Substance Abuse Counseling Certification in Kentucky

Kentucky has two primary levels of certification for Substance Abuse Counseling and a number of specialization certifications as well. The certification is known as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Below you will find the requirements for certification.

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Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Program: Earn your BA in Human Services with concentrations in Child and Family Services; Substance Abuse and Gerontology.

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Grand Canyon University

Featured Program: Choose from a variety of online counseling degree programs at GCU, from our Bachelor of Science in Counseling to our counseling master's degrees, including the Christian-focused online counseling and addiction counseling degrees.

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Walden University

Featured Program: Earn you BA, MS or PhD degree in Human Services in various concentrations.

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Liberty University

Featured Program: Our 100% online master’s in human services counseling degree is designed to give you a solid foundation in the study of human behavior and equip you with the practical helping skills you need to make a lasting impact on those around you.

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Purdue Global

Featured Program: Courses in Purdue Global’s social and behavioral sciences programs are reviewed by professionals and industry leaders to help ensure your education keeps you competitive.

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Rasmussen University

Featured Program: Human Services Associate Degree; Human Services Bachelors Degree-Completion Program

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KY CADC Requirements

• You must pass a criminal background check.
• You need a High School diploma or GED. However, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Behavioral Science is helpful in that it will reduce the amount of supervised experience you need (see below).
• You will need to accumulate 6000 hours of supervised AODA work with clients.
• A Bachelor’s degree requires 4000 hours.
• A Master’s degree requires only 2000 hours.
• This experience must be working within the 12 Core Functions: Screening; Intake; Orientation; Assessment; Treatment Planning; Counseling; Case Management; Crisis Intervention; Client Education; Referral; Reports and Record Keeping; Consultation.
• You will need 300 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor and this must include a minimum of 10 hours of supervision during work in each of the 12 Core Functions.
• You must show 270 hours of education, with at least thirty hours each in the following areas: Professional Responsibility, Counseling, Case Management, Client education and Assessment.
• You will need to pass the IC&RC/AODA Substance Abuse Exam.
• You can find the application form here.