Best Educational Programs in Oregon for Licensed Substance Abuse Counselors

Online Addiction Counseling Education in Oregon

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The educational services, healthcare, and social assistance industry is the fourth largest in Oregon. It accounts for $22.7 billion in revenue each year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the state employed 6,610 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in May 2021. Additionally, there were 1,950 mental health and substance abuse social workers. The annual mean wage for these professionals in Oregon ranged between $52,660 and $59,910. While substance abuse social workers tend to make below the state’s annual mean wage of $59,070 reported for all occupations, the annual mean wage for substance abuse counselors is just above this number.

The state is home to many colleges and universities that offer addiction counseling as a major. While prospective students may be tempted to enroll in programs offered elsewhere in the country, those who want to work in Oregon should strongly consider schools in the state first. This is because local academic institutions tend to have a better understanding of employer requirements and expectations, as well as licensure requirements, and adjust their curriculums accordingly. Education obtained elsewhere may be less pertinent to the region and can make obtaining Oregon certifications more difficult. Only local institutions are familiar with the various laws and regulations pertaining to official counseling licensure procedures in the state. Additionally, many Oregon-based schools have established relationships with potential employers in the region, which can make it easier to obtain internships and employment. Notably, some colleges and universities in the state do have distance learning options available if personal and/or professional obligations make attending classes in person impossible.

While addiction counselors generally have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with patients from all demographics and backgrounds, some choose to specialize in the treatment of specific populations. As a result, some professionals may spend more time treating teenagers, adults, veterans, or people with disabilities. These preferences can also impact working locations, although most find employment with individual and family service centers, hospitals, or residential substance abuse facilities. Prospective students should be aware that, while the profession is often rewarding, demanding work schedules and emotionally charged situations can be taxing over time.

While not all addiction counseling professionals in Oregon require higher education, most choose to obtain degrees of some kind. The amount of education needed depends on the type of profession sought. Colleges and universities in the state offer relevant programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

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Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Oregon

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The first step in becoming an addiction counselor in Oregon is determining your ultimate career goals. Graduating with this type of degree can qualify you for many employment opportunities with varying requirements. Identifying your preferred profession will help you select the most appropriate academic program, as well as ensure you pursue all necessary knowledge, skills, training, and experience prior to applying for jobs.

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Certification for addiction counselors in Oregon are managed through the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).

There are a few relevant credentials available:

All CADC credentials require interested parties to register with MHACBO. This places CADC Candidate profiles in the MHACBO Registry and signifies acceptance of the MHACBO Code of Ethics. After this, each credential has its own unique requirements and scope of practice.

CACD I requires 150 education hours, 1,000 supervised experience hours in addiction counselor competencies, and successful completion of the National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) I certification examination from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). Notably, the CADC I does not require an associate degree. The combination of education, supervised experience hours, and examination approximate the associate proficiency level.

CACD II requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Candidates must have 300 education hours, 4,000 supervised experience hours in addiction counselor competencies, and a passing score on the NCAC II certification examination. After passing the NCAC II examination, candidates will be granted CADC I certification. CADC II certification is only awarded after successfully completing the written Jurisprudence Ethics Exam.

CACD II requires a minimum of a master’s degree with at least 300 alcohol and drug education hours. Candidates must also have 6,000 supervised experience hours in addiction counselor competencies and a passing score on the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) national certification examination from NAADAC. After passing the MAC examination, candidates will be granted CADC I certification. CADC III certification is only awarded after successfully completing the written Jurisprudence Ethics Exam.

Alternatively, those who have struggled with addiction can pursue CRM or CRM II credentials. CRMs are addiction treatment and/or recovery consumers who have been trained to help other consumers identify and achieve self-determined goals of recovery. These individuals cultivate the ability to make informed, independent choices in addicts, while also assisting them in gaining needed information and support from the community. CRMs must be in recovery and submit proof of an OHA-approved addiction training program. Candidates are also required to complete the MHACBO CRM Ethics Quiz, sign the code of conduct, and undergo background checks. CRM II is a national credential that can be transferred between other states. Additional requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 80 hours of peer support training, successful completion of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Peer Recovery (PR) examination, and 500 supervised internship hours in the IC&RC Peer Domains.

Potential Careers for Addiction Studies Graduates

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