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Featured Online Addiction Counseling Programs

What is Substance Abuse Counseling?


Interested in pursuing an addiction counseling degree in Texas? This field offers rewarding careers focused on helping individuals recover from drug and alcohol addictions. However, it’s important to note that addiction counseling can be demanding, emotionally draining, and stressful.

Addiction counselors use specialized techniques to help individuals manage the physical and psychological challenges of substance use and dependency. They often advocate for patients and may work with family and friends, providing support and insight. Some positions also involve creating educational programs or events to raise awareness about addiction.

Daily duties of addiction counselors vary by job and setting. Most work in outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, but opportunities also exist in family services, hospitals, residential mental health centers, and government positions.

Addiction counselors assess and treat substance abuse patients, creating and reviewing treatment plans while managing recovery goals. They work closely with addicts to identify triggers and develop positive behaviors. Since many individuals with addiction also have other conditions, counselors often collaborate with medical and mental health providers to ensure effective care.

Top Ranked Campus & Online Addiction Counseling Programs in Texas


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,852
    • Out-of-State:$24,451
  • Net Price: $17,896
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,378
  • Undergrad Students: 32,579
  • Graduate Students: 7,799
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Texas Tech University
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2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,660
    • Out-of-State:$33,660
  • Net Price: $19,207
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,588
  • Undergrad Students: 2,646
  • Graduate Students: 942
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of St. Thomas-Houston
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3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,859
    • Out-of-State:$19,939
  • Net Price: $8,105
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,559
  • Undergrad Students: 26,434
  • Graduate Students: 5,125
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
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4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,310
    • Out-of-State:$12,260
  • Net Price: $11,361
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,784
  • Undergrad Students: 4,818
  • Graduate Students: 966
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Midwestern State University
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5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,164
    • Out-of-State:$21,244
  • Net Price: $15,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 44,767
  • Undergrad Students: 33,023
  • Graduate Students: 11,744
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • University of North Texas
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6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,748
    • Out-of-State:$21,033
  • Net Price: $15,181
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 35%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,778
  • Undergrad Students: 7,824
  • Graduate Students: 2,954
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
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7

Lee College

Score: 58.75

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,882
    • Out-of-State:$4,302
  • Net Price: $8,284
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,807
  • Undergrad Students: 7,807
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $41,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Lee College
8

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Score: 56.84

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $18,610
    • Out-of-State:$18,610
  • Net Price: $19,217
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,794
  • Undergrad Students: 1,491
  • Graduate Students: 303
  • Grads Salary: $55,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Southwestern Assemblies of God University
9

Alvin Community College

Score: 54.98

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,058
    • Out-of-State:$4,330
  • Net Price: $7,354
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,411
  • Undergrad Students: 5,411
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $43,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Alvin Community College
10

McLennan Community College

Score: 53.56

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,200
    • Out-of-State:$5,910
  • Net Price: $6,362
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,942
  • Undergrad Students: 6,942
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • McLennan Community College
11

Amarillo College

Score: 53.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,168
    • Out-of-State:$4,704
  • Net Price: $4,903
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,988
  • Undergrad Students: 8,988
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $41,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Amarillo College
12

Lamar State College-Port Arthur

Score: 51.96

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $1,770
    • Out-of-State:$8,070
  • Net Price: $3,659
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 27%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,600
  • Undergrad Students: 2,600
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Lamar State College-Port Arthur
13

Dallas College

Score: 50.66

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,050
    • Out-of-State:$6,000
  • Net Price: $2,743
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 48%
  • Graduation Rate: 35%
  • Total Enrollment: 64,156
  • Undergrad Students: 64,156
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • Dallas College
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14

Kilgore College

Score: 50.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,056
    • Out-of-State:$5,256
  • Net Price: $7,655
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 33%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,189
  • Undergrad Students: 5,189
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Kilgore College
15

Del Mar College

Score: 48.91

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,940
    • Out-of-State:$6,050
  • Net Price: $6,028
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Graduation Rate: 16%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,725
  • Undergrad Students: 9,725
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Del Mar College
16

Texarkana College

Score: 48.04

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,916
    • Out-of-State:$5,332
  • Net Price: $6,493
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 48%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,800
  • Undergrad Students: 3,800
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $26,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Texarkana College
17

Central Texas College

Score: 46.73

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,900
    • Out-of-State:$7,500
  • Net Price: $4,693
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 49%
  • Graduation Rate: 17%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,326
  • Undergrad Students: 8,326
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Central Texas College
18

Tarrant County College

Score: 46.3

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,402
    • Out-of-State:$8,235
  • Net Price: $6,256
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 21%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,131
  • Undergrad Students: 40,131
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Tarrant County College
19

Texas State Technical College

Score: 45.39

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,192
    • Out-of-State:$11,842
  • Net Price: $17,306
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,601
  • Undergrad Students: 10,601
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Texas State Technical College
20

Midland College

Score: 44.2

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,770
    • Out-of-State:$6,030
  • Net Price: $6,906
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 24%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,404
  • Undergrad Students: 5,404
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $40,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Midland College
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Online Addiction Counseling Education in Texas


Employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is expected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, adding 84,500 new jobs. This growth is driven by increased acceptance of counseling services, a shift in legal standards favoring treatment over jail time, and the ongoing need for professionals to work with veterans.

The education and health services industry is the third largest in Texas, generating $104.8 billion in 2016. Texas employs 18,840 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, ranking behind only California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. However, the state's annual mean wage of $55,780 for these professionals is below the state average of $61,240 for all occupations.

Many Texas-based online colleges and universities offer degree programs in addiction counseling and related fields. While online learning provides flexibility, students planning to work in Texas may prefer in-state institutions. These schools are more familiar with regional employer expectations, licensure regulations, and often have strong connections with local organizations, making it easier for students to secure internships and post-graduation employment.

Notably, individuals in this field can choose to specialize in the treatment of specific demographics and backgrounds. This often requires specific knowledge and skills, and may impact daily responsibilities depending on the specialty selected. Some of the most common options include working primarily with teenagers, adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Addiction counseling can be rewarding but also emotionally taxing, with demanding work schedules and challenging cases. While a degree is not always required, most related professions expect candidates to have some higher education, with the specific degree needed depending on the occupation. Earning a degree in addiction counseling is not always required, but most related professions do expect candidates to have some amount of higher education. The type of degree needed will depend on the occupation sought.

Find Your Online Addiction Counseling Program

Online Associate Degree in Addiction Counseling (AS)

Associate degrees in addiction counseling typically require 60 credit hours and take about two years for full-time students to complete. These programs combine general liberal arts education with major-specific courses, offering a broad introduction to counseling. Students learn fundamental concepts in patient care, treatment, counseling theories, case management, multicultural counseling, psychology, and family and group counseling.

This type of degree is ideal for students seeking a general introduction to addiction counseling and/or wants a strong foundation for future learning. While graduates will not qualify for state licensure or many of the counseling certifications in Texas, they may find entry-level employment as human services assistants, halfway house administrative assistants, and adolescent counselors.

Graduates can enroll in other undergraduate programs, with many associate degree credits potentially counting toward bachelor's degree requirements. Most colleges accept up to 60 or 90 transfer hours from accredited institutions. While bachelor's degrees typically take four years, those with associate degrees may need only two more years of education.

University HQ US Rankings for Associate Programs in Addiction Studies

Online Bachelor's Degree in Addiction Counseling (BS)

Bachelor’s degrees in addiction counseling typically require 120 credit hours, taking full-time students about four years to complete. These programs combine general liberal arts education with major-specific courses. Since not all schools offer addiction counseling as a degree, students may need to choose related fields like psychology, sociology, clinical social work, or mental health counseling with a concentration in substance abuse. Coursework usually includes group and individual counseling, social research, dependency diagnosis, psychological assessments, and pharmacology.

This type of degree is the minimum standard for most professions in the field and graduates are often qualified to pursue a wide variety of employment opportunities. Education hours at this level can count towards those needed to become certified in the state of Texas.

While a bachelor’s degree can improve employment prospects, pursuing further education may be beneficial. Graduates often qualify for master’s programs, which have varying application requirements, typically including minimum GPA and GRE scores. It’s recommended to review academic and extracurricular expectations before applying.

University HQ US Rankings for Bachelor's Programs in Addiction Studies

Online Master's Degree in Addiction Counseling (MS)

Master’s degrees in addiction counseling generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. Unlike at the undergraduate level, graduate programs do not require students to take any more general liberal arts education classes. Instead, instruction focuses solely on topics related to addiction and counseling.

Some colleges may have undergraduate prerequisites for admission. Curriculums vary, but students can expect to learn about counseling approaches, research methods, testing and assessment, addiction prevention, human growth, psychopathology, and building a private practice. Fieldwork or a capstone project is typically required before graduation.

This type of degree is ideal for individuals seeking certification professional certification in Texas. Coursework and internship hours can count towards credentialing requirements, although additional fieldwork may be necessary. Graduates will qualify for more employment opportunities and typically enjoy higher wage potentials than those who possess only associate and/or bachelor’s degrees.

University HQ US Rankings for Master's Programs in Addiction Studies

Online PhD Degree in Addiction Counseling (PhD)

Doctorate degrees in addiction counseling typically consist of 90-120 credit hours, taking 5-7 years to complete. These programs offer in-depth assessments of addiction, focusing on social and cultural causes. Students typically study the epidemiology of substance abuse, addiction history, prevention, and group psychotherapy techniques. The programs are research-oriented, with students usually required to write and defend dissertations before graduation.

It's important for prospective students to realize that very few professions in the field require doctorate degrees in addiction counseling or related subjects. These programs are most beneficial to those seeking occupations in research, higher education, or management. Notably, graduates typically qualify for some of the best-paying professions jobs available in the field.

Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas


The first step in becoming an addiction counselor in Texas is determining your ultimate career goals. As previously mentioned, graduating with a degree in this field can qualify you for a wide variety of jobs. Identifying your preferred profession now will allow you to research relevant employment requirements. This not only ensures that you enroll in the most appropriate academic program(s), but will help you to acquire all necessary knowledge, skills, training, and experience needed to apply for your desired occupation.

If you plan to work in this field in Texas, it’s likely that you will need to become certified by the Texas Certification Board. The Texas Certification Board is a member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and is the autonomous arm of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. This board is committed to setting counselor standards in order to protect public good. It is responsible for certifying counselors in the state, administering credentialing examination, certifying continuing education providers, monitoring and enforcing counselor ethics, and promoting counselor reciprocity.

The Texas Certification Board oversees several relevant credentials:

  • Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC)
  • Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist (ACPS)
  • Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
  • Associate Prevention Specialist (APS)
  • Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist (CCDS)
  • Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC)
  • Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional Applicant Status (CCJP-A)
  • Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
  • Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
  • Clinical Supervisor Designation (CSD)
  • Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS)
  • Re-Entry Peer Specialist (JI-RPS)
  • Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
  • Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)
  • Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS)
  • Peer Instructor

Certifications in addiction counseling focus on competency and knowledge in counseling, clinical supervision, and prevention. A common credential is the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC), which requires a 300-hour practicum, passing the IC&RC International ADC exam, 270 education hours, and 6,000 hours of counseling experience. Candidates must be Texas residents, adhere to ethical standards, and pay all application fees.

You can also pursue becoming a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). Regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, LCDCs provide chemical dependency counseling services according to ethical standards. To become an LCDC, you must first be a counselor intern (unless already licensed in another state). Requirements include being 18 or older, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, completing 270 hours of chemical dependency coursework, 300 hours of supervised fieldwork, and passing criminal history checks.

Potential Careers for Addiction Studies Graduates


  • Behavioral Therapist
    Behavioral therapists utilize various behavioral techniques to treat patients who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders. They may deliver these treatments and monitor patient progress in clinical environments, in patient homes, or in the community. These professionals primarily strive to modify and/or replace negative behaviors with positive ones, adjusting treatment plans as needed. According to PayScale, behavioral therapists make an average base hourly rate of $17.44, which translates to approximately $41,650 per year.
  • Career Counselor
    Career counselors utilize various personality, interest, and aptitude assessments to assist clients in identifying and pursuing their ideal careers. They conduct relevant research, provide helpful employment advice, and explain education requirements. These professionals may also offer a wide variety of career-related services, such as resume evaluations and mock interviews. According to PayScale, career counselors make an average base salary of $46,450 per year.
  • Clinical Social Worker
    Clinical social workers coordinate patient care interactions for individuals who need mental and/or emotional support. They provide psychosocial evaluations and therapy in hospitals, mental health clinics, residential nursing facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, and patient homes. According to PayScale, clinical social workers make an average base salary of $57,600 per year.
  • Grief Counselor
    Grief counselors help clients progress through the various stages of grief after the death of loved ones. They provide direct and indirect counseling treatments to encourage healthy and productive ways of coping with loss. According to PayScale, grief counselors make an average base salary of $46,850 per year.
  • Mental Health Counselor
    Mental health counselors diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems and illnesses. They provide various services, including one-on-one and/or group therapy sessions, to help work through or resolve issues. These professionals may specialize in one type of treatment, such as addiction. According to PayScale, mental health counselors make an average base salary of $44,250 per year.
  • Residential Counselor
    Residential counselors provide services and support to residents of live-in facilities. They utilize individual and group counseling sessions to address issues and resolve conflicts. These professionals may work with various demographics including those with addictions or disabilities, the elderly, and troubled youths. According to PayScale, residential counselors make an average base hourly rate of $14.46, or approximately $39,700 per year.
  • School Counselor
    School counselors provide insight and support to high school students in order to help them achieve their personal, academic, social, and development goals. They often assist during challenging situations and may meet with teachers and/or parents to ensure the best outcomes. These professionals may also refer students to other support services when necessary. According to PayScale, school counselors make an average base salary of $51,350 per year.
  • Sports Psychologist
    Sports psychologists provide support to athletes, coaches, and referees dealing with the various mental and physical demands associated with athletics. They utilize their familiarity with athletic training and competition challenges to provide the best care possible, especially when helping athletes deal with the consequences of sustaining injuries. According to PayScale, sports psychologists make an average base salary of $72,250 per year.
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