Degrees & Certifications:
Addiction Counseling
The Addiction Counseling degree family in Ohio encompasses specialized educational programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support. This field is integral to Ohio’s behavioral health system, addressing the state’s ongoing challenges with addiction, including high rates of opioid-related overdoses. Professionals in this domain provide essential services that support individuals in overcoming substance use disorders and achieving long-term recovery.
The demand for addiction counselors in Ohio is projected to grow, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing substance use disorders through a well-trained and certified workforce.
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DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS
The following degree programs are designed to meet the educational requirements set by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board and prepare individuals for careers in addiction counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
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Description: Chemical Dependency Training is the required training for earning a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Certification. Coursework includes counseling procedures, group techniques, assessment, treatment planning, and legal/ethical issues.
Program Duration: 40 hours.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.
Certification & Licensure: Following completion of Chemical Dependency Training, an individual is eligible for Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Certification through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
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Description: A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling is an undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge and skills in addiction counseling.
Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Flexible programs may be available to accommodate working professionals.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.; Some programs may require specific high school coursework or experience.
Certification & Licensure: Following graduation, an individual is eligible for Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II), or Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III) certification through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
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Description: A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Addiction Counseling is a graduate program that provides in-depth knowledge and skills for clinical practice in addiction counseling.
Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time) or 3-4 years (part-time). Flexible programs may be available to accommodate working professionals.
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in a related field; some programs may require specific coursework or experience.
Certification & Licensure: Following graduation, an individual is eligible for Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) licensure and later for Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor- Clinical Supervisor licensure (LICDC- CS) through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
Helpful Links
Next Steps Checklist:
Step 1 : Determine Your Pathway
Step 2: Research & Select a Program
Step 3: Check Admissions Requirements
Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Step 6: Complete Entrance Requirements
Step 7: Begin Program & Stay on Track
Step 8: Graduate & Apply for Licensure
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WHERE TO STUDY IN OHIO
Some public universities also have regional campuses that are comparable to community colleges in programs, costs, and access.
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Continuing Education Units (CEUS) accepted by the OCDP board to meet certification or licensure requirements must be approved by the following:
Ohio behavioral health licensing boards such as CSWMFT Board and PSY Board
Other Ohio licensing boards, if applicable
National associations that have been approved for CEUS such as NAADAC, APA, ASWB, NASW, NBCC
Other providers:
Format: Self-paced, online
Format: Self-paced, online
Format: Self-paced, online
List of Educational providers that offer courses to meet the CDCA requirements
NON-COLLEGE TRAINING PROGRAMS
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Location: Cleveland, Highland Hills, Parma, and Westlake, OH
Programs Offered: Short-Term Certificate in Chemical Dependency/CDCA
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Kirtland, OH
Programs Offered: Chemical Dependency Certificate
Training Format: In Person
Lorain County Community College
Location: Elyria, OH
Programs Offered: AAS Addiction Studies
Training Format: In Person
Location: Mansfield, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Substance Abuse Studies/CDCA I and II
Training Format: In Person
Location: North Canton, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Human and Social Services - Chemical Dependency
Training Format: In Person
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Location: Perrysburg, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Addiction Services/CDCA
Delivery Format: In person
Central Ohio Technical College
Location: Newark, OH
Programs Offered: Short-Term Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Delivery Format: Online
Location: Bellefontaine, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Addiction Recovery
Delivery Format: In-person
Columbus State Community College
Location: Columbus and Delaware, OH
Programs Offered: Addiction Studies Certificate/CDCA, Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Delivery Format: In Person
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Location: Marion, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Social Work and Addictions Technology
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Lima
Programs Offered: Addiction Services Certificate/CDCA-Pre/CDCA-Renewable
Delivery Format: Online
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University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
Location: Rio Grande, OH
Programs Offered: CDCA Certificate
Delivery Format: Hybrid
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Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: CDCA Certificate 1, CDCA Certificate 2, Addiction Studies Certificate, AAS in Human and Social Services, AAS in Human and Social Services - Addiction Studies Major
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Springfield and Beavercreek, OH
Programs Offered: Chemical Dependency Short-Term Technical Certificate/CDCA I and II, Peer Support/Addiction Recovery Short-Term Technical Certificate/CDCA, AA in Addiction & Recovery Services/CDCA, BAS in Addiction & Integrative Treatment Studies/CDCA
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Dayton, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling, Certificate in CDCA/Preliminary, Certificate in CDCA/Renewable, AAS in Addiction Services
Delivery Format: In Person
Southern State Community College
Location: Hillsboro, Mt. Orab, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Human & Social Services: Chemical Dependency/LCDC II, MRC in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, MRC in Addiction Counseling
Delivery Format: In Person
COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED COLLEGES
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Location: Ashland, OH
Programs Offered: Addiction Studies Minor
Delivery Format: In Person
Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs Offered: MSW/Substance Use Disorders and Recovery Specialization
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs Offered: Graduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Delivery Format: In Person and Online
Location: University Heights, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Delivery Format: Hybrid
Location: Kent, Warren OH
Programs Offered: Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling/CDCA, Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling, MEd-Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery Format: In Person, Hybrid (undergraduate certificate), and Online (undergraduate certificate)
Location: Canton, OH
Programs Offered: Chemical Dependency Counseling Minor/CDCA I
Training Format: In Person
Location: Akron, OH
Programs Offered: Addiction Services Certificate, Minor in Addiction
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Youngstown, OH
Programs Offered: MSEd in Addiction Counseling
Delivery Format: In-person
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Location: Tiffin, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Psychology - Addictions Counseling
Delivery Format: In person
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Location: Cedarville, OH
Programs Offered: Minor in Addiction and Chemical Dependency
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Circleville, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Addiction Counseling
Delivery Format: Hybrid
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Location: Portsmouth, OH
Programs Offered: Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Training Program/CDCA
Delivery Format: Online
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Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Substance Abuse Counseling, Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling, Certificate in Substance Abuse Prevention
Delivery Format: Online
Location: Oxford, OH
Programs Offered: The Family Science and Social Work (FSW) courses meets the requirements for the CDCA Credential and are “CDCA endorsed.”
Delivery Format: In person
UNIVERSITIES & OTHER COLLEGES
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