We often get questions about what the various credentials mean for drug and alcohol counselors. This is understandable – if you’re looking for drug and alcohol treatment, you likely want to know whether the counselors at the facility you’re looking at are qualified! Certification of CADC’s in California is managed by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).
What does CADC stand for?
CADC stands for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. There are three different levels of CADC, levels I. II and III. The level of counselor certification a counselor obtains depends on their work experience – a CADC I must have 2,080 hours of supervised work experience and an associate’s degree. Related fields could include, psychology, counseling, or behavioral science, among others. A CADC II, on the other hand, requires 6,000 hours of supervised work experience. A CADC III requires a bachelor’s degree and more supervised work hours. Many CADC I and II holders go on to seek bachelor’s degrees regardless.
What can a CADC do?
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors help individuals with substance use disorders navigate the complex and tough process of recovering from their drug problem. A CADC will often also help individuals navigate their mental health issues, although the focus remains on substance abuse.
Although a CADC is not required for addiction counseling, it is a valuable tool to show that a counselor has sufficient training and education to provide effective drug and alcohol counseling. In California, CCAPP oversees the application and renewals of CADC certifications to ensure that the counselor has obtained adequate education and training in areas such as ethics, confidentiality, counseling techniques, and many others.
CADC counselors help people by guiding them to understanding the underlying causes of their addiction and assisting them in seeking treatment. Counseling can happen in small-group or one-on-one sessions. Some counselors specialize in working with specific demographics such as adolescents, while others work with a general audience.
All of the staff at The Pathway Program currently obtain a CADC certification or are working toward one.
When seeking a counselor for yourself or a loved one, look for certifications or licensures that ensure the counselor has sufficient experience in the related field. A full list of Alcohol and Drug certifications and licenses can be found on CCAPP’s website.