Prepares students for certification with CCAPP, CAADE, and CADTP. Employment opportunities are limited to California. Not approved for certification in other states.
Program Objectives
The program is designed to provide students with a complete educational program. Our curriculum exceeds California certification standards. Classes are suitable for students both with or without prior experience in the field of Substance Abuse Counseling.
What You'll Learn
The curriculum covers the core knowledge and practical skills employers look for in entry-level candidates.
- Introduction to substance use disorders and addiction models
- Counseling ethics and professional standards (CCAPP/CAADE/CADTP)
- Assessment, screening, and treatment planning
- Individual and group counseling techniques
- Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
- Case management and documentation practices
- Cultural competency in counseling
- Pharmacology of commonly misused substances
- Crisis intervention and relapse prevention
- California RADT and CADC-I certification pathway overview
Understanding the Certificate
A certificate from this program is not a license to practice independently as an alcohol and drug counselor.
California requires counselors to hold certification through CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP. This program is designed to help students accumulate supervised hours and education hours toward the RADT (Registrant in Alcohol and Drug Treatment) and CADC-I (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) designations. Certification requires additional supervised experience, passing an exam, and meeting the issuing body's standards — InterCoast does not control or guarantee those outcomes.
Approvals & Recognitions
Prepares students for certification with CCAPP, CAADE, and CADTP. Employment opportunities are limited to California. Not approved for certification in other states.
It's not just about them receiving the education, but it's also about them continuing on their career path.
Entry-Level Roles
Graduates of this program may pursue entry-level positions with titles such as:
- Alcohol & Drug Counselor
No specific employment outcome is guaranteed. Labor market conditions vary.
“The curriculum was engaging, practical, and directly applicable to the work I now do in the substance use disorder field. The knowledge and skills I gained gave me the confidence to work with individuals in recovery and reinforced my passion for helping others.”
Admissions & Financial Aid
A high school diploma or GED is required for enrollment. Students who do not hold a diploma or GED may qualify under the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternative — speak with an admissions advisor to determine eligibility.
This program is eligible for Title IV federal financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify — not all students will qualify for all types of aid. Contact the financial aid office for a complete picture of your options.
Where This Program Is Offered
Available online, and on-ground at 5 California campuses:
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications does this program prepare me for?
The program is structured around the education and skills requirements for the RADT and CADC-I designations through CCAPP, CAADE, and CADTP. Earning these certifications requires additional supervised hours and passing a certification exam.
Is this program available outside California?
The Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate is approved for California students and aligned with the California certification bodies. Contact admissions to discuss your situation if you are outside California.
Can I take this program online?
Yes. The program is offered in a hybrid format (on-ground with online components) at campus locations and may be available fully online. Contact admissions for current enrollment options.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. This program is Title IV eligible. Eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid. Contact an admissions advisor for details.