2023 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Connecticut

Graduates who've earned traditional or online substance abuse counseling degrees at the bachelor's level are qualified to pursue several different career opportunities in Connecticut. Most of these occupations are nonclinical positions that don't require licensure. Some examples include community health workers, health education specialists, and community service managers.

If you want to work as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Connecticut, you'll need to earn a master's degree in substance abuse counseling or a similar field. Additionally, you'll need to fulfill requirements for supervised clinical practice in paid or unpaid environments, and you'll have to pass a national exam.

Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Connecticut is a fairly straightforward process. In this state, there is only one level of substance abuse counseling certification. 

When you submit your application to become a Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Counselor, you'll need to attach the following documentation:

• Verification of 300 hours of supervised practical training in alcohol and drug counseling
• Verification of three years of supervised paid work experience or unpaid internships that involved working directly with alcohol and drug clients
• Transcripts for 360 hours of approved education, at least 240 hours of which focused on the knowledge and skills used in alcohol and drug abuse counseling
• Confirmation of a passing score on the International Certification Examination for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors administered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)

If you want, you can meet the educational requirements by studying online. Substance abuse counseling bachelor's degrees and substance abuse counseling master's degrees — including affordable master's degrees in substance abuse counseling — are all available through distance learning. All of the schools on our lists are institutionally accredited. 

Once you're certified, you'll need to renew your certification every two years on your birthday. As part of the maintenance process, you'll need to complete 20 hours of continuing education in the field.

Yes, because Connecticut's licensure requirements are similar to the requirements for the highest levels of certification in other states, the Connecticut Certification Board is willing to recognize credentials from outside the state. Certified counselors from other states can apply for reciprocal licensing so they can legally practice face-to-face and online substance abuse counseling in Connecticut.

The number of years it takes to become a licensed substance abuse counselor in Connecticut varies depending on several factors. While some candidates may be able to complete their formal education in six or seven years, others may need longer. Candidates may also need three years or more to accumulate all of the required hours of supervised work experience.