2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in New York
Although there is only one entry on this list, the online substance abuse counseling program in New York offers you the opportunity to closely interact with peers and instructors for a more thorough education experience. You can also supplement your education with real-world opportunities.
Key Takeaway:
- Tompkins Cortland Community College is an accredited school that hosts an online substance abuse counseling program. It's a popular choice with over 400 students enrolled entirely online at the school.
Our methodology ranks colleges with a primary campus in New York offering fully online programs. We reviewed all degree levels, highlighting one per school, though additional options may be available.
List Of Accredited Online Substance Abuse Counseling Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tompkins Cortland Community College | N/A |
2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in New York
- Online Enrollment: 424 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: N/A
- Location: Dryden
Online degree:
Why we like them: TCCC is ranked first on our list due to its strong online presence overall, with hundreds enrolled as online students. TCCC's online Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling provides a complete chemical dependency counseling program, offering the potential for an AAS degree, as well as certificate and/or micro-credential options. The program uniquely combines requisite courses in counseling and prevention with a broader curriculum in humanities, social sciences, math, and science. Integral to the program is practical experience gained through a 120-150 hour fieldwork semester.
Overview of Substance Abuse Counseling in New York
Although the state of New York had one of the due to drug overdose deaths as of 2022 鈥� below the national average 鈥� residents are still grappling with substance use disorders. This public health issue has reached , where recent reports indicate that someone dies of an overdose every three hours, mainly due to fentanyl-laced drugs.
To address the issue, the New York State Department of Health has taken numerous steps to fight addiction and reduce the number of related deaths. Efforts include coordinating state and community initiatives, establishing a prescription drug monitoring system, and offering funding for community-based programs. State and private agencies are also hiring more licensed mental health professionals to provide substance use counseling in New York.
You could further your career with a bachelor's degree in counseling. Consider your options with our list of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in New York
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in New York?
In general, earning an in-person or online substance abuse counseling degree opens up two career paths in the state of New York.
One path leads you to clinical roles as a substance use counselor working directly with clients face-to-face. Although you are not required to have a degree to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), it may qualify you for more advanced, higher-paying positions in the future.
The other path takes you to nonclinical roles, which are equally important in assisting people suffering from substance use disorders. For example, you could go to work for a local or state government agency or nonprofit organization where you'll be involved in developing and monitoring public education and treatment programs. With time and experience, you may qualify for more advanced roles in leadership.
To learn more about this, read our career guide for online addiction counselors.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in New York?
In New York, the oversees licensure for trained professionals who offer counseling for substance abuse. Becoming a substance use counselor is fairly straightforward because there is only one level of substance abuse counseling certification.
To qualify as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), you must live or work in the state at least 51% of the time. In terms of education, you need to have graduated from high school and completed 350 hours (approximately 24 courses) of college education in addiction counseling or a similar subject. You also need 6,000 hours of work experience in counseling, 300 hours of supervised work experience, and two recommendations from supervisors.
In New York, you can obtain your education through traditional or online substance abuse counseling degree programs. You don't necessarily have to graduate, but you must attend an institutionally accredited school. If you're interested in pursuing an education online, you'll find that all of the programs on our site are institutionally accredited.
Once you have completed these requirements, you can apply to take the ADC exam sponsored by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (). You must pass the exam to earn your CASAC license, which needs to be renewed every three years. To qualify for a renewed license, you must complete 60 hours of approved continuing education.
Does New York Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Yes, because New York is an IC&RC member, it offers reciprocity for substance use counselors who have earned IC&RC certification in other states. If you're a licensed counselor in good standing and you want to offer in-person or online substance abuse counseling in the state, you can contact IC&RC to initiate the reciprocity process. However, you must live and work in New York at least 51% of the time to practice as a CASAC here.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in New York?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New York earn a , well over the national median salary for this role. There are currently 24,420 counselors working in the state, but the BLS predicts that the number of substance abuse counseling jobs in will grow by a whopping throughout the next decade.
Ready to pursue graduate school? Check out our list of the best online master's degrees in substance abuse counseling.