In the sprawling deserts and vibrant cities of Nevada, a silent epidemic is unfolding. The state’s battle with substance abuse is as evident in the urban centers of Las Vegas and Reno, as it is deep within rural communities where only locals go. Nevada’s drug overdose death rate has been climbing steadily, with an increase of 48% from 2019 to 2022. This alarming trend highlights the pressing need for dedicated substance abuse counselors to step in and make a difference.
Methamphetamine use remains a significant perennial issue here. But it’s the opioid crisis that has hit Nevada hardest in recent years, with fentanyl being a significant contributor to the surge in overdose deaths. In Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, the opioid overdose death rate has more than doubled in recent years, reflecting the broader national trend. But there’s a unique intensity here due to the area’s high population density and the tourism-driven economy that brings millions to the state each year, spurring demand for drugs while providing cover for criminals bringing them into the state.
If you’re driven to make a real impact in the fight to rescue people from addiction, becoming a substance abuse counselor in Nevada will put you on the front lines.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Nevada
The Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors is the state agency responsible for licensing substance abuse counselors in Nevada. They offer the following certification levels for front-line counselors based on experience and education:
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern (CADC-I)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
For most aspiring substance abuse counselors in Nevada, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification serves as the point of entry into the field. That’s what we’ll be covering here in this guide.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in a Related Field
2. Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Training and Work Experience
3. Apply for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Credential
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
We’ve streamlined the journey to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Nevada. Our guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, ensuring you have a clear and straightforward path to certification.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in a Related Field
To kick off your journey towards becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Nevada, you’ll need to start with a solid educational foundation. This means earning at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Counseling alcohol and substance abusers
- Counseling problem gamblers
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Social work
- Marriage and family therapy
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Any other program related to the study of the human mind and mental illness
To qualify as a degree in a “field of social science,” the program must include at least 24 semester hours (32 quarter hours) of coursework related to counseling. This ensures that your education provides a solid foundation in the necessary skills and knowledge.
By earning a bachelor’s degree in one of the specified fields and completing the required coursework, you will meet the educational requirements to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Nevada.
2. Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Training and Work Experience
Next, you’ll need to complete a period of supervised training and work experience to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Nevada. This step is essential to ensuring you’re fully prepared for the responsibilities ahead.
Employers throughout Nevada routinely hire CADC certification candidates to provide the required experience and real world training required to earn the credential.
You’ll need to gather 4,000 hours (about 2 years) of supervised counseling experience working directly with individuals battling alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders. Your work will be supervised by a certified counselor who has at least three years of experience.
- If you have a bachelor’s degree and completed 18 semester units in addictions coursework, it will reduce the number of required hours of employment experience to 1,500 total.
- If you have a master’s degree and completed 12 semester units in addictions coursework, it will reduce the number of hours of practical experience to 1,500 total.
During your training, it’s important to keep detailed records of your hours, the type of counseling you provide, and the skills you develop. Your supervisor will need to verify these records. Once you’ve completed the required hours, you’ll submit proof of your experience to the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. This includes signed documentation from your supervisor and a detailed log of your activities.
By completing this supervised training, you’ll be well-prepared to provide effective and compassionate care as a CADC in Nevada.
3. Apply for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Credential
After fulfilling the education and supervised counseling experience requirements, it’s time to apply for your CADC credential!
To start, download and complete the application form from the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. Once you’ve completed it, make sure to gather all the other required documents, including:
- Completed application form.
- Official transcripts.
- Proof of supervised work experience.
- Fingerprints and background check authorization.
- Payment of $495 application fee.
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
The final step to becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Nevada is to take and pass both the written and oral IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examinations.
Once you’ve met all the eligibility requirements, the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors will pre-register you for the exams. You’ll receive an email from Prometric with instructions on how to schedule your exam dates, times, and locations.
The written exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering topics like scientific principles of substance use, evidence-based screening and assessment, treatment and counseling, and professional responsibilities. It might sound a bit overwhelming, but remember, it’s designed to ensure you’re well-prepared for your career as a counselor.
On the day of the written exam, make sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Candidate Admission Letter. Arrive a bit early to get through the check-in process smoothly. You can choose to take the exam at a Prometric testing center or opt for the “Remote Proctoring” service to take it from the comfort of your home.
After completing the written exam, you’ll need to pass the oral examination. The oral exam assesses your practical knowledge and ability to handle real-world counseling scenarios. Specific details on scheduling and preparing for the oral exam will be provided by the Nevada Board once you pass the written portion.
Preliminary scores for the written exam are available right away, but official results will be sent to the Nevada Board within two to three weeks. To pass, you’ll need a scaled score of 500 out of 800.
If things don’t go as planned and you don’t pass on your first try, don’t worry! You’ll need to wait at least 90 days before retaking the exam, giving you plenty of time to review and prepare.
You’ve got this final hurdle to clear, and then you’ll be ready to start your rewarding career as a certified counselor!
With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options in Nevada
A master’s degree and more experience in the substance abuse counseling field opens doors to advanced certifications, leading to better job opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to make a greater impact in your profession. In Nevada, you have the option of advancing your certification to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and further to the Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC).
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Education: Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a behavioral science field such as counseling, psychology, social work, human services, or a closely related field.
- Experience: Accumulate 3,000 hours (about 1.5 years) of supervised counseling of persons with alcohol and other substance use disorders.
- Examination: Pass the written and oral IC&RC ADC exams.
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Education: Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a behavioral science field such as counseling, psychology, social work, human services, or a closely related field.
- Experience: Accumulate 2,000 hours (about 1 year) of supervised post-master's degree clinical experience in alcohol and drug counseling.
- Examination: Pass the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) examination offered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP).
- Additional Requirements: Complete at least 6 hours of continuing education in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders annually to maintain licensure.
By achieving these advanced certifications, you will not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also increase your professional credibility and open up new career opportunities in the field of substance abuse counseling in Nevada.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Las Vegas, Reno, and Throughout Nevada
Nevada offers a diverse range of opportunities for substance abuse counselors, allowing professionals to make a significant impact in various settings across the state. In Las Vegas, facilities like Vogue Recovery Center and Vegas Strong provide extensive treatment programs and services. Reno also hosts notable institutions such as New Dawn Treatment Centers and Bristlecone Family Resources. Other prominent organizations throughout Nevada that hire counselors include:
- Ridge House, Reno
- Nestled Recovery Center, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Comprehensive Treatment Center, Las Vegas
- Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Reno
Working as a substance abuse counselor in Nevada is a fulfilling career path, with various facilities offering both inpatient and outpatient services, ensuring that counselors can find roles that match their skills and interests. The demand for qualified counselors is high, reflecting the ongoing need for effective addiction treatment and support services throughout the state.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Las Vegas, Reno, and Throughout Nevada
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Nevada earned a median salary of $57,580 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $36,790 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $86,810.
- Las Vegas: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $52,130 for substance abuse counselors in Las Vegas. Less experienced counselors earned about $35,480 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $80,650.
- Reno: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Reno earned a median salary of $62,060 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned around $37,400, while more experienced counselors earned about $102,510.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Nevada
Nevada offers several educational pathways for individuals interested in becoming substance abuse counselors. These programs are designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to help those struggling with addiction.
- University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling. This program includes courses in psychology, treatment methods, and hands-on experience in clinical settings, preparing students for certification and licensure in Nevada.
- Great Basin College in Elko also offers programs in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, including a certificate program that provides foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the field.
In addition to on-campus programs, there are several online options for those who need flexibility. For instance, many accredited institutions offer online bachelor’s degrees in addiction counseling. These programs allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments while gaining the necessary education to become certified counselors.
Great Basin College
Accreditation: NWCCU
Campus, Hybrid
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine Counselor
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Human Services with a Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training included
Bachelor's Degrees
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services-Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine emphasis
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
College of Education, Counselor Education School Psychology and Human Services
Accreditation: NWCCU
Campus, Hybrid
Bachelor's Degrees
- Minor in Addictions Prevention
- Minor in Addictions Treatment
- Minor in Problem Gambling
Master's Degrees
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies included
Graduate Certificates
- Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
University of Nevada, Reno
School of Public Health, CASAT (Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Campus, Online, Hybrid
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Treatment Services
Bachelor's Degrees
- Minor in Addiction Treatment
Master's Degrees
- MS in Human Development and Family Studies-Addiction Treatment Services specialization
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Treatment
- Advanced Certificate in Addiction Treatment Services
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.