The difference between an addiction counseling and a psychology degree is that addiction counseling is more practical & specialized for employment. A bachelor’s degree in Psychology, by itself, does not qualify you for a specific job in the field of Psychology. It takes at least a master’s degree to work in organizational psychology, or school psychology. To become a licensed clinical psychologist, most states require you to earn a Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D).
In contrast, employment in the field of addiction counseling, doesn’t require a graduate degree. Instead, a certification process is administered by certifying bodies in every state, each with slightly different policies and requirements.
So how does a degree from City Vision University help you to become a certified addiction counselor? While the rules vary somewhat from state to state, generally a bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling from City Vision means you will have met all of the educational requirements for certification. Many states also require fewer supervised hours for those who have a degree in this field. Some will actually automatically confer a higher credential to degree holders.
You can apply for free to our program here.
Because City Vision University is a NAADAC Approved Academic Education Provider, the credits you earn are most likely to be accepted by your state board to meet their educational requirements. Along with the education requirements, certifying bodies also require that you pass written examinations and document that you have fulfilled the required supervised clinical hours. Most will also require that you present a case study that is reviewed by your peers.
Because the Addiction Counseling program is so closely tied to practical application, we recommend our Addiction Counseling program for students who wish to serve in the field more quickly and inexpensively. You will learn psychology and counseling basics, all with an orientation toward Addiction Counseling jobs.
Below you can see how City Vision’s Addiction Counseling degrees align with SAMSHA’s Career Ladder for Addiction Professionals.
The difference between an addiction counseling and a psychology degree is that addiction counseling is more practical & specialized for employment. A bachelor’s degree in Psychology, by itself, does not qualify you for a specific job in the field of Psychology. It takes at least a master’s degree to work in organizational psychology, or school psychology. To become a licensed clinical psychologist, most states require you to earn a Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D).
In contrast, employment in the field of addiction counseling, doesn’t require a graduate degree. Instead, a certification process is administered by certifying bodies in every state, each with slightly different policies and requirements.
So how does a degree from City Vision University help you to become a certified addiction counselor? While the rules vary somewhat from state to state, generally a bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling from City Vision means you will have met all of the educational requirements for certification. Many states also require fewer supervised hours for those who have a degree in this field. Some will actually automatically confer a higher credential to degree holders.
You can apply for free to our program here.
Because City Vision University is a NAADAC Approved Academic Education Provider, the credits you earn are most likely to be accepted by your state board to meet their educational requirements. Along with the education requirements, certifying bodies also require that you pass written examinations and document that you have fulfilled the required supervised clinical hours. Most will also require that you present a case study that is reviewed by your peers.
Because the Addiction Counseling program is so closely tied to practical application, we recommend our Addiction Counseling program for students who wish to serve in the field more quickly and inexpensively. You will learn psychology and counseling basics, all with an orientation toward Addiction Counseling jobs.
Below you can see how City Vision’s Addiction Counseling degrees align with SAMSHA’s Career Ladder for Addiction Professionals.
How City Vision’s Programs Align with SAMHSA’s Career Ladder for Addiction Professionals
| Education | High School or G.E.D. | Certificate | Associate’s Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | Grad Certificate & Master’s | Doctorate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career Opportunities | Peer Recovery Support Specialist or similar title | SUD Counselor in Training Outreach Recovery House Detox Tech Intern | SUD Counselor in Training Outreach Recovery House Detox Tech Intern Community Education Group, and Assessment support | SUD Counselor Clinical Supervisor Manager Administrator Trainer | SUD Counselor Clinical Supervisor Manager Administrator Educator | SUD Counselor Clinical Supervisor Manager Administrator Educator |
| Required State Credential or License | Dependent on state regulations | Dependent on state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state regulations | Most states require credential or certification – check state regulations |
| SAMHSA Career Ladder Level | Entry Level SUD Technician | Entry Level SUD Technician | Associate SUD Counselor | SUD Counselor | Clinical SUD Independent Counselor/ Supervisor |
Counselor or Clinical SUD |
| NCC AP National Certification | Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) | National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) | National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) | National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II) | Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) | Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) |