Addiction Counseling Training New York: Start Your CASAC Career Helping Others
You want to help people change their lives — not someday, but soon. Addiction counseling isn’t just another job. It’s a calling, a career that mixes skill, compassion, and real-world experience. And the good news? You can start your addiction counseling training New York today, without setting foot in a traditional classroom.
What Addiction Counseling Training Actually Is
Addiction counseling training teaches you how to support people dealing with substance use disorders. It’s the educational foundation for becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) — New York’s official addiction counselor certification.
You’ll learn how to:
- Conduct client assessments
- Develop and document treatment plans
- Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions
- Maintain professional ethics and boundaries
- Work within New York’s clinical and legal frameworks
The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) sets the rules for certification, and only OASAS-approved programs count toward your CASAC credential.
How to Become a CASAC in New York
To earn your CASAC certification, you must complete three key requirements:
- 350 hours of approved education
- 6,000 hours of supervised work experience
- A passing score on the IC&RC CASAC exam
If you already have a degree in human services or behavioral health, you may qualify for reduced work-hour requirements.
Step 1. Complete 350 Hours of Education
This is where your journey starts. Your addiction counseling training New York covers four major content areas:
- Knowledge of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
You’ll explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, including co-occurring mental health issues. - Counseling and Communication Skills
Learn interviewing techniques, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies. - Case Management and Documentation
Develop the administrative skills needed to track client progress and coordinate care across agencies. - Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Understand the laws, confidentiality rules, and ethical standards that guide your work as a CASAC.
Educational Enhancement CASAC Online is an OASAS-approved provider (Provider #0415), offering the full 350-hour program completely online. You can learn at your own pace — anywhere, anytime — with instructor support from seasoned professionals in the field.
Step 2. Gain Supervised Work Experience
You’ll need 6,000 hours (about three years full-time) of supervised experience providing direct addiction counseling services.
These hours can be earned at:
- Outpatient treatment centers
- Inpatient programs
- Detox and harm reduction facilities
- Recovery community organizations
If you hold a degree, OASAS allows a reduction in required hours:
- Associate’s degree: 5,000 hours
- Bachelor’s degree: 4,000 hours
- Master’s degree: 2,000 hours
Keep documentation of your hours and supervision — you’ll need it when applying for your CASAC credential.
Step 3. Pass the CASAC Exam
Once your education and experience are complete, you can apply to take the IC&RC CASAC exam. It’s a 150-question test covering the eight performance domains of addiction counseling.
Most students who complete their addiction counseling training New York with Educational Enhancement pass on their first try because our program mirrors the exam’s structure. You’ll have study guides, review quizzes, and test prep built in.
Step 4. Apply for CASAC-T and Upgrade to CASAC
After finishing your 350 education hours, you can apply for the CASAC Trainee (CASAC-T) credential. This allows you to work under supervision while completing your required experience hours.
Once you’ve met all requirements and passed the exam, you’ll become a fully credentialed CASAC — recognized across New York State and beyond through IC&RC reciprocity.
Why Choose Online Addiction Counseling Training
The old way — sitting in classrooms on rigid schedules — doesn’t work for most people. Online learning lets you move at your pace while still getting the depth and accountability you need.
With Educational Enhancement CASAC Online, you’ll get:
- Full 350-hour OASAS-approved program
- Self-paced online courses
- Built-in quizzes, feedback, and progress tracking
- Support from certified CASAC instructors
- Instant access to completion certificates
You can study before or after work, from home or the office — wherever life takes you.
How Long Does It Take
Most students complete their addiction counseling training New York in 3–6 months, depending on their schedule.
After that, supervised experience takes 12–36 months depending on your education level and work hours.
How Much Does CASAC Training Cost
Here’s what you can expect financially:
- CASAC education: $4,500–$6500
- OASAS application fee: $100
- IC&RC exam fee: $150
Educational Enhancement CASAC Online offers flexible payment plans, so you can start your training without waiting for a paycheck or financial aid approval.
Career Outlook for CASACs in New York
New York has one of the highest demands for addiction counselors in the country.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):
- Median salary: $63,000 per year
- Top earners: $78,000+
- Projected job growth: 18% through 2032
You’ll find CASAC roles in hospitals, detox centers, correctional facilities, and recovery programs across the state.
Why This Work Matters
Helping people overcome addiction isn’t simple. It’s raw, emotional, and unpredictable. But it’s also deeply rewarding.
When you see someone rebuild their life — get their first apartment, reunite with their family, or simply stay sober one more day — you’ll know why you chose this path.
Start Your Addiction Counseling Training in New York Today
You don’t need perfect timing, just the courage to start.
Educational Enhancement CASAC Online gives you everything you need to begin your certification journey: an OASAS-approved 350-hour program, expert instructors, and flexible learning built for real life.
Enroll today and start turning your purpose into a profession.
