New York

New York has been heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic, with more than 3,200 overdose deaths reported in 2020, many of which were linked to fentanyl and heroin (New York State Department of Health, 2021). Alcohol use disorder also remains a significant issue across the state, affecting countless individuals and families. Certified addiction counselors are at the forefront of addressing these challenges by providing treatment, support, and advocacy for those struggling with substance abuse.

Becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in New York opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and community-based organizations. Your work will directly impact the lives of individuals seeking recovery and help restore hope in their communities.

New York Certification Requirements

Substance abuse counselor certification in New York is regulated by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). The most common certification is the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). CASAC certification is offered at different levels depending on education and experience.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York are:

• CASAC-Trainee (CASAC-T): Requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of 350 clock hours of OASAS-approved education and training in alcohol and substance abuse counseling. Coursework should cover topics such as addiction counseling techniques, ethics, assessment, treatment planning, and case management.
• Full CASAC: Requires a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, along with 350 hours of specialized training in addiction counseling.

Tip:

Several institutions in New York, including John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Fordham University, offer programs that meet the educational requirements for CASAC certification.

Experience Requirements

In addition to meeting the educational requirements, candidates must complete a set number of supervised clinical hours, depending on the level of certification:

• CASAC-T: No clinical experience is required to receive a trainee certificate, allowing you to work under supervision while you gain experience.
• Full CASAC: Requires 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in substance abuse counseling for individuals with a high school diploma. For those with a bachelor’s degree, this requirement is reduced to 4,000 hours. Candidates with a master’s degree need 2,000 hours.

Practical Advice:

You can gain clinical experience through organizations such as Phoenix House, Odyssey House, and Mount Sinai Behavioral Health System, which provide comprehensive addiction treatment services across New York City and beyond.

Certification Exams

Once you have completed your educational requirements and supervised experience, the next step is passing the certification exam. New York uses the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exam for addiction counseling certification.

• IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam: This exam assesses your knowledge in key areas such as addiction counseling, treatment planning, client assessment, ethics, and recovery management.

Study Tips:

Make use of IC&RC-approved study guides and online practice exams. Many local organizations, including New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), also offer workshops to help candidates prepare for the certification exam.

Application Process

Once you have completed the necessary education, supervised hours, and passed the certification exam, you can apply for certification through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

Steps to Apply:

1. Complete the Application: Download the CASAC application from the OASAS website.
2. Submit Required Documentation: You will need to submit:
   • Official transcripts and certificates from your educational institution
   • Proof of completed supervised clinical hours
   • Exam results
3. Pay the Application Fee: Application fees typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the certification level.
4. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Be sure to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Renewal and Continuing Education

In New York, certification must be renewed every three years. Continuing education is required to ensure that addiction counselors remain current on current trends and best practices.

• CASAC Renewal: Requires 60 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every three years, with at least 6 hours dedicated to ethics training. CEUs must include topics such as addiction treatment advancements, co-occurring disorders, and clinical supervision.

Continuing education opportunities are offered by OASAS, NYU School of Professional Studies, and other local organizations that offer workshops, webinars, and seminars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to become a certified addiction counselor in New York?
It depends on your education level. For individuals with a high school diploma, it can take 2 to 4 years to accumulate the necessary supervised clinical hours and complete the certification exam. For those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the process may take 1 to 2 years.

Can I complete my certification education online?
Yes, many accredited institutions offer online programs that meet New York’s educational requirements for addiction counselors. However, supervised clinical experience must be completed in person at an approved facility.

Is my New York certification transferable to other states?
New York participates in reciprocity agreements through IC&RC, allowing your certification to be transferable to other states that accept IC&RC credentials. However, check with the certification board of the state to which you are moving for specific reciprocity requirements.

What is the cost of certification in New York?
The cost of certification, including exam fees and application fees, typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the level of certification. Renewal fees and costs for continuing education will apply every three years.

How do I find a supervisor for my clinical hours?
Supervisors can be found through OASAS or by contacting local addiction treatment centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.

Additional Resources for New York Substance Abuse Counselors

• New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
• IC&RC Exam Information
• New York State Department of Health
• New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers (ASAP)

Mental Health and Addiction in New York

Mental health and addiction are often interconnected, and this is particularly true in New York. According to the New York State Department of Health, approximately 50% of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders also suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety (NYS DOH, 2021). As a certified addiction counselor, you will address both addiction and mental health needs, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery that helps individuals achieve long-term success.

Ready to take the next step in your career as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York? Follow the steps outlined in this guide to begin your certification journey and start making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

For more information or to connect with other professionals, join our forum to share your experiences and gain support from fellow addiction counselors. Join the Forum.

Sources:

1. New York State Department of Health. Substance Use and Mental Health Report, 2021. Available at: NYS DOH Report.