The Certified Addiction Counselor Clinical Training Program is designed to train addiction counselors to work effectively within a variety of treatment settings and with a variety of addictive behaviors. Certified and licensed addiction counselors possess a body of knowledge, skills, training and work experience in the treatment of addictive behaviors that distinguishes the addiction counseling profession from other health care professions. Preparation for a career as an addiction professional is available through Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) approved training classes; clinically supervised work experience; demonstration of a knowledge base through passage of a national exam; and passage of the State’s Jurisprudence Exam. Counselor certification is available to individuals with various levels of academic preparation in the counseling field and is comprised of three levels:
- Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) is defined as a counselor who may provide counseling services including skill based education, group facilitation, service coordination and referral and discharge planning.
- Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) is defined as a counselor who may conduct addition treatment services independently and may perform the complete range of duties associated with addiction treatment including supervision for those working towards a CAT or CAS.
- A Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) is a credentialing level that requires a clinical Masters degree,
Required Courses
Click here to download a full list of required courses for each CAC level.
