.... Now Enrolling for the August 2026 cohort – Save 10% with code CAREER

The #1 Certification to Launch or Level Up Your Career in Addiction & Mental Health

100% Online Certified Addiction Counselor Training

Enroll Today With Zero Application Fees and Earn 445 hours of online self-study education necessary to understand how to counsel clients with addictions through 10 different core areas of required training.

Learn From The Global Leaders In Addiction & Mental Health Education

Our Certified Addictions Counselor program prepares individuals to assess, counsel, document, and support clients through the full continuum of substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Delivered entirely online, the curriculum spans 445 hours across ten core domains aligned with IC&RC accreditation standards — the framework recognized by state, provincial, and national certification boards across the United States, Canada, the EU, and more than 25 other countries.

  • Fully Accredited

  • 60,000+ Students Trained

  • Fast-Track Certifications

  • Recognized In 40+ Countries

Fully accredited. Globally recognized. Built for the next generation of certified counselors.

LogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogo

— program overview

What Is the Certified Addictions Counselor Training Program?

The Certified Addictions Counselor program prepares individuals to assess, counsel, document, and support clients through every phase of substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment.

The curriculum spans ten core domains aligned with IC&RC accreditation standards which is the framework recognized by state, provincial, and national certification boards in the United States, Canada, the EU, and more than 25 other countries.

Coursework is delivered fully online and self-paced, with most students completing the program in three to ten months. Graduates are prepared to sit for board examinations and, where required, begin supervised practicum or fieldwork hours.

— Here's Why students Choose The addictions academy

Benefits Of Our Certified Addictions Counselor Program

Rolling Admission

Enroll whenever you're ready and move through coursework at your own pace. Every course includes built-in exams with instant scoring, so you always know exactly where you stand.

Self-Paced Learning

Finish in as little as three months or take longer if life demands it. Once enrolled, your coursework stays open for the full length of your access—no deadlines to race against.

Expert Faculty Support

Faculty keep an open-door policy for every online student. Coursework is reviewed promptly, with real instructors available to answer questions throughout your training.

Accessible & Affordable

Tuition covers every required material, with no hidden fees. Pay per course, spread costs across a monthly plan, or save with discounted pricing when you pay in full.

Certified Addictions Counselor Curriculum & Syllabus

445 hours of online self-study education necessary to understand how to counsel clients with addictions in 10 different core areas of required training.

01
Course TAA 100
80 Hours

Understanding Addiction & Treatment Knowledge

Explore addiction history, treatment models, dual diagnoses, pharmacology, behavioral addictions, family involvement, and human development theories.

  • Addiction history and the evolution of addiction treatment
  • Disease models, treatment options, and treatment modalities
  • Etiology, causation, and dependence liability
  • Family involvement in treatment and recovery
  • Substance-related and behavioral addictions
  • Tolerance, dependence, active use, and withdrawal
  • Basic pharmacology principles
  • Psychoactive drugs and their toxic and therapeutic effects
  • Physical aspects of addiction and brain science
  • Signs, symptoms, and progression of addiction
  • Addiction's relationship to health, crime, and social problems
  • Support groups and additional treatment components
  • Residential, outpatient, and other service modalities
  • When addiction treatment protocols are necessary
  • Dual and triple diagnoses
  • Evidence-based treatment models and practices
  • Human development and cognitive development theories
  • Lifespan, attachment, role, and self-actualization theories
  • Nature-versus-nurture concepts
02
Course TAA 101
15 Hours

Documentation

Learn the intake, assessment, documentation, privacy, and record-management practices required to maintain accurate and professional client records.

  • Assessment tools and treatment-progress evaluation
  • Client intake procedures
  • Clinical documentation standards
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Client engagement in the treatment process
  • Reports, record keeping, and records management
  • Client screening tools
  • Discharge and transfer summaries
  • Electronic health records and technology
  • Progress notes
  • Psychosocial summaries
03
Course TAA 102
80 Hours

Counseling Theories & Techniques

Develop individual, group, and family counseling skills through evidence-based practices, motivational interviewing, therapeutic relationship building, and group facilitation.

  • Client progress assessment and response
  • Creating therapeutic relationships and alliances
  • Active and empathetic listening
  • Mirroring, reflection, paraphrasing, and clarification
  • Transference and countertransference
  • Evidence-based counseling practices
  • Motivational interviewing techniques
  • Individual, group, and family counseling
  • Group intervention and group dynamics
  • Creating safe and productive group environments
  • Educational, psychoeducational, therapeutic, and self-help groups
  • Life skills and problem-solving techniques
  • Counseling theory versus counseling practice
  • Treatment programs and levels of care
  • Group curriculum development
04
Course TAA 103
50 Hours

Application to Practice & Professional Growth

Apply counseling knowledge in real-world settings through crisis response, ethics, leadership, supervision, trauma-informed care, and professional wellness.

  • Care for the caregiver and counselor self-care
  • Understanding professional limitations
  • Crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation
  • Individual, group, and family counseling applications
  • Management, leadership, and supervision skills
  • Models of treatment
  • Rules governing the continuum of services and referrals
  • Wellness, nutrition, and alternative therapies
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Burnout and compassion fatigue
  • Ethics and ethical decision-making
  • Privacy, confidentiality, and HIPAA
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Observation and communication skills
  • Cultural competence and special-population needs
  • Research translation and evidence-based practice
  • Care coordination
  • Trauma-informed care
05
Course TAA 104
30 Hours

Treatment Planning & Special Populations

Learn to create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans while addressing the needs of diverse, high-risk, and specialized client populations.

  • Client placement criteria
  • Drug court and correction-based treatment
  • Evidence-based treatment protocols
  • Women and LGBTQ+ populations
  • Indigenous and geriatric populations
  • Adolescent and high-risk populations
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Barriers to treatment progress
  • Mental health and co-occurring disorders
  • Treatment goals and outcome measurement
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Client choice and client-directed care
  • Intake and orientation to treatment
  • Ongoing assessment
  • Stages of change, goals, and interventions
06
Course TAA 105
35 Hours

Clinical Evaluation

Build competency in addiction assessment, diagnostic criteria, risk evaluation, detoxification protocols, and screening for co-occurring conditions.

  • Drug and alcohol addiction assessment
  • Addiction and human growth and development
  • Client orientation
  • Assessment instruments, procedures, and techniques
  • Matching clients to appropriate services
  • DSM diagnostic criteria and ASAM considerations
  • Substance-related and behavioral addictions
  • Risk assessment and risk management
  • Screening for co-occurring disorders
  • Urinalysis and biological assessments
  • Readiness-to-change evaluation
  • Client assessment and screening tools
  • Client engagement
  • Detoxification protocols
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Signs, symptoms, stages, active use, and withdrawal
07
Course TAA 106
50 Hours

Client, Family & Community Education

Learn to educate clients, families, and communities through adult learning principles, family interventions, cultural competence, and practical life-skills instruction.

  • Adult learning theory
  • Client education and family goal-setting
  • Co-dependency and moral development
  • Domestic violence
  • Self-help and educational groups
  • Psychoeducational and therapeutic groups
  • Family interventions
  • Family counseling techniques
  • Victim and perpetrator counseling
  • Anger-management skills
  • Criminal behavior and thinking errors
  • Cultural diversity and special populations
  • HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C
  • Life-skills instruction
  • Family, group, and individual counseling theories
  • Toxicology
08
Course TAA 107
45 Hours

Ethical, Legal & Professional Responsibilities

Develop a strong foundation in ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and client welfare.

  • Professional boundaries and transference
  • Cultural competence and supervision
  • Professional development
  • Human-services policy
  • Ethical and legal record keeping
  • Relationships and dual relationships
  • Client welfare as the primary concern
  • Referral-source and organizational relationships
  • Computer ethics and online record keeping
  • Ethical decision-making and codes of ethics
  • Organizational ethics
  • Consent and negligence
  • Privacy, confidentiality, HIPAA, and disclosure
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Therapeutic relationship boundaries
  • Financial sensitivity and client concerns
09
Course TAA 108
15 Hours

Telehealth

Understand the legal, ethical, technical, and documentation requirements involved in delivering addiction services through telehealth.

  • Telehealth fundamentals
  • HIPAA-compliant software platforms
  • Limitations of telehealth
  • DEA prescription guidelines
  • Medicaid and private-pay guidelines
  • Health privacy rules
  • Client portals and electronic medical records
  • Remote-session documentation
  • SAMHSA guidelines
  • Correct reporting procedures
  • Online resources and referral links
  • Telehealth exceptions and evolving service models
10
Course TAA 109
45 Hours

Case Management & Referral

Learn to coordinate care, connect clients with appropriate services, manage referrals, and evaluate continuity and outcomes across the treatment process.

  • Advocacy and liaison activities
  • Client referrals and service coordination
  • Continuum of care and placement
  • Aftercare follow-up and follow-through
  • Referral outcome evaluation
  • Special-population needs
  • Case-management roles and functions
  • Community resources and services
  • Consultation with other professionals
  • Consultation with self-help groups
  • Managed-care systems
  • Service coordination and collaboration

— who should enroll?

Designed for four common paths into the field

Most addiction and mental health counselors work in professional treatment and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, mental health facilities, churches or faith-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Some professionals also choose to establish private practices, where they may work with clients either in person or online. Our training prepares you for the wide range of roles and responsibilities you may encounter as a certified or licensed addictions counselor, regardless of where you choose to work.

Work in treatment settings

Serve clients in residential, outpatient, and community-based programs. Certified counselors are essential staff in facilities across the U.S., Canada, and internationally.

Join a clinical care team

Collaborate with therapists, social workers, case managers, and medical professionals to support clients through every stage of recovery.

Pursue private or nonprofit opportunities

Use your certification to work in nonprofits, corrections, community outreach, employee assistance programs, or your own private counseling practice (as allowed by your state or board).

Fulfill a high-demand role

With the opioid crisis and growing mental health needs, certified professionals are in urgent demand. This program prepares you for the real-world roles where you’ll be needed most.

Students Who Pass Their Certified Addictions Counselor Exams may pursue Career Fields such as:

MCAP

CAP

CAC

CAADAC

CADY

NAADAC I & II

ICADC

CADAC

These certification requirements vary by state and credentialing organization, but most follow a similar pathway. The first step is completing the required educational hours. The second step typically involves supervised practicum experience and in-person internship or field hours, followed by passing the appropriate certification exam. The Addictions Academy provides the educational training portion through self-study and online learning platforms, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere. In addition, we include supervised practicum opportunities within the cost of the program, meaning there are no hidden fees.

— The Certification Process

From Registration to board certification:

Becoming a Certified Addictions Counselor is a clear, step-by-step pathway

Image

Get Registered

Access coursework immediately, or follow a paced monthly schedule.

Image

Complete Training & Receive Your Certificate

Finish all 10 domains and any required practicum or fieldwork hours.

Image

Become A Certified Addictions Counselor

Submit your application packet to your state, provincial, or national board, including your certificates and field-hour documentation. Then you can sit for your exam(s) — both local and international IC&RC options are available. Once you pass, you are fully certified to practice.

— tuition

Two Enrollment Pathways

We know every student’s goals and budget are different. That’s why we offer two options:

Best Value
Full Enrollment
$4,497 one time
  • Instant access to all 10 modules
  • Finish in as little as 3–6 months
  • 14 months of total access
  • Built-in tuition discount
Select Fast Track
Monthly Module Track
$499 per month
  • One module released each month
  • Pay as you go over 10 months
  • Structured, guided pacing
  • 70% or higher required to advance
Select Monthly Track

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to take this program or sit for the board exam?

No degree is required to begin your training with us. However, every state, province, or country has its own rules for certification and licensing. Some may require a college degree to sit for their local board exams, while others accept a high school diploma plus field hours. If you’re unsure, call us—we’ll walk you through your options based on your location.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Most students complete the entire 445-hour program in 3–6 months. You’ll have up to 14 full months of access to finish at your own pace, and we provide you with instant access when you pay in full. If you choose the 10-month payment plan, you’ll unlock one course per month and complete them step by step.

Do I need to complete field hours or a practicum?

It depends on your local board requirements. Some locations require supervised practicum hours in addition to your education. Practicum is an additional cost since it is only required in a few states.

TAA 200: Supervised Practicum 45 hours

The course includes supervision by a qualified instructor and includes direct supervision. The instructor must also be available for consultation while the student is completing fieldwork requirements.

TAA 201: Supervised Fieldwork Practicum (Internship)

A minimum requirement of 255 hours of practical experiences performed at an agency approved by the aforementioned instructor. The student must complete all of the 12 Core functions at the internship site. Each core function requires a minimum of 21 hours of practicum. The application of knowledge and skills in a practice setting is essential to professional counseling. The fieldwork is the means by which students learn to apply and integrate acquired knowledge and values; and to refine skills that are taught in the classroom.

There are different levels of addiction counselors. You can become a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) or Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) or a Master Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP). You will need to check with your specific state.

Please Note: We expect you to conduct yourself in a professional and ethical manner, as you are studying to become a professional in the field of addiction counseling. Any unethical or illegal behavior will not be permitted and your courses will be revoked and your status revoked.

What kind of career can I have after completing this program?

Graduates work in private practice, treatment centers, detox facilities, nonprofit recovery organizations, hospitals, courts, and more. Some become counselors within community programs, while others go on to open their own practice. We even have contractor opportunities through The Addictions Academy for qualified grads.

Is this program accredited? Will it count toward certification or licensure?

Yes. Our program is fully accredited and board-approved across all 10 required accreditation domains, which means your hours are valid in the U.S., EU, Canada, Japan, and over 25 other countries. We’re also an approved CORE Provider with state boards across the U.S.

Will this prepare me to pass the board exam?

Yes. Our program is structured to align with state and provincial board requirements. Each section of our course includes built-in exams that help reinforce what you’ve learned, track your progress, and ensure you’re applying the material correctly. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and preparation needed to sit for your board exam with confidence.

Join 60,000+ Student Success Stories & Counting...

Become part of a global network of coaches and professionals trained in over 40 countries—and get everything you need to build a purpose-driven practice, help others heal, and create a profitable business

Wooded Glen Recovery Center, IL

“I think the training went great. You provided a lot of good information that we need.”

Julia Mackey
Director of Admissions
Sierra Tucson, Arizona

“Dr. Cali Estes joins Sierra Tucson to train their entire Recovery Coach 360 Team.”

Crossroads Turning Point, Colorado

“Amazing training on Harm Reduction and relapse prevention. Cannot wait to have you back next month to teach another class.”

Rob Archuletta
Executive Director
Wynward Way, OC California

“Very pleased to have Dr. Cali come out and train our staff in AMA/APA block training.”

Veronica Waters
Vice President
Just Believe Recovery, PA & Florida

“Dr Cali Estes was a joy to have at our center. We received a lot of amazing feedback from our staff and loved the breakout sessions”

Sinead
Clinical Director
Aqua Recovery Center, Utah

“Dr. Cali has given us the ability to create a new program in Recovery Coaching. This has given us the ability to keep track of our patients while at RTC, and also when they leave. We have seen great success with this program.”

Clint Tolman
Executive Director
St. Joseph's Institute, PA

“We have learned a lot at this training, I am glad you came out and we found you for our staff. You are doing a great job.”

Guy Murray
CEO St. Joseph’s Institute
New Vista Behavioral Health, Avalon Malibu

“Excellent Admissions Call center training with Cali”

Christine Parker
Marketing Director
Ocean Hills Recovery, California

“Amazing class! We have had Cali out here a few times for training our staff.”

Chris Cannon
Managing Partner
Vanguard Accelerator
Cedar Point Recovery, CA

“Thank you, Dr. Estes. The staff found your training educational and allows them the opportunity to empower themselves with clients.”

Jody M. Ressio
MA, LAADC, Clinical Director
Lakeview Health, Jacksonville, FL

“The training was comprehensive and easy to follow for some employees not as versed in the field of interventions. I would highly recommend Cali and The Addictions Academy to anyone looking to join or excel in the field of Addictions.”

Derek Gwaltney
Vice President
Gosnold on Cape Cod, MA

“Cali Got great feedback about today’s training. Much appreciated.”

Ray Tamasi
CEO

The World’s Premier Training Institute for Mental Health & Addiction Professional Development.

The Addictions Academy Ⓡ

Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | SMS Policy

2046 Treasure Coast Pkwy Unit A, #207 Vero Beach FL 32960

Quick Links