To become a Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAP) in Wyoming, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in addiction therapy or a related field, complete 2,000 supervised clinical hours if your degree isn’t addiction-specific, pass either the NCAC II or AADC exam, and apply to the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. The entire process takes 4-6 years, depending on your education path.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Wyoming’s Substance Abuse Crisis
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wyoming
- Master’s Degree and Advanced Certification Options
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Wyoming
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wyoming
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Wyoming
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Wyoming’s Substance Abuse Crisis
A 2023 in-depth investigation conducted by Wyoming Public Media, an NPR affiliate, examined the unique circumstances contributing to Wyoming’s drug crisis. For locals, there were few surprises.
Even though data on substance use is notoriously hard to pin down in small communities where deadly overdoses don’t always end up logged in national registries, the limited data coming out of Wyoming paints a concerning picture. In 2022 alone, 93 people died from drug overdoses in Wyoming, and 48 of those involved fentanyl. Data from the CDC shows that in 2021, Fremont, Uinta, Carbon, and Sweetwater counties had the highest overdose mortality rates. The cities of Laramie and Casper weren’t immune to these tragedies either.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, as of 2022, Wyoming’s most problematic substances in terms of overdose deaths were:
- Opioids are associated with 63% of overdose deaths
- Stimulants – associated with 36% of overdose deaths
- Benzos – associated with 12% of overdose deaths
Like so many other places in America, the opioid crisis has hit hard in Wyoming. If your life experiences have put you in a position to brush up against the crisis, then you know this all too well. There’s a good chance that’s exactly what brought you here, looking for information on how to become a substance abuse counselor in Wyoming, which is referred to as Certified Addiction Practitioners (CAP) and Licensed Addictions Therapists (LAT). If that’s your story, then you’ve come to the right place.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wyoming
Becoming an addiction counselor in Wyoming involves obtaining state-level credentialing through the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board (MHPLB).
The Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAP) credential is a natural place to set your sights when getting started. Before we get into the process of becoming a CAP, it’s worth taking a look at the other credentials the MHPLB offers:
- Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant (CAPA) – This credential is designed for individuals holding an associate’s degree in addictions counseling or a related field. Career prospects, scope of practice, and salary are limited when compared to those of a CAP.
- Provisional Addictions Therapist (PAT) – This credential allows you to gain supervised work experience to qualify for the LAT. It requires a master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Licensed Addictions Therapist (LAT) – This credential allows you to engage in addiction therapy independently without supervision and requires a relevant master’s degree. With additional qualifications, you can also serve as a supervisor.
Taking a step back and looking at these credentials broadly, you can see the MHPLB has progressive credentials designed for candidates at every level of education.
In this guide, we’re focusing on the Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAP) credential because it puts you in an ideal spot, both to start working as an addiction counselor sooner, while also positioning you with room to grow if you want to level up your credentials later to become a Licensed Addictions Therapist (LAT). As a CAP, you’ll be able to enter the addictions counseling field at a mid-level position with a bachelor’s degree.
CAPs work under general supervision with a scope of practice that includes:
- Counseling, psychotherapy, and similar addiction therapies
- Addressing cognitive and behavioral disorders that arise from chemical dependency, addiction, and substance abuse
- Serving populations that include individuals, groups, organizations, schools, and families
- Engaging in addiction prevention, crisis intervention, diagnosis, referral, and direct treatment
Becoming a Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAP) involves following these steps:
1. Earn a Qualifying Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling
2. Complete a Period of Supervised Experience (Applicable Only If Your Bachelor’s Was in Something Other Than Addictions Counseling)
3. Pass Either the NCAC II Exam or the AADC Exam
4. Apply with the MHPLB to Become a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP)
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling
In Wyoming, you can meet the education qualifications for CAP certification in one of four ways:
1) Bachelor’s in Addiction Therapy – Qualifying based on education and examination alone requires you to earn the right kind of degree with the right blend of coursework. That means earning a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in addiction therapy specifically. This is the most streamlined path, saving you the trouble of taking any post-bachelor’s graduate courses in addiction therapy. It also means skipping two entire years of pre-professional supervised experience.
2) Bachelor’s in Human Services or Behavioral Science + an Associate or Higher Degree in Addictions Accredited by the National Addictions Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) – This non-standard path would involve earning a NASAC-accredited associate degree, then going on to complete a bachelor’s from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in a related major ,such as:
- Chemical Dependency
- Addictionology
- Counseling
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
3) Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or Behavioral Science + Specific Coursework in Core Areas – If your degree isn’t specifically in addiction therapy and you didn’t earn a NASAC-accredited associate degree, you’ll need to verify that you completed some of the following courses as part of your bachelor’s. Any courses that weren’t covered in your undergraduate program can be taken through a graduate certificate or master’s program. Those courses must include:
Three semester credits in each of the following:
- Counseling theories
- Counseling skills
- Practicum in addictions/chemical dependency counseling
- Counseling ethics
A total of 10 semester credits covering these five topics:
- Alcoholism
- Drugs and behavior
- Addictions/chemical dependency and special populations
- Addictive behaviors
- Addictions/chemical dependency assessment
One semester credit or six contact hours of training in communicable diseases.
4) National Certification Through the NAADAC – Association for Addiction Professionals – The requirements for NAADAC’s National Certified Addictions Counselor Level II (NCAC II) exceed Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board (MHPLB) standards, with eligibility requirements that include a bachelor’s degree plus at least three years of supervised clinical experience and 450 hours of education and training in addiction and substance use disorder counseling. Learn more about NAADAC and IC&RC certification.
Step 2. Complete a Period of Supervised Experience (Applicable Only If Your Bachelor’s Was in Something Other Than Addictions Counseling)
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in addictions therapy specifically, you can skip to step 3!
If you earned a bachelor’s in any human services or behavioral science, other than addiction therapy, you have one more critical step to take. You’ll need to gain a full two years (2,000 hours) of supervised and documented clinical experience as a Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant (CAPA) or equivalent credentialed professional.
You’ll gain this experience under the guidance of a Licensed Addictions Therapist (LAT) or another advanced mental health professional, such as a psychologist, physician, clinical social worker, or professional counselor. The Wyoming MHPLB refers to professionals with the specialty credentials to provide this service as Designated Qualified Clinical Supervisors (DQCS).
To qualify for the CAPA credential, you cannot be credentialed or be an exam candidate in another state, and you must hold an associate degree in addictionology, chemical dependency, substance use disorder counseling, or a similar concentration. If you meet those requirements, you can apply for Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant (CAPA) recognition to the Board.
Finding Supervised Experience Opportunities in Wyoming
With your CAPA credential in hand, you can begin looking for an employer willing to bring you in as an intern or hire you with a supervision agreement. This is a standard arrangement among employers that hire substance abuse professionals in the state of Wyoming. Here’s how to find these opportunities:
- Search job boards for “substance abuse counselor intern,” “CAPA,” or “addiction counselor trainee” positions
- Contact treatment facilities directly (outpatient clinics, residential programs, hospital-based programs)
- Reach out to community mental health centers throughout Wyoming
- Network with Wyoming’s addiction counseling community through professional associations
- Consider rural areas where demand for counselors is often higher
Your bachelor’s degree will do a lot for you here. Employers see that you’ve already invested significantly in a relevant education and are well positioned to qualify for your CAP credential.
The supervised experience must be completed over a minimum of two years and within a period of no more than five years. You’ll document your clinical hours, supervision sessions, and competency development throughout this time.
Step 3. Pass Either the NCAC II Exam or the AADC Exam
Wyoming accepts two national certification exams for the CAP qualification. Here’s how they compare:
NCAC II Exam
Sponsored by the Association for Addiction Professionals, the NAADAC-affiliated National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II) Exam is offered at Kryterion testing centers, which has one location in Casper.
You’ll have three hours to complete 150 multiple-choice questions that are divided among these subjects:
- Treatment process orientation – 14%
- Professional practices – 17%
- Assessment – 23%
- Addiction counseling skills and practices – 23%
- Implementation and ongoing treatment planning – 23%
The NCAC II covers these nine topic areas:
- Treatment admission
- Psychopharmacology and physiology
- Clinical assessment
- Law, ethics, and professional growth
- Treatment planning
- Continuing care and discharge
- Counseling services
- Case management
- Documentation
AADC Exam
Sponsored by the IC&RC (International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium), the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) Exam is offered via computer at ISO-quality testing centers, which have locations in both Casper and Cheyenne.
The AADC consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which you’ll have three hours to complete. The four general categories you’ll be tested on are:
- Referral, treatment planning, and collaboration – 18%
- Assessment, screening, and engagement – 23%
- Counseling and education – 28%
- Professional and ethical responsibilities – 31%
Choosing Between NCAC II and AADC
Wyoming MHPLB equally accepts both exams. Consider these factors when choosing:
- Testing location convenience – AADC has more Wyoming locations (Casper and Cheyenne)
- Content emphasis – NCAC II has broader topic coverage, and AADC focuses more on ethics and professionalism
- Career mobility – Both are recognized nationally, but IC&RC credentials (AADC) have reciprocity agreements with more states
- Study resources – Research which exam has better preparation materials available to you
Step 4. Apply with the MHPLB to Become a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP)
With your bachelor’s degree in hand and supervised experience documented as needed, you can then submit your Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) application along with all supporting documentation directly to the MHPLB.
The school through which you completed your degree must send your official transcripts to the MHPLB.
You’ll notice the application is referred to as CAP by Examination. That’s because passing a national qualifying exam represents the last significant step toward earning CAP certification.
Once the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board (MHPLB) determines your CAP application is complete, it will send you instructions on how to register for the exam of your choice. After you pass your exam, the MHPLB will receive your score report and issue your CAP license.
Timeline and Cost Expectations
Understanding the time and financial investment helps you plan your path to becoming a CAP:
Bachelor’s Only Path (Addiction Therapy Degree):
- Timeline: 4 years for degree + exam preparation
- Estimated cost: $40,000-$80,000 (tuition varies by institution)
- Can begin working immediately after passing ethe xam
Bachelor’s + Supervised Experience Path:
- Timeline: 4 years (degree) + 2 years (supervised hours) = 6 years total
- Estimated cost: $40,000-$80,000 (tuition) + minimal CAPA fees
- You earn a salary during supervised experience years
Associate + Bachelor’s Path:
- Timeline: 2 years (associate) + 4 years (bachelor’s) = 6 years
- Estimated cost: $20,000-$40,000 (associate) + $40,000-$80,000 (bachelor’s)
- NASAC accreditation may reduce or eliminate supervised hours
Master’s Degree and Advanced Certification Options
Addictions counseling is a calling, and many choose to make it a career. If this sounds like you, you can opt to become a Licensed Addictions Therapist (LAT), which will enable you to engage in your counseling practice independently without supervision.
Qualifying for the LAT means earning a master’s or higher degree in substance abuse, chemical dependency, one of the healing arts, or addictionology. You can also qualify with a graduate degree in a related field, provided you meet the specific coursework requirements as defined by MHPLB.
Beyond the graduate degree, you’ll need to:
- Document 3,000 hours of supervised work experience as a Provisional Addictions Therapist (PAT) over a period of no less than 18 months and no more than three years. With a qualifying master’s degree, you can apply for Provisional Addictions Therapist (PAT) certification and begin documenting your practice hours under the supervision of a Designated Qualified Clinical Supervisor (DQCS).
- Complete one of three qualifying exams:
- The Association for Addictions Professionals (NAADAC), NCAC Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam
- International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)
- Submit your Licensed Addiction Therapist application along with supporting documents.
Eventually, you can go on to become a Designated Qualified Clinical Supervisor (DQCS) yourself after two years of LAT experience (or four years of post-graduate professional experience as an ADC), and the completion of either a graduate-level course in clinical supervision or three hours of continuing education in supervision.
Maintaining Your Credentials: Continuing Education Requirements
Both CAP and LAT credentials require ongoing professional development:
CAP Renewal Requirements:
- Renew biennially (every two years)
- Complete 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal period
- At least 20 hours must be in addiction-specific topics
- Maintain professional liability insurance
- Pay renewal fees to MHPLB
LAT Renewal Requirements:
- Renew biennially (every two years)
- Complete 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal period
- Minimum 20 hours in addiction-specific content
- Additional requirements for supervisory roles ,if applicable
Find continuing education opportunities through NAADAC, IC&RC member boards, Wyoming professional associations, and accredited online providers.
Credential Reciprocity and Career Mobility
Wyoming participates in the IC&RC reciprocity consortium, which can simplify credential transfer if you move to another state or earn credentials elsewhere:
- IC&RC reciprocity – If you earn an IC&RC credential (like the AADC), it may transfer more easily to other IC&RC member states
- Individual state review – Moving to Wyoming with out-of-state credentials requires MHPLB review of your education, experience, and certifications.
- Additional requirements may be possible – you may need to complete Wyoming-specific coursework or take an examination.s
- Maintain active status – Keep your credentials current in your home state to facilitate reciprocity.
Contact the MHPLB directly for the most current reciprocity policies and transfer procedures.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Wyoming
Of the 820 certified and licensed substance abuse counselors working throughout Wyoming, approximately one-third work in rural western Wyoming. A little less than a quarter work in Casper, another quarter is found in the rural eastern portion of the state, and 18% work in Cheyenne.
Foundations Counseling and Consulting, based in Cheyenne, has seen the ravages of the opioid epidemic up close. This is just one example of the kind of organizations trying to turn the tide in Wyoming, employing dedicated Certified Addiction Practitioners and Licensed Addiction Therapists to offer substance abuse treatment through outpatient and intensive inpatient programs, aftercare, and a marijuana diversion program for court-ordered first-time offenders.
Common Employer Types in Wyoming:
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital-based addiction treatment programs
- Residential treatment facilities
- Outpatient counseling centers
- Correctional facilities and diversion programs
- Veterans Affairs medical centers
- Private practice (for LATs with independent practice privileges)
Job demand is robust in rural counties where access to addiction treatment services remains limited. CAPs willing to work in underserved areas often find excellent opportunities with competitive salaries and loan forgiveness programs.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Wyoming
At $68,200, Wyoming ranks among the top states nationally in terms of average salary for substance abuse counselors. That’s a significant increase from previous years, driven by intense demand for properly credentialed CAPs and LATs.
Western Wyoming does even better, ranking fifth among rural areas in the nation with the highest average substance abuse counselor salaries, coming in at $70,100 as of 2024.
Statewide, high earners in the 75th percentile earned $85,400 in 2024, while salaries among the top 10 percent of Wyoming’s substance abuse counselors exceeded $106,500.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Cheyenne
- Average – $68,200
- 75th percentile – $85,400
- 90th percentile – $104,800
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Casper
- Average – $65,700
- 75th percentile – $78,000
- 90th percentile – $105,700
Factors That Influence Salary:
- Credential level – LATs typically earn 15-25% more than CAPs
- Experience – Salary increases significantly with years of practice
- Location – Rural areas sometimes offer higher salaries to attract counselors
- Setting – Hospitals and private practice often pay more than community agencies
- Specialization – Expertise in high-demand areas (adolescent treatment, criminal justice, trauma) can boost earnings
- Supervisory responsibilities – DQCSs who supervise others earn additional compensation
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Wyoming
Wyoming has two schools that offer undergraduate certificates and associate degree programs in addiction treatment. You’ll also find numerous accredited online programs at the bachelor’s and master’s llevelsavailable to Wyoming residents.
Wyoming Campus-Based Programs
Casper College
Accreditation: HLC
Location: Campus, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addiction Studies Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AS in Addiction Studies (NASAC-accredited)
Notable: Casper College’s associate program in addiction studies is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), which can streamline your path to CAP certification.
Northern Wyoming Community College District
Department: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Location: Campus, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addictions Practitioner Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AA in Human Services – Addictions Practitioner concentration
Online Degree Options for Wyoming Residents
Many Wyoming residents pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees through accredited online programs, which offer flexibility for working adults and those in rural areas. Popular online options include:
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs:
- BS in Addiction Counseling or Substance Abuse Counseling
- BS in Psychology with Addiction Studies concentration
- BS in Human Services with Substance Abuse specialization
- BS in Behavioral Health Science
Online Master’s Degree Programs:
- MS in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addiction specialization
- MA in Counseling Psychology – Addictions track
- MSW with Substance Abuse certificate
Online Graduate Certificates:
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling (for those with a bachelor’s in related fields)
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Substance Abuse Treatment
When selecting an online program, verify that it meets Wyoming MHPLB requirements for CAP or LAT certification. Look for programs that include supervised practicum experiences you can complete in Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master’s degree to work as a substance abuse counselor in Wyoming?
No, you can work as a Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAP) with a bachelor’s degree in addiction therapy or a related field. A master’s degree is only required if you want to become a Licensed Addictions Therapist (LAT) and practice independently without supervision.
How long does it take to become a CAP in Wyoming?
If you earn a bachelor’s degree specifically in addiction therapy, you can become a CAP in about 4 years (degree time) plus exam preparation. If your bachelor’s is in a related field, add two more years for supervised clinical experience, for a total of 6 years.
Can I work as a substance abuse counselor while completing my supervised hours?
Yes. Once you obtain your CAPA credential and find a qualifying employer, you’ll work as a substance abuse counselor while accumulating your 2,000 supervised clinical hours. You’ll earn a salary during this time, although it will be lower than that of a fully credentialed CAP.
What’s the difference between the NCAC II and AADC exams?
Wyoming accepts both exams for CAP certification. The NCAC II (through NAADAC) covers nine topic areas with broader content, while the AADC (through IC&RC) focuses more heavily on professional ethics and responsibilities. The AADC may offer better reciprocity if you plan to move to another state, and it has testing locations in both Casper and Cheyenne.
Does Wyoming recognize substance abuse counselor credentials from other states?
Wyoming participates in the IC&RC reciprocity consortium, which can facilitate credential transfer from other states. However, you’ll need to apply through the MHPLB for review of your out-of-state credentials, and you may need to complete additional requirements specific to Wyoming.
What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining my CAP?
CAPs must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their credential. At least 20 of those hours must be in addiction-specific topics. You’ll also need to maintain professional liability insurance and pay renewal fees to the MHPLB.
Can I become a substance abuse counselor with an associate’s degree?
An associate degree qualifies you for the Certified Addictions Practitioner Assistant (CAPA) credential, which allows you to work under supervision. To become a full CAP, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree. However, if your associate’s degree is NASAC-accredited, it can reduce the additional requirements for CAP certification.
What’s the job outlook for substance abuse counselors in Wyoming?
The job outlook is excellent. Wyoming has an ongoing need for qualified substance abuse counselors, particularly in rural areas. With 93 overdose deaths in 2022 and 63% involving opioids, demand for CAPs and LATs continues to grow. Salaries have increased dramatically in recent years, reflecting this strong demand.
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming offers a clear pathway to become a Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAP) with a bachelor’s degree, supervised experience (if needed), and passing a national exam.
- Four education routes are available: a bachelor’s degree in addiction therapy (the fastest), a bachelor’s degree plus NASAC associate certification, a bachelor’s degree plus specific coursework, or NAADAC NCAC II certification.
- Wyoming substance abuse counselors earn competitive salaries averaging $68,200 statewide, with top earners making over $106,500.
- You can advance from CAPA to CAP to LAT (Licensed Addictions Therapist) with independent practice privileges as you gain education and experience.
- Both campus-based and online degree options are available, with Wyoming’s Casper College offering a NASAC-accredited associate program.
- Continuing education (40 hours every two years) is required to maintain your CAP or LAT credential.
Ready to Begin Your Substance Abuse Counseling Career in Wyoming?
Explore accredited degree programs that meet Wyoming’s CAP certification requirements. Find the right educational path for your goals, whether you’re just starting or building on an existing degree.
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.
