What is Substance Abuse Counseling?
Drug and alcohol counselors play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, and other substances. They offer counseling and support to both individuals and families, teaching coping strategies and how to provide effective support. These counselors provide psychological and medical assistance, creating personalized treatment plans based on each patient's needs. Working in diverse settings, they may specialize in specific substances or types of patients and must be skilled in addressing co-occurring mental health conditions.
If you're considering a career in this field, enrolling in the best counseling schools in New York can provide you with the education and training necessary for success. Many top institutions in New York offer comprehensive coursework in addiction counseling, covering everything from individual therapy to understanding co-occurring disorders. With the right certification and education, you can pursue a rewarding career helping individuals overcome substance abuse and improving their lives.
To become a drug counselor in New York, individuals typically pursue a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Addiction counseling certification generally requires less education than other specialties, making it an accessible entry point into the field.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Addiction Counseling Programs in New York
Adelphi University
Score: 83.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,290
- Out-of-State:$47,290
- Net Price: $26,953
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 7,252
- Undergrad Students: 5,055
- Graduate Students: 2,197
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
SUNY Brockport
Score: 80.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,678
- Out-of-State:$15,748
- Net Price: $16,261
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 6,424
- Undergrad Students: 5,149
- Graduate Students: 1,275
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Hilbert College
Score: 74.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,150
- Out-of-State:$32,150
- Net Price: $16,930
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 877
- Undergrad Students: 841
- Graduate Students: 36
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
SUNY Empire State University
Score: 68.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,630
- Out-of-State:$17,540
- Net Price: $9,704
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 9,407
- Undergrad Students: 7,735
- Graduate Students: 1,672
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Hudson Valley Community College
Score: 57.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,694
- Out-of-State:$11,750
- Net Price: $7,815
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 9,140
- Undergrad Students: 9,140
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $43,800
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Schenectady County Community College
Score: 54.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,924
- Out-of-State:$8,636
- Net Price: $5,026
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 3,657
- Undergrad Students: 3,657
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,700
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Genesee Community College
Score: 54.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,800
- Out-of-State:$6,400
- Net Price: $7,921
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 4,323
- Undergrad Students: 4,323
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
Score: 54.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,054
- Out-of-State:$6,654
- Net Price: $7,932
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 1,812
- Undergrad Students: 1,812
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,300
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Mohawk Valley Community College
Score: 54.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,114
- Out-of-State:$8,695
- Net Price: $8,504
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 5,539
- Undergrad Students: 5,539
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,400
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
Score: 54.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,252
- Out-of-State:$8,132
- Net Price: $8,073
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 15,042
- Undergrad Students: 15,042
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $41,800
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
SUNY Corning Community College
Score: 53.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,966
- Out-of-State:$9,230
- Net Price: $8,258
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 3,786
- Undergrad Students: 3,786
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,100
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
Erie Community College
Score: 52.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,300
- Out-of-State:$11,300
- Net Price: $5,867
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 7,843
- Undergrad Students: 7,843
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,300
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Jamestown Community College
Score: 52.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,600
- Out-of-State:$12,040
- Net Price: $10,104
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,756
- Undergrad Students: 3,756
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,700
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Monroe Community College
Score: 50.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,856
- Out-of-State:$10,756
- Net Price: $7,037
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 8,283
- Undergrad Students: 8,283
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,900
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
North Country Community College
Score: 50.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,562
- Out-of-State:$13,734
- Net Price: $13,578
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 1,604
- Undergrad Students: 1,604
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $41,400
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Finger Lakes Community College
Score: 50.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,138
- Out-of-State:$8,250
- Net Price: $12,082
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 5,331
- Undergrad Students: 5,331
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,700
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Score: 50.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,946
- Out-of-State:$12,831
- Net Price: $10,919
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 4,442
- Undergrad Students: 4,442
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Suffolk County Community College
Score: 50.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,440
- Out-of-State:$12,080
- Net Price: $6,275
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 20,014
- Undergrad Students: 20,014
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,900
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Onondaga Community College
Score: 49.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,042
- Out-of-State:$11,332
- Net Price: $6,136
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 7,320
- Undergrad Students: 7,320
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Jefferson Community College
Score: 49.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,048
- Out-of-State:$6,048
- Net Price: $11,355
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 2,292
- Undergrad Students: 2,292
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Online Addiction Counseling Education in New York
Online substance abuse counseling degrees in New York are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking certification in addiction counseling. The state offers several programs that provide a comprehensive curriculum, including both theoretical and practical instruction. Many programs also include supervised internships and clinical placements at approved facilities, offering hands-on experience to students.
Students choosing an online route for their addiction counseling education will benefit from the flexibility that comes with learning from home. They can access course materials at any time of day or night, allowing them to complete assignments on their own schedule without having to travel back and forth between classes.
Online Associates (AS)
An online associate degree in addiction counseling is ideal for those wanting to help individuals overcome addiction. This field addresses not only substance use disorders but also related challenges like trauma, employment, and housing issues. Graduates can work in non-profits, schools, and juvenile detention centers. The flexibility of online programs allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule and access materials anytime.
An online associate degree in addiction counseling may provide the certification needed for this field, but confirm with your school. The flexibility of online programs is ideal for working professionals, including those already in addiction counseling seeking further education. You can earn certifications, associate or bachelor's degrees, or even a PhD in addiction psychology. These programs equip you to help individuals overcome addiction and create effective behavior modification strategies.
Online Bachelors (BS)
An online bachelor's degree in addiction counseling can also prepare you for a career helping people who are struggling with addiction and for higher licensure and increased pay. You'll learn about the causes of addiction, how to provide counseling and support to addicts and their families, and how to create treatment plans. You'll also learn about the legal and ethical issues involved in addiction counseling.
The curriculum for an online bachelor's degree in addiction counseling will typically cover topics such as assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, pharmacology, and family dynamics. You will also learn how to provide support for clients' friends and families.
Online Masters (MS)
An online master's degree in addiction counseling program provides convenience for busy professionals. These programs typically follow the same rigorous curricula as their brick-and-mortar counterparts and lead to the same job prospects. Online master's programs can be shorter in length than brick-and-mortar programs if they are designed to use accelerated courses, but full-time students should be able to complete any of these programs in about one to two years. While you can complete a degree in one or two years, you may find yourself juggling other commitments that interfere with your studies; part-time students usually add around a year to their learning time, and they are not able to take accelerated courses.
The curriculum of any of these programs at this level is comprehensive, covering both the treatment of addiction and the co-occurring mental health conditions that often accompany substance abuse.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in addiction counseling can provide you with more than the skills necessary to help people struggling with addiction, but also the ability to recognize unusual co-occurring disorders, to gain further licensure, to teach psychology or counseling to students at the college level, and more. Online programs are available and probably the most common option these days, which is great for busy professionals. Coursework covers topics such as assessment, treatment planning, and relapse prevention, among others. After completing a PhD in addiction counseling, you may be eligible for licensure and could find work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
Online Certifications
For state licensing, working professionals must receive a certificate or licensure in addiction counseling. Before applying for a license, aspiring addiction counselors must complete a certain number of hours of training. It is possible for working professionals to accomplish their addiction counseling certification requirements without interrupting their daily routines by enrolling in online addiction counseling certification programs, but many will still need to complete additional supervised work, which cannot be completed online.
Depending on the state in which you reside, you may be required to earn 120 credits in order to graduate with a bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, or addiction counseling. A full-time student can complete a bachelor’s degree in four years but a part-time student may require more than that. The majority of programs integrate research and internship activities with basic classes. It is also crucial to remember that many states mandate continuing education credits for addiction counselors seeking counseling and administrative roles. Indeed, most counseling or psychology roles that require licensure also require continuing education.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in New York
If you are interested in becoming an addiction counselor in New York, there are a few steps that you need to take.
-
Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field
There are many different bachelor's degree programs that students can pursue in the field of psychology. Some of the most popular programs include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Social Work. However, there are also many other related programs that students can choose from such as those in criminal justice, human services, and counseling. These programs can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to work in various fields within the psychological and social services industries. They can also prepare students for graduate school and help them develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to many different areas of life.
-
Step 2: Complete a master's degree in addiction counseling or a related field
There is a great need for addiction counselors, and with a master's degree in addiction counseling, you can be at the forefront of this growing field. A master's degree in addiction counseling will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to help those suffering from addiction. You will learn about the causes of addiction, how to treat addiction, and how to prevent relapse. You will also learn about the different types of addictions such as those involving alcohol, drugs, food, sex, and more. With a master's degree in addiction counseling, you can help those who are struggling with addiction get their lives back on track.
-
Step 3: Become a certified addiction counselor
In order to become a certified addiction counselor, you must pass the licensing exam. The exam is made up of 150 questions and it covers topics such as counseling techniques, drug addiction, and mental health disorders. It's important to prepare for the exam by studying the material and practicing sample questions. The best way to pass the exam is to be well-versed in the material and have a solid understanding of what's covered.
-
Step 4: Complete a supervised internship and post-graduate supervision hours
In order to become a licensed addiction counselor, you must complete a supervised internship and post-graduate supervision hours. The internship allows you to gain real-world experience in the addiction counseling field. The post-graduate supervision hours allow you to receive feedback and guidance from a qualified professional who must sign off on your time spent working under them if you are to be able to earn you full licensure.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Addiction Counseling?
A bachelor's in addiction counseling can lead to a career helping people who are struggling with addiction. After completing a degree in addiction counseling, you will be able to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. You will also have the opportunity to become certified as an addiction counselor.