2025 Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Oklahoma
Substance Abuse Counseling in Oklahoma
Like so many others in the nation, the residents of Oklahoma are facing a substance abuse crisis. While fentanyl and opioid overdose deaths have made headlines in the last few years, experts say that continue to be a major problem as well.
Oklahoma's is charged with developing solutions and coordinating efforts to address this public health issue. Among the many initiatives underway, the state is expanding its network of treatment providers and increasing its behavioral health workforce. Licensed addiction counselors may find new job opportunities in Oklahoma, and they'll receive additional instruction through the state's for mental health and substance use professionals.
Want to discover your options for online counseling degrees? You'll find plenty of choices on our lists of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees and the best online counseling degrees overall.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Oklahoma
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, graduates of in-person or online substance abuse counseling degree programs can pursue several different clinical and nonclinical career paths.
If you'd prefer a clinical role working directly with clients and providing counseling and education, you can become a substance abuse counselor. Bachelor's degree holders qualify for Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, while master's or doctoral degree holders can apply for Licensed Drug Alcohol Counselor (LADC) certification.
However, you may prefer a nonclinical role designed to help people in your community who struggle with substance misuse. Community service workers and health education specialists are just two examples of these types of roles, often found in nonprofit organizations and state and local government agencies.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in Oklahoma?
The (OSBLADC) oversees licensing for professionals who provide substance use counseling in Oklahoma. If you're planning to become a substance use counselor in this state, you can prepare for one of two levels of substance abuse counseling certification.
The lower level is the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC). This credential requires a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling or behavioral science. You'll also need 4,000 hours of paid work experience, 300 hours of supervised experience, and a passing score on the ADC Exam sponsored by the (IC&RC).
The higher level of certification is the Licensed Drug Alcohol Counselor (LADC), which requires a master's or doctoral degree in addiction counseling or behavioral science. You'll also need 2,000 hours of paid work experience and 300 hours of supervised experience. Additionally, you'll need to pass the IC&RC AADC Exam.
In both cases, Oklahoma requires your degree to be issued by an accredited college or university. If you'd like to earn an online master's degree, you'll find that all of the programs on our site are institutionally accredited, which means they meet state requirements. For more information, review our lists of the best online substance abuse counseling master's degrees and the most affordable online substance abuse counseling master's degrees.
Both CADC and LADC licenses need to be renewed annually. You'll need to complete 20 hours of counseling-related continuing education to qualify for renewal.
Does Oklahoma Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Yes, Oklahoma has instituted a reciprocity agreement for IC&RC-certified substance use counselors from other states. If you're a licensed counselor in good standing, who would like to offer in-person or online substance abuse counseling in Oklahoma, contact IC&RC or your local credentialing board to initiate the transfer process. Your credentials will transfer to the corresponding level of certification in Oklahoma.
How Much Does A Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Oklahoma?
Although a specific salary range for substance abuse counselors in Oklahoma is unavailable, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides some insight. The BLS reports that the approximately 4,700 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in this state earn a . The number of substance abuse counseling jobs in Oklahoma should through 2030, according to ProjectionsCentral.