New Jersey Addiction Counseling Schools and State Licensure Information

The State of New Jersey and the Divisions of Addictions Services (DAS), in accordance with the New Jersey Statues and Regulations governing the licensing of alcohol and drug counselors, employ only certified professionals in Addiction Counseling or Substance Abuse Counseling. This includes becoming a LCADC or a CADC.

LCADC – Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor
CADA – Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Education and Requirements for a LCADC in New Jersey

Applicants must possess a doctorate or master’s degree in addictions counseling, or a counseling related field from an accredited college or university.

Education and Requirements for a CADC

For those interested in a CADA, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree.

Candidates for licensure for both a LCACA and CADA must also have:

270 hours of addiction core course work
Supervised training
A written or oral examination

More information regarding certification and licensure requirements, laws, and regulations that govern the practice of substance abuse counseling in New Jersey can be found at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/alcohol/ & pdf version.

Schools in New Jersey Offering Addiction Counseling or Substance Abuse Programs

There are several schools in New Jersey that offer counseling programs, and prepare students to become competent counselors in a variety of work settings including substance abuse treatment facilities; which follow the academic preparation guidelines established by the State of New Jersey’s licensure and certification boards.

Montclair State University

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling:

Montclair offers courses that fulfill the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey for CADC eligibility. The courses provide the necessary credits to be taken toward certification only or they can be applied towards a Master’s degree program.

For more information please visit http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/programs-of-study/certified-alcohol-drug-counselor/

The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey is an accredited institution to the N.J.A.C, and offers coursework that meets the educational requirements for licensure for a LCADA. The program includes graduate credit hours in counseling, and drug education course hours.

For more information please visit http://counselored.pages.tcnj.edu/programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling-program/

Monmouth University

Monmouth is an accredited institution and offers a program to help students become a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). Interested students can earn all the required course work and up to 1,000 hours of the practice requirement.

For more information please visit http://www.monmouth.edu/academics/schools/social_work/substanceabusecounseling.asp

Camden County College

CCC prepares students to apply for licensure as a Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADA).

For more information please visit http://www.camdencc.edu/html/gainfulemp/gainfulemployment/add.ca.pdf

Burlington County College

Burlington CC offers career certifications including an Addictions Counseling Certificate of Achievement.

For more information please visit http://www.bcc.edu/pages/197.asp