Online master’s in addiction counseling programs

What jobs can you get with an online master's in addiction counseling?

Licensure or certification requirements vary by state. To become licensed, most states require:

• An advanced degree
• Hours of supervised experience
• A passing score on an examination of the state's choice; a common test is the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)

Graduates of master's in addiction counseling programs can qualify for various roles, including substance use or addiction counselors, program directors, case managers, and private practice therapists. The majority of substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in outpatient mental health and substance use centers. However, these professionals also work in:

• Individual and family services
• Offices of health practitioners
• Residential and outpatient substance abuse facilities
• Hospitals

Key addiction counselor responsibilities

Addiction counselors typically:

• Evaluate client behavior and assess readiness for treatment
• Develop treatment goals and plans
• Assist clients in developing skills and behaviors to support recovery
• Document and maintain client's medical records
• Educate clients and families
• Refer clients to community resources
• Prepare clients for transition through discharge planning
• Conduct outreach programs to identify signs of addiction

Salary expectations for addiction counseling

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for these professionals was $53,710 in May 2023. However, a master's degree could help you earn higher salaries. In fact, the Bureau reported that the top 10% of addiction counselors made more than $89,920 in 2023.

Addiction counselors have varying salary rates depending on their location, experience, role, and additional voluntary certifications.

Outpatient care centers employ the most addiction counselors and, per the BLS, paid professionals an average of $58,580 in 2023. Those working in offices of other health practitioners earned an average of $66,500 annually, while professionals in local government typically earned $68,830 during the same period.

The BLS reports that California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas have the highest employment levels for addiction counselors. However, addiction counselors in Alaska, Utah, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York earn the most, likely due to higher cost of living rates.

Career outlook for addiction counseling

The BLS projects that employment for addiction counselors will grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, which is far faster than the projected 3% growth rate for all occupations.

The growing demand for these professionals will likely continue to fuel job opportunities, particularly in response to the opioid crisis and rising mental health concerns, reports the Bureau. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, in 2021 2.5 million people had an opioid use disorder and only 22% received treatment.

Job growth for addiction counseling is also expected to grow as the number of people who struggle with mental health increases.

What can you learn in an online master's in addiction counseling program?

Graduates of master's in addiction counseling programs must be able to manage and coordinate mental health care. These programs should prepare you to use a whole-person approach to treatment which can increase a patient's likelihood of a sustainable recovery. Whole-person treatment considers a cohesive approach to a person's physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs instead of solely treating symptoms.

Depending on the program, you may need to complete an on-campus residency. All students must fulfill internship requirements. The number of hours varies by program, but many require as many as 900 hours. Internships can be part time or full time and paid or unpaid.

Programs require between 32 to 75 credits, depending on the program structure and if there is a thesis requirement. Coursework includes evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment and clinical training. Your courses typically include:

• Substance use counseling
• Evidence-based interventions
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Psychopharmacology
• Relapse prevention
• Research and clinical practice

Online format

Master's in addiction counseling programs typically require internships. Students must receive approval from the program faculty for their in-person supervised internship placements. Some programs help students find internship opportunities, while others expect the student to arrange placement with an approved provider.

Additionally, online master's programs may have an on-campus residency requirement. Each program's residency requirement varies and typically includes classroom and interactive learning activities. These do not satisfy internship requirements.

Admissions requirements for an online master's in addiction counseling

The admissions requirements vary by school. Most require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in addiction counseling or a related field.

Schools may accept bachelor's degrees from many different fields as long as you can show graduate level writing skills and the necessary prerequisites in behavioral and social sciences.

Master's in addiction counseling programs usually require applicants to have related work or volunteer experience. This experience shows you have strong interpersonal and professional skills and are committed to developing your clinical skills through practice, supervision, and continuing education.