To become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York, you must complete a 350-hour training program or approved degree, earn a provisional or trainee certificate through OASAS, complete 6,000 supervised work hours (reducible to 2,000-5,000 with a degree), and pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam. The process generally takes 2-5 years, depending on your educational background and whether you’re studying or working full-time.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in New York
- With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Throughout New York
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in New York
- Frequently Asked Questions
According to preliminary data from New York City’s Department of Health, overdose deaths declined to approximately 2,192 in 2024, with fentanyl present in 73% of cases. While this represents a dramatic 28% decline from 2023, it still means six New Yorkers die every day from drug poisoning. Statewide, preliminary estimates suggest that approximately 4,500 people may have died from overdoses in 2024 — a 32% projected decrease from the prior year. Final data is still pending from the NYS Department of Health.
The good news? New York’s historic investments in addiction services are working. From Harm Reduction Delivered initiatives to expanded naloxone distribution, the state’s comprehensive approach is saving lives. At the heart of this effort are New York’s Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC), the frontline professionals providing life-saving treatment and recovery support.
If you’re ready to join this mission, here’s your complete guide to becoming a substance abuse counselor in New York.
Harm Reduction Delivered: New York’s Response to the Overdose Crisis
In July 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul launched Harm Reduction Delivered, a statewide campaign that educates the public about the dangers of fentanyl and expands access to life-saving resources. As of 2025, the state has distributed more than 296,000 naloxone kits through its free online portal, established over 1,300 opioid overdose prevention programs, and made $400 million in Opioid Settlement Funds available for treatment and recovery services. Preliminary data showing an estimated 32% drop in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024 suggests these efforts are working, though final statistics are still pending.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in New York
New York’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) oversees all substance abuse counselor credentialing in the state. The system offers three levels of CASAC certification, each building on the previous one:
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) – Standard credential for providing direct clinical care and SUD counseling anywhere in New York
- CASAC-Advanced Counselor – Bachelor’s-level credential for expanded scope of practice
- CASAC-Master Counselor – Master’s-level credential for clinical supervision and leadership roles
This guide focuses on earning your initial CASAC credential, which qualifies you to work as a substance abuse counselor throughout New York State. Once you achieve CASAC status, you can pursue advanced credentials as your education and experience grow.
Before you begin, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalency, and live or work in New York at least 51% of the time during your application period. If you meet these requirements, here are the five steps to CASAC certification:
1. Complete a Training Program with a 350-Hour Internship
2. Earn a Provisional Trainee Certificate
3. Complete 6,000 Hours of Supervised Work Experience (or less if you hold a degree)
4. Apply for CASAC or CASAC 2 Certification through OASAS
5. Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
1. Complete a Training Program with a 350-Hour Internship
Your first step is to complete an education program totaling 350 clock hours, combining classroom instruction with hands-on internship experience. Community colleges throughout New York offer training programs meeting these requirements. Most programs include about 10 courses and take approximately 12 months to complete.
There are distinct advantages to completing your required education through a degree program. If you earn an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in an OASAS-approved human services field, you’ll satisfy most or all of the 350-hour training requirement through coursework and practicum experiences. More importantly, you’ll dramatically reduce your supervised work experience requirements (see Step 3) and position yourself for advanced CASAC credentials.
OASAS approves degrees in fields like addiction studies, substance abuse counseling, community mental health, counseling/guidance, criminal justice, education, health administration, nursing/medicine, psychology, social work, sociology, recreational therapy, and nutrition. The complete list of approved human services degrees is available on the OASAS website. Other degrees may qualify if at least 50% of coursework is in human services fields.
Regardless of whether you choose a training program or degree path, you must also complete these mandatory one-time courses, available free through OASAS:
- Person Centered Care
- Cannabis Use Disorder Diagnostic Criteria Assessment
- Opioid Overdose Prevention Basics
- NYS Mandated Reporter Training
- Harm Reduction Is Part of the Treatment Continuum
- Monitoring for Suicide Risk in Treatment Settings
- Ethics for Addiction Professionals
- Professional Boundaries and Reporting Requirements
- Supporting Recovery with Medications for Addiction Treatment
- Cultural Humility
2. Earn a Provisional Trainee Certificate
Once you’ve completed your required education and internship, you’ll apply to OASAS for either a provisional certificate (if you qualified through a degree program) or a trainee certificate (if you qualified by completing the 350-hour training). Both require you to have already a job lined up with a state-certified substance use disorder program or provider.
The good news? Programs across New York are actively hiring and looking for compassionate people to mentor through the CASAC process. If you took the degree route, you likely made connections during your practicum that can lead directly to employment.
Qualified by completing a 350-hour training program: Apply for the CASAC-Trainee certificate if you’ve completed at least 85 clock hours of education and have 4,000 hours of relevant work experience, or if you’ve finished the complete 350-hour program.
Qualified by earning a degree: If you’ve completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an approved human services field, finished the mandatory courses, and your employer has completed the Verification of Employment or Intent to Hire form confirming they’ll provide supervision, apply for the CASAC-Provisional certificate.
3. Complete 6,000 Hours of Supervised Work Experience (or less if you hold a degree)
Now comes the hands-on learning phase. You’ll need to complete supervised work experience in an OASAS-operated or OASAS-certified facility. The baseline requirement is 6,000 hours (about 3 years of full-time work), including 300 hours of supervised practical training.
Here’s where having a degree pays off: Your education can substitute for significant portions of the work experience requirement.
| Education Level | Hours Credited | Remaining Work Hours Needed |
|---|---|---|
| No Degree (350-hour training) | 0 hours | 6,000 hours required |
| Associate Degree | 1,000 hours | 5,000 hours required |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2,000 hours | 4,000 hours required |
| Master’s Degree or Higher | 4,000 hours | 2,000 hours required |
Your work experience must be documented by a supervisor confirming that you provided direct services in SUD assessment, intervention, referral, and counseling in both individual and group settings. You’ll also need monthly on-site clinical supervision from a licensed, qualified healthcare professional (QHP) or an Advanced or Master CASAC. Your employer will help arrange proper supervision.
Timeline Note: The 2-5 year timeframe for CASAC certification assumes full-time enrollment in education programs and full-time employment during the supervised work experience phase. Part-time students or employees may need additional time to complete requirements. Some accelerated degree programs may allow faster completion of educational requirements, though work hour minimums remain the same.
Important: At least 2,000 of your total work hours must have been earned within the last five years to satisfy the requirement.
4. Apply for CASAC or CASAC 2 Certification through OASAS
When you’ve completed your education and work experience requirements, it’s time to submit your application to OASAS:
- Apply for CASAC certification if you qualify through the standard 350-hour training program
- Apply for CASAC 2 certification if you qualify by earning an associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree in an approved human services field.
Applications are accepted year-round. Download and print the application from the OASAS website, gather your documentation, and mail everything to the address provided. The OASAS Credentialing Unit will review your materials to verify you’ve met all requirements.
If something’s missing, they’ll send you a review summary explaining what additional documentation you need. Your application remains valid for five years, giving you plenty of time to complete any remaining requirements without paying extra fees.
5. Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
Once OASAS confirms you’ve met all requirements, you’ll receive information about scheduling the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam. This 150-question, multiple-choice, computer-based exam is administered at testing centers throughout New York.
When you register through ISO Quality Testing, you’ll choose your preferred location, date, and time. You’ll receive a tentative score immediately after completing the exam, with official results and certification notification arriving from OASAS about four weeks later.
Your CASAC certification must be renewed every three years by completing at least 60 clock hours of continuing education related to addiction, behavioral health counseling, or prevention, including at least six hours of OASAS-approved ethics training.
With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options in New York
OASAS offers two advanced CASAC credentials recognizing additional education and training. Both require completing 30 hours of approved Clinical Supervision training by finishing Clinical Supervision Foundations I (a 14-hour online course) and Clinical Supervision Foundations II (a 16-hour face-to-face course).
The other requirements depend on your degree level and experience:
CASAC-Advanced Counselor:
- Hold current CASAC certification
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
CASAC-Master Counselor:
- Hold CASAC certification for at least three years
- Hold a master’s degree or higher in an approved human services field
To pursue these advanced designations, complete a CASAC Upgrade Application with OASAS. Advanced credentials open doors to clinical supervision, program management, and leadership roles throughout New York’s addiction services system.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York
New York State’s opioid crisis has created unprecedented demand for qualified CASACs. While preliminary data suggests overdose deaths may have declined approximately 32% statewide in 2024 (from 6,688 deaths in 2023 to an estimated 4,500), the need for treatment and recovery services remains critical. The Bronx continues to experience the highest overdose death rate at 78 per 100,000 residents based on 2023 data.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, New York reported 22,450 substance abuse counselor positions, the second-highest total among states. The New York metro area alone (including parts of New Jersey) employed 23,790 counselors, making it the top metro area nationwide for addiction counseling jobs.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects substance abuse counselor jobs in New York will increase by 33% through 2030, creating about 2,700 annual openings from new positions, retirements, and turnover.
New York’s OASAS oversees one of the country’s largest addiction care networks, including 1,700+ prevention, treatment, and recovery programs serving more than 730,000 people annually. OASAS operates 12 Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) across the state, providing short-term and long-term care, including gender-specific treatment and medication-assisted treatment for about 8,000 people yearly:
- Bronx Addiction Treatment Center
- Charles K. Post Addiction Treatment Center (Brentwood)
- Creedmoor Addiction Treatment Center (Queens)
- John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center (Rochester)
- Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center (Brooklyn)
- Margaret A. Stutzman Addiction Treatment Center (Buffalo)
- McPike Addiction Treatment Center (Utica)
- Richard C. Ward Addiction Treatment Center (Middletown)
- Russell E. Blaisdell Addiction Treatment Center (Orangeburg)
- South Beach Addiction Treatment Center (Staten Island)
- St. Lawrence Addiction Treatment Center (Ogdensburg)
- Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center (Ovid)
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York City
New York City’s addiction treatment network spans from 24/7 open access centers to residential facilities to community recovery centers. Preliminary data suggest overdose deaths declined from 3,056 in 2023 to approximately 2,192 in 2024 (a 28% decrease), though NYC still loses six people daily to drug poisoning. Fentanyl remains present in 73% of fatal overdoses, with xylazine appearing in 21% of deaths according to available 2024 data.
Open Access Centers: These facilities provide 24/7 care regardless of ability to pay. The VIP Open Access Center in the Bronx operates two locations connecting people to comprehensive screening, crisis intervention, and community partner referrals.
Recovery Centers: Non-clinical recovery support centers throughout NYC include:
- Judith Loeb Chiara Recovery & Wellness Center – Exponents, Inc. (Manhattan)
- Phoenix House Brooklyn Community Recovery Center
- PARC Recovery Center – Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc. (Bronx)
- Next Step – Community Health Action (Staten Island)
Outreach and Engagement Services: Mobile clinical services bring treatment directly to underserved communities. Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., in Queens, operates LEAP (Leading the Elevation of Alternative Pathways), a rolling clinic staffed by nurse practitioners, clinical counselors, and recovery peers. Elmcor is one of ten agencies in the Behavioral Health NYC IPA LLC, providing rapid access to mental health and substance abuse services.
Regional Addiction Resource Centers: Organizations like InUnity Alliance serve as umbrella advocacy and training associations, supporting more than 250 nonprofit community-based health organizations throughout NYC and New York State.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Buffalo
Buffalo’s Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) houses the Eastern Niagara Hospital Reflections Recovery Center, providing inpatient detoxification, an 18-bed Substance Intervention Program, a medically supervised detox unit, a 20-bed Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Program, and structured residential rehab. In 2023, ECMC provided nearly 40,000 outpatient treatment visits for substance use disorder.
The Margaret A. Stutzman Addiction Treatment Center offers a 33-bed inpatient residential program (2-6 weeks) specializing in women, pregnant women, trauma survivors, and clients with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Long Island
Long Island facilities include the Long Island Center for Recovery (LICR), which offers medical detox and inpatient treatment, and Seafield, which operates 10 recovery homes throughout the region, as well as inpatient, outpatient, and family programs.
The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) has provided 24-hour hotline, counseling, and referral services for more than 68 years while driving legislative change for insurance coverage and overdose reporting.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Rochester
The Monroe County Office of Mental Health oversees Rochester’s addiction system and community agencies. Baden Street Settlement’s Counseling and Support Center provides chemical dependency treatment focused on inner-city residents’ unique needs through individual counseling, group therapy, and case management.
Villa of Hope’s Behavioral Health Department includes a LIFE Residential Program, an outpatient chemical dependency clinic, an addiction prevention program, and a mental health outpatient clinic.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Throughout New York
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse counselors in New York State earned a median salary of $62,070, about $6,000 more than the national median of $55,610. Entry-level counselors with a few years of experience earned about $50,880, while top earners made $101,910.
New York State ranked among the nation’s highest-paying states for substance abuse counselors, with the NYC metropolitan area leading all metro areas nationwide for both the number of jobs and compensation.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in New York City
The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area employed 23,790 substance abuse counselors as of May 2024, with a median salary of $64,900. Entry-level professionals earned about $52,770, while experienced counselors at the top of the pay scale earned $112,690.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Albany
The Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area employed 1,060 substance abuse counselors with a median salary of $56,500 as of May 2024. Those with a few years of experience earned about $46,340, while the highest paid earned approximately $89,410.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Buffalo
The Buffalo-Cheektowaga metro area employed 1,360 substance abuse counselors as of May 2024. The median salary was $56,690, with entry-level positions starting around $49,060 and top earners making approximately $80,540.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Rochester
Rochester employed 1,050 substance abuse counselors with a median salary of $59,280 as of May 2024. Entry-level professionals earned about $47,550, while those at the top of their field earned around $78,630.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Syracuse
Syracuse employed 620 substance abuse counselors with a median salary of $63,170 as of May 2024. Starting salaries averaged $52,820, while top earners made approximately $78,200.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in New York
New York colleges offer diverse pathways from certificate programs to master’s degrees, all designed to prepare you for the CASAC certification process and beyond. Several community colleges offer 350-hour programs that fulfill the basic education requirement for CASAC-Trainee certification.
The City College of New York (CCNY) offers a 10-course program that meets the requirements for a trainee certificate. Organizations like the Outreach Training Institute provide required courses online. However, degree programs offer the most streamlined path to CASAC certification and advanced credentials.
Degree options include Kingsborough Community College’s AS in Addiction Studies, SUNY Sullivan’s AAS in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counseling, Empire State University’s BS in Addiction Studies, and New York Tech’s MS in Mental Health Counseling. The complete list of accredited programs appears below.
OASAS offers full scholarships to individuals working with community-based organizations and provides 325 scholarships for online 350-hour CASAC programs through Stony Brook University and Alfred State College. For Empire State University’s BS in Addiction Studies, OASAS offers semester scholarships with potential full-program funding.
Clinton Community College
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Human Services with an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate included
Dutchess Community College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate
Erie Community College SUNY
Health Sciences Division
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AS in Substance Abuse Counseling-Mental Health Assistant
Finger Lakes Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Hybrid
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Fulton-Montgomery Community College SUNY
Human and Public Services
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addiction Services Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Services
Genesee Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Hybrid
Associate Degrees
- AS in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies
Hilbert College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Online
Associate Degrees
- AA in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse-Chemical Dependency
Option to combine the BS in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse-Chemical Dependency with a Master of Public Administration degree
Hofstra University
School of Health Sciences, Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Master’s Degrees
- MA in Mental Health Counseling with an Advanced (Graduate) Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse included
Graduate Certificates
- Advanced (Graduate) Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse
Hudson Valley Community College SUNY
Human Services and Chemical Dependency Counseling Department
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addictions Counseling
Iona University
Psychology Department
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Psychology with a focus/minor in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies
- Minor in Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Option to combine the BA in Psychology with an MA in Psychology
Jamestown Community College SUNY
Human Services Department
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Hybrid
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AS in Addictions Counseling
Jefferson Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addiction Studies Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Studies
Kingsborough Community College CUNY
Department of Allied Health, Mental Health, and Human Services
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addiction Studies Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AS in Addiction Studies
Mohawk Valley Community College
School of Public and Human Services
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Hybrid
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Practitioner
Monroe Community College SUNY
Department of Human Services
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Hybrid
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AS in Addictions Counseling
Niagara County Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
North Country Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Online
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Schenectady County Community College SUNY
Division of Liberal Arts
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
St. Joseph’s University, New York
Department of Human Services
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Alcoholism and Addictions Counseling Certificate
Suffolk County Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Studies
Sullivan County Community College SUNY
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
SUNY Adirondack
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Criminal Justice-Substance Abuse Services
SUNY Brockport
School of Education, Health and Human Services, Department of Healthcare Studies
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Addictions and Behavioral Health
- Minor in Addictions and Behavioral Health
SUNY Broome Community College
Division of Liberal Arts, Department of Psychology and Human Services
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
SUNY Corning Community College
Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
SUNY Westchester Community College
School of Business and Professional Careers
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addiction Counseling Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Counseling
Syracuse University
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Accreditation: MSCHE
Online
Bachelor’s Degrees
- Minor in Addiction Studies
Graduate Certificates
- Certificate of Advanced Study in Addiction Studies
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Accreditation: MSCHE
Campus, Hybrid
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling, Microcredential-Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, Microcredential-Residential Aide
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Key Takeaways
- New York requires CASAC certification through OASAS to practice as a substance abuse counselor, with three credential levels: CASAC, CASAC-Advanced, and CASAC-Master.r
- The baseline path requires 350 hours of training plus 6,000 supervised work hours, but earning a degree can reduce work hours to as little as 2,000 (with a master’s degree)
- New York employed 22,450 substance abuse counselors as of May 2024, with median salaries of $62,070 statewide and $64,900 in the NYC metro.
- Preliminary data show a promising decline in overdose deaths (estimated 32% statewide, 28% in NYC from 2023 to 2024), demonstrating New York’s addiction services system is making a measurable impact.
- Job growth projections showa 33% increase through 2030, creating approximately 2,700 annual openings across treatment facilities, recovery centers, and the OASAS program.s
- OASAS offers scholarships and free online training resources, making CASAC certification accessible regardless of financial situation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CASAC in New York?
The timeline varies based on your education and whether you’re pursuing certification full-time or part-time. With no degree and full-time enrollment/employment, expect 4-5 years (1 year training + 3 years work experience). With a bachelor’s degree, plan for 3-4 years. With a master’s degree, you can complete certification in 2-3 years since you only need 2,000 supervised work hours instead of 6,000. Part-time students or employees may need additional time to meet requirements.
Can I become a CASAC without a college degree?
Yes. New York allows you to qualify for CASAC certification by completing a 350-hour training program without earning a degree. However, pursuing at least an associate degree significantly reduces your work experience requirements and positions you for advanced CASAC credentials and higher salaries.
What’s the difference between CASAC and CASAC 2 certification?
Both allow you to work as a substance abuse counselor in New York. CASAC is for those who completed the 350-hour training program, while CASAC 2 is for those with an associate degree or higher in an approved human services field. CASAC 2 holders can more easily upgrade to CASAC-Advanced or CASAC-Master credentials.
How much do CASACs make in NYC?
According to May 2024 BLS data, substance abuse counselors in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area earned a median salary of $64,900. Entry-level positions start around $52,770, while experienced counselors can earn over $112,000.
Does New York accept IC&RC certification from other states?
New York requires you to meet specific OASAS requirements and pass the IC&RC exam administered through New York’s system. While IC&RC offers reciprocity between member states, you must still apply through OASAS and meet New York’s unique credentialing requirements, including the mandatory one-time courses.
Are there online CASAC training programs in New York?
Yes. OASAS approves several online options, including programs through Stony Brook University, Alfred State College, and the Outreach Training Institute. However, you’ll still need to complete supervised work hours at an OASAS-certified facility in New York.
Ready to Launch Your Substance Abuse Counseling Career in New York?
Whether you’re starting with a 350-hour certificate or pursuing a master’s degree, your path to becoming a CASAC begins with understanding your education options. Explore accredited programs, compare pathways, and find the right fit for your goals and timeline.
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.
