2023 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in New York
Our list below highlights online substance use counseling degrees in New York at all available program levels, including associate, bachelor's, and certificate levels. Earning a bachelor's degree in substance use counseling may be a good first step toward entering this field. In the state of New York, counselors must be credentialed by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). The OASAS has educational requirements, which can be met through a counseling certificate or degree program.
If you are on a budget, you may want to explore our ranked list of the most affordable online substance use counseling programs overall.
SUNY Empire State University
- Locations: Saratoga Springs
- Annual Tuition: $17,540
SUNY Empire State University (SUNY Empire) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers the an online bachelor's degree in addition studies.
- The Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies requires 124 credit hours and takes approximately four years to complete. However, this program accepts up to 93 transfer credits, so students can potentially complete it even faster. Courses include Counseling: Theories & Practice, Biology of Addiction, and Advocacy in Human Services. Graduates have 2,000 hours of work experience and are prepared to take the state's credentialing exam.
At SUNY Empire, students use the popular learning management system Moodle to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university library, academic counseling, and tutoring services.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
- Avg. Aid Package: $7,031
- Repayment Rate: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Recommend Rate: 63%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 4,829 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 1,491 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 543 enrolled
Tompkins Cortland Community College
- Locations: Dryden
- Annual Tuition: $12,280
Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) is a small, public institution that offers an online degree in substance use counseling as well as a related certificate program.
- The Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling requires 62 credit hours and takes around two years to complete. This online program includes courses like Abnormal Psychology, Essentials of Nutrition, and Group Counseling: Theory & Practice. Graduates who have completed the 350 hour educational requirement can sit for NY's credentialing exam.
- Students can complete the Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate in one year, as it requires only 26 credit hours. Students graduate with the 350 educational hours required to take the state's credential exam. Students must also complete the work experience requirements, however. Courses include Drug Studies, Introduction to Prevention, and Counseling Families & Significant Others.
At TC3, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Online students may choose to take courses that require in-person fieldwork. Online students have access to the university library, academic counseling, and tutoring services.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
- Avg. Aid Package: $6,626
- Repayment Rate: 79%
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 48%
- Recommend Rate: N/A
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 573 enrolled
- Graduate Online: N/A
- Certificate Online: 130 enrolled
Niagara County Community College
- Locations: Sanborn
- Annual Tuition: $10,924
Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is a mid-sized, public institution that offers an online certificate in substance use counseling.
- The Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate requires 36 credit hours and can take students at least two semesters to finish. NCCC’s counseling certificate program prepares graduates to take the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor exam and work as case managers, substance abuse counselors, and youth care workers in the field. Courses include Chemical Dependency Topics, Substance Abuse Interventions, and Lifespan Developmental Psychology.
At NCCC, students use the digital platform Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses may include classes via Zoom and/or track participation through discussion boards and assignments. Online students have access to the university library, tutoring services, and overall academic support.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
- Avg. Aid Package: $5,520
- Repayment Rate: 84%
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 531 enrolled
- Graduate Online: N/A
- Certificate Online: 24 enrolled
Overview of Substance Abuse Counseling in New York
Although the state of New York had one of the lower mortality rates due to drug overdose deaths as of 2021 — below the national average — residents are still grappling with substance use disorders. This public health issue has reached crisis level in New York City, where recent reports indicate that someone dies of an overdose every three hours, mainly due to fentanyl-laced drugs.
To address the issue, the New York State Department of Health has taken numerous steps to fight addiction and reduce the number of related deaths. Efforts include coordinating state and community initiatives, establishing a prescription drug monitoring system, and offering funding for community-based programs. State and private agencies are also hiring more licensed mental health professionals to provide substance use counseling in New York.
You could further your career with a bachelor's degree in counseling. Consider your options with our lists of the best online substance abuse counseling degrees, the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees, and the best online counseling degrees.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in New York
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in New York?
In general, earning an in-person or online substance abuse counseling degree opens up two career paths in the state of New York.
One path leads you to clinical roles as a substance use counselor working directly with clients face-to-face. Although you are not required to have a degree to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), it may qualify you for more advanced, higher-paying positions in the future.
The other path takes you to nonclinical roles, which are equally important in assisting people suffering from substance use disorders. For example, you could go to work for a local or state government agency or nonprofit organization where you'll be involved in developing and monitoring public education and treatment programs. With time and experience, you may qualify for more advanced roles in leadership.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in New York?
In New York, the Office of Addiction Services and Support oversees licensure for trained professionals who offer counseling for substance abuse. Becoming a substance use counselor is fairly straightforward because there is only one level of substance abuse counseling certification.
To qualify as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), you must live or work in the state at least 51% of the time. In terms of education, you need to have graduated from high school and completed 350 hours (approximately 24 courses) of college education in addiction counseling or a similar subject. You also need 6,000 hours of work experience in counseling, 300 hours of supervised work experience, and two recommendations from supervisors.
In New York, you can obtain your education through traditional or online substance abuse counseling degree programs. You don't necessarily have to graduate, but you must attend an institutionally accredited school. If you're interested in pursuing an education online, you'll find that all of the programs on our site are institutionally accredited. You may want to explore our lists of the best online substance abuse counseling master's degrees and the most affordable online substance abuse counseling master's degrees.
Once you have completed these requirements, you can apply to take the ADC exam sponsored by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). You must pass the exam to earn your CASAC license, which needs to be renewed every three years. To qualify for a renewed license, you must complete 60 hours of approved continuing education.
Does New York Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Yes, because New York is an IC&RC member, it offers reciprocity for substance use counselors who have earned IC&RC certification in other states. If you're a licensed counselor in good standing and you want to offer in-person or online substance abuse counseling in the state, you can contact IC&RC to initiate the reciprocity process. However, you must live and work in New York at least 51% of the time to practice as a CASAC here.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in New York?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New York earn a mean annual wage of $60,320. There are currently about 22,810 counselors working in the state, but ProjectionsCentral predicts that the number of substance abuse counseling jobs in New York will grow by 33.4% through the end of the decade.
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