If you’re aiming to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York, you’ve got two choices:
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Enroll in an OASAS-approved 350-hour CASAC program in NY (like ours, fully online).
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Pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling at a college that builds CASAC requirements into the degree.
Both paths lead to the same CASAC credential. But one gets you there faster, cheaper, and without wasting years on unrelated coursework.
What the 4-Year CASAC Degree Looks Like
Some New York colleges offer a bachelor’s in Addiction Studies or Human Services that integrates the CASAC 350-hour requirement. It’s a legitimate path—but here’s the reality:
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Time: A minimum of 4 years, full-time.
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Cost: Tuition averages $25,000–$40,000 per year (that’s $100k+ over four years).
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Extra classes: General education and electives you don’t need to become a CASAC.
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Delayed entry: You won’t start earning or working as a counselor until graduation.
For people who want a broader academic background, that’s fine. But if your goal is to start working in the field, this path is slow and expensive.
What the Online CASAC Training Looks Like
Our OASAS-approved CASAC training online gives you the exact same 350-hour requirement embedded in the bachelor’s—without the wasted time or cost.
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Timeline: Finish in as little as 4 months.
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Cost: $2,990–$4,750 total, with flexible payment plans starting at $63/month.
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Format: 100% online, self-paced, with preloaded workbooks, on-demand video lessons, and 125 hours of live webinars.
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Support: Direct access to certified trainers by phone, text, or email.
At the end, you’re ready to apply for your CASAC-T (Trainee) credential—the exact same milestone bachelor’s students wait 4 years to reach.
CASAC Certification Cost in New York: Side by Side
College Route
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4 years
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$100,000+
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No CASAC-T until after graduation
Online CASAC Training
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4 months
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Under $5,000
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Eligible for CASAC-T immediately
This is why so many students searching “CASAC certification cost New York” discover that the certificate program is the smarter investment.
Fastest Way to Become a CASAC in New York
If you’re Googling “fastest way to become a CASAC,” here’s the answer:
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Complete your 350 hour CASAC training online (4 months).
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Apply for your CASAC-Trainee.
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Begin working right away while completing your supervised hours.
Compare that to a 4-year degree—you’ll already have 3+ years of work experience by the time a bachelor’s student even applies for their CASAC-T.
Why Choose the Faster Path?
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Job Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% growth in the substance use counseling field through 2032. That’s demand you can step into now, not years from now.
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Job Security: With a CASAC-T, you can work in outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabs, hospitals, and community programs.
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Impact: Addiction counselors save lives. The sooner you train, the sooner you can make a difference.
Your Next Step
If you’re serious about becoming a counselor, the choice is clear:
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College: 4 years, $100k+, delayed career start.
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CASAC Training Online: 4 months, under $5k, immediate workforce entry.
👉 Start your OASAS-approved CASAC training online today and launch your career in just 4 months—without waiting 4 years.
