What is Substance Abuse Counseling?
Are you looking to become a licensed addiction counselor in Missouri? Earning a degree in addiction counseling is the first step toward a rewarding career helping individuals struggling with substance abuse. With strong job demand, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, this field offers both professional stability and personal fulfillment. Explore Missouri’s top educational programs to start your journey toward licensure and a meaningful career in addiction counseling.
Looking to become a licensed substance abuse counselor in Missouri? The demand for addiction counselors is rising, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 19% job growth from 2023 to 2033, adding 84,500 jobs. This surge is driven by legal reforms emphasizing treatment over incarceration and industry workforce turnover. Addiction counselors play a vital role in helping individuals overcome drug and alcohol dependencies, offering support, advocacy, and education to both patients and their families. While they cannot prescribe medication, they provide essential guidance and coping strategies. Explore the best educational programs in Missouri to start your career in addiction counseling today.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Addiction Counseling Programs in Missouri
Drury University
Score: 77.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,235
- Out-of-State:$35,235
- Net Price: $20,996
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 1,595
- Undergrad Students: 1,375
- Graduate Students: 220
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
City Vision University
Score: 54.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,400
- Out-of-State:$6,400
- Net Price: $7,403
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 182
- Undergrad Students: 132
- Graduate Students: 50
- Grads Salary: $36,100
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Online Addiction Counseling Education in Missouri
In 2024, health and medical insurance was Missouri's second largest industry, bringing in $31.3 billion. In third place were hospitals and other healthcare facilities, which brought @28.7 billion into the state economy. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the state employed 9,110 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in May 2023, with an annual mean wage for local professionals of $57,560. Notably, this is above the national average wage of $46,060 as reported for all occupations.
While online programs offer flexibility, aspiring addiction counselors in Missouri should prioritize in-state colleges and universities. Local schools provide education tailored to Missouri’s licensure and certification requirements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional success. Additionally, Missouri-based institutions often have strong connections with local employers, making it easier to secure internships and job opportunities, even for roles that don't require certification.
Addiction counseling jobs vary, with some professionals specializing in specific populations like teens, adults, veterans, or individuals with disabilities. Daily tasks often include evaluating patients, assessing treatment readiness, and developing treatment plans and goals. Counselors also help patients build positive behaviors and frequently collaborate with medical and mental health professionals.
Most addiction counselors work in individual and family service centers, hospitals, or residential substance abuse facilities. While the profession can be extremely rewarding, the schedule can be demanding and some find the work emotionally draining. It’s common for these professionals to work evenings, nights, and/or weekends.
Most addiction counseling professionals in Missouri need a degree—associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral. While some jobs require minimal education, even the lowest certification level mandates an associate degree. Advanced degrees offer better job prospects, so students should select programs that align with their career goals.
Online Associates (AS)
Associate degrees related to addiction counseling generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. Part-time students, however, may require additional time to meet graduation requirements.
While every college and university sets their own curriculum, programs at this level often serve as introductions to the field. In addition to taking general education courses, students usually enroll in courses meant to teach the fundamentals of patient care and treatment.
Some of the most common offerings include:
- Theories of Counseling
- Case Management
- Family and Group Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling
- Psychology
Graduates can choose to pursue professional employment or additional education. Associate degrees are enough to obtain the Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor (MAADCI) credential but, as the lowest of the state’s certification, this can lead to only limited employment opportunities. Some of the entry-level jobs that may be available include human services assistants, halfway house administrative assistances, and adolescent counselors.
Most professionals in the field have bachelor’s or master’s degrees in addiction counseling, as they are needed for more professions in the field. Fortunately, associate degree credits earned at accredited colleges and universities can be transferred and used toward bachelor’s programs. In general, associate degrees equal two years of undergraduate education.
Top 10 Online Associate Nationally RankedOnline Bachelors (BS)
Bachelor’s degrees in addiction counseling generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that takes full-time students approximately four years to complete. Part-time students will require more time to graduate, often at least two to four additional years. As previously mentioned, however, transferring credits can associate degrees may allow incoming students to enter programs as juniors instead of as freshmen.
College and university programs vary, but students should expect to take both general education and major-specific classes.
Titles will different from institution to institution, but some common course offerings include:
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Social Research Methods
- Diagnosis of Chemical or Behavioral Dependency
- Psychological Evaluations and Assessments
- Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology
It’s also worth mentioning that there are several related majors for prospective students to consider. Examples include psychology, sociology, clinical social work, and mental health counseling. In many cases, colleges and universities with these programs also offer the opportunity to select a concentration in substance abuse.
Typically, bachelor’s degrees are the minimum standard for professionals in the field. Those with this level of education can be considered for the Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II (MAADCII) credential. Four-year undergraduate degrees are also necessary when applying to master’s programs. Prospective students should be prepared to meet minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements, as well as provide Graduate Examination Record (GRE) scores.
Top 25 Online Bachelors Nationally RankedOnline Masters (MS)
Online master’s in addiction counseling generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. As this is a graduate-level degree, undergraduate course credits cannot apply toward the requirements.
Every curriculum is different, but students will no longer need to take general education classes. Instead, coursework tends to focus solely on information related directly to the field. Colleges and universities usually strive to ensure students have the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize various counseling approaches and research methods. In many cases, field work is necessary, with capstone project presentation common prior to graduation.
Possible course titles include:
- Testing and Assessment
- Human Growth and Development
- Addiction Prevention and Intervention
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
- Psychopathology and Personality Disorders
- Building Your Ideal Private Practice
Graduates will qualify for some of Missouri’s top credentials, including Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). While opportunities and results to vary, those with this level of education tend to experience better job security and higher pay than those with only associate and/or bachelor’s degrees.
Top 25 Online Masters Nationally RankedOnline Doctorate (PhD)
Doctorate degrees in addiction counseling may consist of between 90 and 120 credit hours that take full-time students five to seven years to complete. These programs are typically meant to provide students with comprehensive assessments of the social and cultural causes behind addiction. However, they are also much more research-oriented and will require some sort of dissertation presentation prior to graduation.
Some possible courses include:
- Epidemiology of Drug and Substance Abuse
- History of Addiction and Human Behavior
- Prevention of Chemical Abuse in Childhood
- Group Psychotherapy Techniques and Treatment Methods
While this type of degree is not required for most addiction counseling credentials and jobs in Missouri, it is considered a great method for career advancement. Not only will graduates be accepted as leaders in the field, but they will qualify for some of the top jobs available. In addition to counseling positions, those with this level of education can also pursue employment related to substance abuse research, leadership, and/or postsecondary education.
Learn about your options to pay for college Learn more about counseling resources and scholarshipsBecome a Substance Abuse Counselor in Missouri
The first step in becoming an addiction counselor in Missouri is to identify your career goals. Your aspirations will often dictate the type and amount of education necessary, as well as which credentials you will need.
It’s important to realize that all 50 states and the District of Columbia require chemical dependency counselors with private practices to be licensed. The state offers several options, which are overseen by the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB).
Find Online Addiction Counseling Schools
Some relevant offerings include:
- Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor I (MAADCI)
- Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II (MAADCII)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRADC)
- Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRAADC)
- Registered Alcohol Drug Counselor – Provisional (RADC-P)
- Certified Gambling Disorder Counselor (CGDC)
- Missouri Prevention Specialist (MPS)
- Certified Reciprocal Prevention Specialist (CRPS)
- Missouri Advanced Prevention Specialist (MAPS)
Each credential has its own unique requirements. A Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselors (MAADCI), for example, requires only an associate degree or applicable one-year addiction certificate, while a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) must have a master’s degree. These differences are why it’s so important that you identify your professional goals before enrolling in an academic program.
Requirements to receive a credential via MCB vary and are subject to change without notice, making it essential to check the specifics. All applications must be typed and mailed, with associated fees paid upon receipt. Applicants must also reside and/or be employed in the state of Missouri at least 51 of the time.
Careers for Addiction Studies Graduates
Many graduates from addiction counseling degree programs in Missouri go on to become addiction counselors. There are, however, a number of other related professions available in the state. Career specifics vary, with salaries and responsibilities ranging quite significantly.
- Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral therapists treat patients diagnosed with mental health disorders. They utilize various behavioral techniques to modify and replace negative behaviors and closely monitor progress. Treatments may be provided at home, in the community, or in clinical environments. According to the BLS, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make an average income of $53,710 per year. - Social Worker
Clinical social workers work with individuals who require mental or emotional support by providing psychosocial evaluations and therapy. They also regularly coordinate patient care interactions and negotiate with third party groups offering resources. These professionals may work in many different settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, residential nursing facilities, home healthcare companies, or substance abuse treatment centers. According to the BLS, social workers make an average salary of $58,380 per year. - Grief Counselor
Grief counselors, also known as bereavement counselors, help people who have recently lost loved ones. They assist them in working through issues commonly associated with grief, offering guidance and support. These professionals encourage healthy coping techniques and spend a lot of time providing direct counseling treatments. According to the BLS, counselors (all other) make an average base salary of $52,360 per year. - Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors diagnose and treat mental health problems and illnesses. They provide one-on-one and/or group therapy sessions meant to help patients work through or resolve existing issues. These professionals often specialize in particular areas of treatment, such as addiction. According to the BLS, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make an average income of $53,710 per year. - Residential Counselor
Residential counselors provide a wide variety of counseling services to residents of live-in facilities. They often offer both individual and group counseling, especially to address conflicts and/or crisis situations. These professionals must have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with varying patient types, such as people with addictions and disabilities and the elderly and troubled youth. According to the BLS, counselors (all other) make an average base salary of $52,360 per year. - School Counselor
School counselors help students achieve their personal, academic, social, and development goals in high school. They often provide assistance and support during challenging situations, and may refer other support services when needed. It is also not uncommon for these professionals to meet with parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for students. According to the BLS, school and career counselors make an average base salary of $61,710 per year. - Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists ensure that athletes, coaches, and referees are adequately prepared for the various mental and physical demands associated with athletic training and competition. They often assist athletes in dealing with the consequences of sustaining injuries, as well as provide support to referees and coaches coping with the stresses of their positions. According to the BLS, psychologists make an average base salary of $92,740 per year.
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