SUD Counseling Studies Certificate Course – “There are many ways to make a living. There are few that let you change lives.”

A woman is sitting in a chair in a library reading a book.

Build a Purpose-Driven Career in Recovery With Our CCAPP- and CADTP-Approved Program

At ADCSI—Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies Institute—we help people turn their passion for helping others into a profession that makes a lasting impact. Whether you're starting your journey in behavioral health or looking to earn full certification in California, our SUD Counseling Studies Certificate Course is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience needed to not only obtain employment but to also thrive in the profession of SUD Counseling.

Approved by both CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals) and CADTP (California Association of DUI Treatment Programs), our program fully meets all state requirements for becoming a certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor.

ADCSI provides flexible and affordable online learning without compromising quality. Our comprehensive certificate program combines engaging learning methods, asynchronous video interaction, practical hands-on training, exam preparation, and job placement assistance — guiding you every step of the way toward certification and a successful career in the profession of Substance Use Disorder Counseling.

Course Format Options to Fit Your Life

Learn at Your Own Pace—With Full Support

We understand that no two students have the same schedule or needs. That’s why we offer three structured pathways, allowing you to balance learning with work, family, or other responsibilities.

✅ Accelerated Track: One module per month. Perfect for students seeking fast certification.
✅ Self-Paced Track: Our most popular format. Learn on your own schedule and finish in 6–12 months.
✅ Keep your team compliant and save on training costs. Contact us today to learn more about our Treatment Partnership Program and bulk enrollment discounts for treatment centers.

Each track includes the same curriculum, externship hours, and certification outcomes, so you never sacrifice quality—only gain flexibility.

What You’ll Learn—Curriculum Breakdown

315 Hours of Didactic Education

Our program is structured into seven modules, each building the foundation for a confident, competent career in counseling:

📈 Personal and Professional Growth and Development (45 Hours)
🧠 Abnormal Psychology (45 Hours)
⚖ Law and Ethics (45 Hours)
💊 Physiology and Pharmacology (45 Hours)
👥 Individual, Group, and Family Counseling (45 Hours)
📋 Case Management (45 Hours)
🧑‍🏫 Supervised Practicum (45 Hours)

These modules align with California’s educational standards for SUD certification, ensuring that you're not just learning—you’re preparing to make a real difference.

🎥 Experience Learning Like Never Before with Our Video Lab

Imagine enrolling in a program to become a certified SUD counselor — and all you get is an 800-page book, a few tests, and a “good luck” message. That’s not us. At ADCSI, we know today’s students deserve more than outdated, one-size-fits-all learning. Our asynchronous Video Lab gives you the best of both worlds — the flexibility of online learning with the engagement and interaction of a real classroom.

Just like every client deserves a unique treatment plan, every student deserves a learning experience that works for their style, their pace, and their goals. Our Video Lab lets you show what you’ve learned in your way — making learning personal, interactive, and unforgettable.

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What Sets ADCSI Apart?

More Than a Program—It’s a Professional Launchpad

✅ Lifetime Job Placement Assistance—We support your career long after graduation.
✅ Mentorship and Peer Support—Connect with instructors and classmates in our video lab.
✅ Weekly Start Dates—New cohorts begin every Monday.
✅ Pass Guarantee—If you don’t pass the state exam, we’ll pay for your retest.
✅ “Pay Over Time With Buy Now, Pay Later — Because Education Shouldn’t Break the Bank.”

Is This Course Right for You?

This program is ideal if you are:

A current RADT or SUDRC looking to meet full certification requirements
Passionate about supporting individuals with substance use challenges
A working professional in need of flexible, online education
Employed at a treatment facility and seeking credentials for career advancement
Interested in joining a growing, purpose-driven profession
Already wokring in Treatment needing to ensure that you are in compliance with state standards to maintain employment.