2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Arkansas
Although the list for online substance abuse counseling degrees in Arkansas is short, the quality of the program is second-to-none. You can benefit from the flexible learning environment while preparing for a lifelong career in counseling.
Key Takeaway:
- Arkansas State University is a popular online school for undergraduates. It's in the top 10% for online enrollment, showcasing its strength in online education.
Our ranking methodology for the best online degrees by state includes schools with a primary campus in the selected state and providing fully online degrees in the specified subject area. We utilize data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
List Of Accredited Online Substance Abuse Counseling Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | $12,416 |
2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Arkansas
- Online Enrollment: 5,823 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $12,416
- Location: Jonesboro
Online degree:
Why we like them: Ranked at number one, ASU's online enrollment of 5,823 students places it in the top 10% for the largest online student body. The MS in Addiction Psychology at ASU prepares you for a rewarding career as a licensed addiction counselor. The program requires 45 total credit hours, spanning 15 courses, with each lasting approximately 7.5 weeks. You will delve into core areas such as addiction assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, and multicultural issues relevant to substance use. A practicum and an applied project provide hands-on experience, essential for overseeing clinical programs and managing cases. We also appreciate ASU's strong 92% recommendation rate from its students.
Overview of Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Arkansas
Arkansas, like so many other states in the nation, is battling the effects of substance misuse and chemical dependency. Opioids pose a particularly dangerous threat to the state's residents.
To help address this public health issue, Arkansas established the within the Arkansas Department of Health. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the section employs a number of tactics to raise public awareness of the dangers of chemical dependency.
In addition to their focus on prevention, Arkansas lawmakers and policymakers are also striving to help those who are struggling with addiction. For example, there are across the state that provide medical interventions, peer support groups, and counseling for substance abuse.
Experts expect the demand for trained substance abuse counselors to only going to grow, which is why getting your online substance abuse degree is a smart move. Online programs enable students to gain the skills needed to make a meaningful impact while accommodating work or family commitments.
Want to stay within a budget? Explore our list of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling programs.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Arkansas
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in Arkansas?
Whether you've earned a traditional or online substance abuse counseling degree, you'll be prepared to follow a variety of career paths in the Natural State.
If providing substance abuse counseling in Arkansas is your goal, your bachelor's degree will help you qualify for licensure as a Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC). However, if you want to advance in the field in this state, you'll need a master's degree to become a Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC).
A bachelor's degree in counseling or a similar field of study also prepares you for several nonclinical roles that don't require licensure. For example, you could work in a government agency or nonprofit organization as a community health worker or health education specialist. As you progress in your career, you may decide to move into management, which is likely to offer a higher salary.
How Much Does a Substance Use Counselor Make in Arkansas?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics () states that the mean annual salary for all substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health therapists in Arkansas is $66,180 based on the total 2,520 currently employed under that role. This equates to a median hourly wage of $27. These professionals typically work in settings such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community health organizations, addressing addiction and behavioral disorders.
Related roles, such as mental health and substance abuse social workers, earn $50,350 annually. These roles are all vital to Arkansas鈥� growing need for accessible mental health and behavioral support services.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in Arkansas?
Substance use counseling in Arkansas is structured on a two-tier system that is tied to education. To become an Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor in Arkansas, you'll need a bachelor's degree in substance use counseling or a related field to meet the requirements for the lower LAADAC tier credential. A master's degree in the behavioral health fiels is required to qualify for the upper LADAC tier credential.
Both substance abuse counseling bachelor's degrees and substance abuse counseling master's degrees are available online. You'll want to attend an institutionally accredited school, and you may also want to choose a degree program that has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs ().
Your college transcripts must also show that you've completed specific courses to qualify for substance abuse counseling certification in Arkansas. These requirements include courses in pharmacology, psychopharmacology, addiction processes and theories, treatment models and methods, and professional standards and ethics.
After earning your online degree, you'll need to complete a minimum of three years of supervised work experience under a pre-approved supervisor. Your supervisor must be in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (). You'll also need to follow the board's guidelines for documenting your clinical hours.
The third major milestone on the path to certification is passing a written exam. In Arkansas, you'll need to take the Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam offered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
Certification needs to be renewed every two years. You'll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year cycle to qualify for renewal, and up to 20 of these hours can be completed through online courses.
Does Arkansas Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Yes, for professionals who provide in-person and online substance abuse counseling. Certified counselors from other states that have licensing requirements similar to those in Arkansas may qualify for licensure in the state without any further training. If you are a credentialed substance abuse counselor from another state, you can submit an application to the ASBEADAC for review. Licensure is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.