Description: Prevention Training focuses on strategies to prevent behavioral health challenges, like substance use and mental illness, through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board requires 45 hours of training in eight content areas, plus 100 hours of prevention work (paid or volunteer), for its entry-level licensure.

Program Duration: 45 hours. Evening, weekend, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. May require a background check.

Certification & Licensure: Completion may lead to eligibility for the Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant Certificate (OCPSA), contingent upon the program and relevant experience. This certificate is granted through the Ohio Chemical Dependency & Professionals Board.

Description: Behavior Technician Training Programs prepare individuals to work as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). 

• Training is based on the RBT Task List, which covers ethics and behavior analysis principles. In addition, the training must be provided by a certified Behavior Analyst.

Program Duration: 40 hours. Often offered in online or hybrid formats. 

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; May require a background check.

Certification and Licensure: Graduates are eligible to take the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Ohio does not have a state-specific RBT certification.

Description: Certified Peer Supporter Training is an 11-module, non-degree program that teaches individuals with lived experience of mental health disorder or substance use disorder to support others on their recovery journey. There are three types of peer supporter training:

• Adult Peer (CPRS): Must have personal lived experience with mental health/substance use recovery.

• Youth Peer (CYPS): Ages 18–30 with lived behavioral health experience.

• Family Peer (CFPS): Caregiver with at least 1 year navigating behavioral health services for a loved one. State-approved training program, often offered by community mental health agencies or training centers. 

Program Duration: 11 free online modules via E-Based Academy, plus 40 hours of specialized training in-person, hybrid, or online.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Individuals must have lived experience in recovery from a Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder condition, and a specific duration of recovery may be required. In addition, a background check is typically required. 

Certification & Licensure: Upon completion, individuals may apply for certification through the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMAS) as a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter.

Description: An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree in a Behavioral Science Field can be any 2-year degree that meets state requirements for behavioral science. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (in the OAC 4758-2-01) defines a degree in Behavioral Science as one in any of the following subject areas: 

• Human services 

• Addiction/substance use disorders 

• Social work 

• Psychology 

• Sociology 

• Criminal Justice 

• Clinical Counseling 

• School Counseling 

• Human development and family sciences 

• Public Health 

• Nursing

Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Available in full-time or part-time formats, with options for in-person and online delivery. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.

Certification & Licensure: Graduates may qualify for entry-level positions in behavioral health and human services. 

Description: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a Behavioral Science Field can be any 4-year degree that meets state requirements for behavioral science. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (in the OAC 4758-2-01) defines a degree in Behavioral Science as one in any of the following subject areas: 

• Human services 

• Addiction/substance use disorders 

• Social work 

• Psychology 

• Sociology 

• Criminal Justice 

• Clinical Counseling 

• School Counseling 

• Human development and family sciences 

• Public Health 

• Nursing

Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.

Certification and Licensure: Graduates may qualify for state-level credentials or pursue graduate programs in counseling, social work, or psychology.

Description: A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in a Behavioral Science Field can be any graduate degree that meets state requirements for behavioral science. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (in the OAC 4758-2-01) defines a degree in Behavioral Science as one in any of the following subject areas: 

• Human services 

• Addiction/substance use disorders 

• Social work 

• Psychology 

• Sociology 

• Criminal Justice 

• Clinical Counseling 

• School Counseling 

• Human development and family sciences 

• Public Health 

• Nursing

Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Certification & Licensure: Graduates qualify for credentials like Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC-III) and Certified Prevention Specialist (OCPSA, OCPS, OCPC). Additionally, Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).