2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in California
An online substance abuse counseling degree in California is only available at one institution and it's at the PhD level. This doctoral program is designed for individuals seeking to make a significant impact in public health.
Key Takeaway:
- National University, offering a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Addictions, is the only option for a fully online degree experience in the state. With over 11,700 students studying exclusively online, it's a popular choice for many distance learners.
Our methodology evaluated California's schools based on the presence of online students. We scoped all degree levels. This data is gathered from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). While we highlight only one degree per school, it may be that an institution offers additional programs at various levels in this field.
List Of Accredited Online Substance Abuse Counseling Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| National University | $15,912 |
2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in California
- Online Enrollment: 11,757 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $15,912
- Location: La Jolla
Online degree:
Why we like them: NU is on our list due to its significant online presence, with over 11,700 individuals pursuing online education here, exclusively. This places the university in the top 3% of institutions nationwide for online enrollment, indicating robust infrastructure for distance learners. The online PhD in Psychology at NU, offers a specialization in Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders, and is fully online and flexible, allowing completion over 46 months. To graduate, students must complete specialized courses like Counseling Psychology and General Psychology.
Overview of Substance Use Counseling Degrees in California
A recent study on (from the California Health Care Foundation) provides some interesting data. The resulting report indicates that 9% of Californians met the criteria for a diagnosis of substance use disorder, but only about 10% of them received treatment.
Other key findings from the 2022 study include the following:
- Approximately 40% of commercial HMO and PPO members with an alcohol or drug dependence diagnosis received treatment that met national quality standards.
- Fentanyl-related deaths increased tenfold between 2015 and 2019, while prescription opioid-related deaths decreased by 30% from 2011 to 2019.
- Emergency department (ED) visits due to amphetamines rose by nearly 50% between 2018 and 2020. Non-heroin opioid-related ED visits more than doubled during the same period.
Despite these alarming statistics, government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders in California are taking steps to address these issues. For example, some health insurance providers are now ensuring faster treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with drug or alcohol dependence.
The state has also dramatically increased the number of inpatient and residential care facilities where people suffering from addiction can receive treatment and counseling for substance abuse. Certified drug and alcohol counselors are needed to provide treatment in these facilities and through other agencies and institutions.
Please note that California, like many other states, has moved away from using the term "substance abuse" to help minimize the stigma for people suffering from substance use disorder. However, because many schools still use this term, we incorporate both traditional and current terms on our website.
A bachelor's degree is a great foundation for counseling career. Study from anywhere online:
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in California
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in California?
Once you've earned an in-person or online substance abuse counseling degree, you'll find a range of career opportunities available to you in California. You could become an alcohol and drug use counselor, a health education specialist, or a community health worker, just to name a few possibilities.
If you're interested in providing substance use counseling in California, you'll need to obtain one of the four levels of for alcohol and drug use counselors. Each level requires progressively more education and supervised clinical experience. You can qualify for any one of the first three levels with just a behavioral health bachelor's degree, but you'll need a master's degree to qualify for the highest level.
How Much Does a Substance Use Counselor Make in California?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health and substance abuse counselors as a group earn a . As of the most current federal data, the BLS recorded 54,660 of these professionals working in the state. Demand for these types of therapists is expected to through the next decade. That's significantly faster than the average job growth of 4% in the U.S.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in California?
In California, there are several possible paths to becoming a substance use counselor. If you're planning to become an alcohol and drug use counselor in this state, you'll want to contact one of the three accredited organizations that are currently recognized by the state's Department of Health Care Services to determine all of the specific requirements for each type of certification. Below are the three organizations that offer certification:
- The (CAADE)
- The (CADTP)
- The (CCAPP)
Through any one of these agencies, you can become a certified drug and alcohol counselor. With an online bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling, you may qualify for three of the four main levels of counselor certification: Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor Associate (CADCA), Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC-I), and Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC-II).
To obtain the highest level of certification, which is the Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC), you'll need a master's degree in the field of behavioral science. Master's in substance abuse counseling programs are available online, and there are affordable master's programs in substance abuse counseling for those who are looking for ways to minimize expenses.
The other requirements for substance abuse counseling certification vary depending on the level and the agency you're working with. However, in general, you'll need to complete a practicum and accrue a certain number of hours of supervised documented work experience. You'll then need to pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium () substance use counseling exam. Finally, you'll need to complete and submit your application for certification.
Does California Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Substance abuse counselors from other states may be able to work in California, depending on their education and current certification. If you'd like to be licensed to provide in-person or online substance abuse counseling in the Golden State, contact the California Department of Health Care Services to see if your credentials will be accepted under California requirements.
If you want to keep your options more open, explore the best online counseling degrees overall.