional responsibilities as a substance use disorder counselor. These six hours should cover:
- Idaho and federal laws about substance use disorder treatment.
- Client welfare.
- Personal well-being.
- The relationships between counselors and the organizations they work for and with.
If you earn a degree in addiction studies or counseling, many, if not all, of these topics will likely be covered in class.
What To Do if You Need To Earn More Hours
While your college degree program might help you fulfill all of your education and ethics training hour requirements, some programs might not. In that case, you can earn hours through one of the many approved education providers listed on the IBADCC’s website.
Approved education providers include national organizations, such as the American Counseling Association, and state organizations, such as the Idaho Psychological Association. Training should be face-to-face. The IBADCC defines face-to-face training as an in-person or online session where you can interact with your instructor in real time.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Work Experience Hours
One of the essential parts of becoming an ADC in Idaho is learning how to use what you learn in class to help real people. Over the course of 4,000 supervised work experience hours, you’ll do just that.
To add structure to this step of the process, the IBADCC requires ADC applicants to spend their 4,000 hours working on the 12 core functions of substance use disorder counselors:
- Screening.
- Intake.
- Client orientation.
- Assessment.
- Treatment planning.
- Counseling.
- Case management.
- Crisis intervention.
- Client education.
- Referral.
- Report and record keeping.
- Consulting with other professionals about client care.
Full-time, part-time, and volunteer work all count towards this requirement. If you complete an internship, practicum, or hands-on fieldwork experience while earning your degree, those hours may also count.
Finding a Supervisor
You won’t be alone in this step of the process. You’ll work with an experienced supervisor who can answer questions, help you hone your skills, and provide invaluable insights into your new calling. For detailed guidance on this critical relationship, refer to our guide on obtaining your supervised experience.
According to the IBADCC, your supervisor should be one of the following:
- An ADC who has held their license for three years and completed 15 hours of supervision training.
- An Advanced Alcohol/Drug Counselor.
- A Clinical Supervisor.
- Someone with a master’s degree in a field related to addiction counseling and either a license or certification in addiction counseling.
- A Health and Welfare Clinical Supervisor.
No matter which category your supervisor falls into, they should also be approved by the IBADCC. Fortunately, they maintain a database of approved supervisors across Idaho. Your college instructors or coworkers during an internship can make great supervisors.
Step 3: Complete 200 Supervised Clinical Hours
In addition to 4,000 general work hours, you’ll also need to complete 200 supervised clinical hours before becoming a substance use disorder counselor in Idaho. These are hours in which you work directly with your supervisor on improving your skills in the 12 core functions. You’ll have to spend at least 10 clinical hours on each of the functions.
According to the IBADCC, there’s a wide range of ways to complete supervised clinical hours:
- Having one-on-one meetings with your supervisor.
- Reviewing recorded counseling sessions together.
- Doing behavior rehearsals and role-playing exercises.
- Your supervisor observes you counseling clients, then gives feedback.
- Skill demonstration sessions.
- Group activities include peer support meetings, treatment review sessions, and collaborative exercises.
You may have done some of these exercises as part of a class. However, classroom exercises typically do not count towards this requirement. Clinical supervision must generally take place where you work or volunteer.
Step 4: Submit Your ADC Application to the IBADCC
Once you’ve completed all requirements, you can submit an ADC application to the IBADCC online. The application fee is $80. There’s also a $235 fee for the exam in the next step.
Along with basic personal information, the ADC application also asks for:
- Official college transcripts.
- Certificates of completion for any training sessions you’ve attended.
- Three letters of reference from people who can speak to your substance use disorder counseling skills. One letter should be from your supervisor.
- An Idaho Health and Welfare Background Check. Your background check should be from sometime in the last three years. The IBADCC can help you complete one if you haven’t already done so.
- An employment verification form filled out by the employer you worked for to complete experience hours.
- A signed copy of the Code of Ethics agreement form.
The IBADCC doesn’t say how long it typically takes to process applications, but they usually meet once a month to discuss new business, including applications.
Step 5: Pass the IC&RC’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
After your application is approved, the IBADCC will send you instructions about registering for the International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam. Idaho is one of many states that looks to the IC&RC for guidance about professional counselor certification.
The Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. Questions cover four content domains:
- Understanding addiction and co-occurring disorders.
- Assessment and treatment planning.
- Counseling and clinical interventions.
- Professional and ethical responsibilities.
You’ll have three hours to complete the exam. While you can schedule the test for a day that works best for you, you must schedule it within one year of receiving your application approval. As of July 2024, the IBADCC lists testing sites in Meridian, Moscow, Pocatello, and Post Falls.
To prepare, you can use the resources found on the IBADCC’s test preparation webpage. Once you pass, they’ll send your new certification by mail. Then, you’ll be ready to embark on a journey of helping people find recovery and hope as a full-fledged Alcohol/Drug Counselor.
With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification in Idaho
One of the most exciting things about becoming an ADC in Idaho is that your professional development doesn’t have to end there. If you go on to earn a master’s degree in a behavioral science like addiction science or counseling, you can apply for two more advanced counseling certifications in Idaho:
- Advanced Alcohol/Drug Counselor. As an AADC, you’ll be equipped to handle more complex cases and serve a broader range of people battling substance use disorders. Many AADCs also supervise entire recovery programs, conduct life-saving research, and operate their own recovery practices.
- Certified Clinical Supervisor. CCSs aren’t just experts in counseling. They’re also adept at training and mentoring new counselors. These professionals are integral to making substance use disorder recovery accessible to more people across the state.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Throughout Idaho
As Idaho’s capital and largest city, Boise may be a great place to look for substance abuse counselor jobs. For instance, Boise is home to Ashwood Recovery, one of the state’s largest recovery centers that also offers comprehensive mental health services. In the eastern part of the state, consider exploring opportunities in the Idaho Falls area. The city is home to providers like Stewards of Recovery, which operates multiple centers in the city and nearby Blackfoot.
Some other organizations and initiatives to explore include:
- Brick House Recovery. With locations across the state, this faith-based, family-centered organization provides substance use disorder treatment services and education to multiple communities.
- Northpoint Recovery. Northpoint has specialized programs for men, women, youth, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. They have locations in Boise and Meridian as well as Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington.
- The Division of Behavioral Health. This government agency provides substance use disorder treatment to people all over Idaho. They offer outpatient and residential services and assist the state’s other human services agencies.
- BPA Health. Headquartered in Boise, BPA Health provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment services throughout the state. They also help schools, community organizations, and employers design and run their own behavioral health initiatives.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Throughout Idaho
As of May 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median substance abuse counselor salary in Idaho is $65,240. Entry-level salaries are often closer to $43,550, while the top-earning counselors make around $85,960.
- Boise. The median salary for substance abuse counselors in Boise and across Idaho’s metropolitan areas as of May 2024 is $65,240. While wages for new counselors are often around $43,550, more experienced professionals make close to $85,960 and up.
- Idaho Falls. The BLS reports that the median salary for substance abuse counselors in Idaho Falls is $64,610 as of May 2024. Early-career counselors typically earn around $43,370, while their more experienced colleagues can make $90,240 and above.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Idaho
Because you can become an ADC in Idaho by earning a bachelor’s degree in multiple fields of behavioral science, you’ll find plenty of degree options around the state.
For example, Idaho State University in Pocatello offers a 25-credit certificate in Addiction Studies. If you combine it with a bachelor’s degree and a 300-hour internship, you’ll meet most, if not all, requirements for becoming an ADC. ISU also offers a Bachelor’s in Community and Public Health with a concentration in Addiction Studies.
The University of Idaho in Moscow offers an addiction studies minor that can be paired with a psychology major. The IBADCC approves this program’s curriculum and can help you become a counselor in both Idaho and Washington.
Boise State University, located in Idaho’s capital, offers both a minor and a certificate in addiction studies. While many of the school’s Bachelor of Social Work students take on the minor, the certificate program was designed to allow more students to include addiction studies in their schedules.
Boise State University
College of Health Sciences, School of Social Work
Accreditation: NWCCU
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Studies
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor in Idaho
How long does it take to become an ADC in Idaho?
The process typically takes 2-3 years after earning your bachelor’s degree. This includes completing 4,000 supervised work experience hours (about 2 years full-time) and 200 supervised clinical hours. If you’re working part-time or still earning your degree, the timeline may extend to 3-4 years or more.
Can I become a substance abuse counselor in Idaho without a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can start with an associate degree for entry-level positions, such as a Substance Use Disorders Associate (SUDA) degree. However, a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field is preferred for ADC certification and opens more career opportunities. The IBADCC accepts associate degrees combined with additional education hours.
What’s the difference between ADC and AADC certification?
An Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ADC) can assess clients, provide individual and group counseling, and collaborate with treatment teams. An Advanced Alcohol/Drug Counselor (AADC) requires a master’s degree and additional experience, which qualifies you to handle more complex cases, supervise recovery programs, conduct research, and potentially operate your own practice.
What is the cost of the Idaho certification process?
Direct costs include an $80 application fee and a $235 exam fee, totaling $315. Additional expenses include your bachelor’s degree tuition (varies by school), any supplemental training courses if your degree doesn’t cover all 270 required education hours, and the Idaho Health and Welfare Background Check. Total costs typically range from $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the chosen degree program.
Can I complete supervision hours online or remotely?
Clinical supervision must generally take place where you work or volunteer, and the IBADCC requires face-to-face supervision. However, they define face-to-face interactions as including online sessions where you can interact with your supervisor in real-time. The 4,000 work experience hours must involve direct client contact, which typically requires in-person work.
Does Idaho have reciprocity with other states for substance abuse counselor certification?
Yes, because Idaho uses IC&RC certification, counselors certified in other IC&RC member states may have an easier path to Idaho certification through reciprocity agreements. However, you’ll still need to meet Idaho-specific requirements and apply through the IBADCC. Contact the IBADCC directly to discuss your specific situation if you’re already certified in another state.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho requires IBADCC certification through a structured pathway, which includes an associate or bachelor’s degree (a bachelor’s degree is preferred), 270 education hours, 4,000 supervised work hours, 200 clinical hours, and passing the IC&RC exam.
- The certification process typically takes 2-3 years after earning your degree, depending on how quickly you complete experience and clinical hours.
- Idaho offers ten certification levels, ranging from entry-level SUDA to advanced AADC and supervisory credentials, enabling career progression and specialization.
- With nearly all Idaho counties designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas and over $250 million in opioid settlement funding expected over 18 years, demand for certified counselors is growing.
- Median salary for substance abuse counselors in Idaho is $65,240 as of May 2024, with entry-level positions starting around $43,550 and experienced counselors earning $85,960 or more.
- Multiple Idaho universities offer IBADCC-approved programs, including Idaho State University, University of Idaho, and Boise State University, providing flexible pathways to certification.
Ready to Start Your Path to Certification?
Explore accredited substance abuse counseling degree programs in Idaho and across the nation. Find the right program to meet IBADCC requirements and launch your rewarding career helping Idahoans in recovery.
2024 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.
