Best Addiction Counseling Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina’s ongoing battle with substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction, methamphetamine use, and alcohol dependency, has created urgent demand for qualified substance abuse and addiction counselors across the Tar Heel State. From the mountain communities of Asheville and Boone to the Research Triangle, Charlotte metro, and coastal counties, North Carolina needs professionals trained in evidence-based addiction treatment modalities. North Carolina’s universities and colleges have responded with comprehensive addiction counseling programs offering flexible pathways for aspiring counselors to enter this rewarding and essential field.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How master’s degrees and graduate certificates in addiction counseling differ in North Carolina
- Which program format (online, hybrid, or campus) best fits your schedule and learning style
- What practicum and internship requirements look like at North Carolina treatment facilities
- How North Carolina’s addiction counselor credentials (LCAS, CCS) connect to your education
- Career opportunities and salary expectations for addiction counselors across the state
2026 Best Addiction Counseling Programs in North Carolina
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Treating Substance Use Disorders
Online Learning - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Graduate Certificate in Treating Substance Use Disorders is a specialized program for MSW students aiming to become Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists. This online program equips students with essential skills for addiction counseling, preparing them for the LCAS credential in North Carolina. It's ideal for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals affected by substance use disorders. The curriculum is designed by credentialed faculty, offering flexibility for working professionals. This certificate opens doors to clinical practice, emphasizing real-world applications and ethical standards in addiction treatment.
- Online program flexibility.
- Prepares for LCAS credential.
- Taught by credentialed faculty.
- Focus on addiction counseling.
- For current MSW students.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu
Master's - Master of Arts: Addiction Counseling Concentration
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling, designed to prepare students for impactful careers in addiction treatment. This program equips students with the skills to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and employ clinical strategies for recovery. With a 100% licensure exam pass rate over the past decade, graduates are well-prepared for roles in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and social service agencies. The program requires 60 hours of coursework and includes practical field experiences. Accredited by CACREP, it meets high professional standards, offering a fast track to licensure in North Carolina and beyond.
- 100% licensure exam pass rate.
- 60 hours of graduate coursework.
- CACREP accredited program.
- Fast track to licensure in NC.
- Practical field experiences included.
- Dual licensure eligibility.
- Member of IC&RC.
- Outstanding National Program recognition.
- Scholarship opportunities available.
- Learn from award-winning faculty.
Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Post-Masters Certificate in Addiction Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte equips professionals with specialized skills to address addiction challenges. This program requires a Masters degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program. It includes 180 clock hours of coursework and 300 hours of clinical experience, preparing students for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in North Carolina. The curriculum covers theories of addiction, assessment, interventions, and treatment planning. Admission requires a statement of purpose and professional evaluations. This certificate enhances professional standing and expertise in addiction counseling.
- CACREP-accredited program required.
- 180 clock hours coursework.
- 300 hours clinical experience.
- Prepares for NC licensure.
- Focus on addiction counseling.
- Includes treatment planning.
- Requires Masters in Counseling.
- Statement of purpose needed.
- Professional evaluations required.
- Enhances professional expertise.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Addiction Treatment
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Addiction Treatment at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro equips students with foundational knowledge to become addiction professionals. This fully online program combines synchronous and asynchronous courses, offering flexibility. It meets educational requirements for licensure in North Carolina and other states. The curriculum covers addiction models, drug classifications, neurobiology, and treatment planning. Designed for post-bachelor level professionals, it emphasizes culturally responsive and evidence-based practices. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA. The program can be completed in 12 months full-time or extended part-time.
- Fully online program
- Synchronous and asynchronous courses
- Meets NC licensure requirements
- 12-month completion full-time
- Part-time options available
- Rolling admissions
- Bachelor's degree required
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- Culturally responsive practices
- Evidence-based practices
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC - Public 4-Year - uncp.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is an online program designed for those aiming to specialize in addiction counseling. This 12-credit hour program prepares students for professional counseling careers, leadership roles, and advocacy positions in the field of addictive disorders. It covers substance-related disorders, comorbid conditions, assessment methods, and intervention theories. The curriculum meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) application in North Carolina. Ideal for current students, graduates, and community applicants with relevant master's degrees, the program emphasizes practical skills and knowledge for addressing complex needs in addiction counseling.
- Online program format.
- 12-credit hour curriculum.
- Meets NCASPPB LCAS requirements.
- Focus on addictive disorders.
- Includes psychopharmacology and addiction.
- Covers family impact of substance disorders.
- Addresses special populations in addiction.
- B- or higher required in courses.
- Option for addictions-specific internship.
- For current students and community applicants.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC - Public 4-Year - uncw.edu
Graduate Certificate - Substance Use Disorders and Addictions Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Substance Use Disorders and Addictions Certificate at the University of North Carolina Wilmington prepares students for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) credential. This hybrid program blends in-person and online learning, focusing on core competencies in substance abuse counseling. Courses cover ethics, HIV/AIDS, and clinical supervision, among others. Designed for MSW students and community practitioners, the program offers intensive seven-and-a-half-week courses. Financial aid options are available for eligible students. This certificate meets North Carolina's educational requirements for licensure, equipping graduates with the skills needed for careers in addiction treatment.
- Hybrid program format
- Focus on LCAS credential
- Intensive 7.5-week courses
- Ethics and HIV/AIDS covered
- Financial aid available
- Meets NC licensure requirements
- Evening classes offered
- Credentialed faculty
- For MSW students and practitioners
- Clinical supervision included
Master’s Degrees vs. Graduate Certificates: Choosing Your Path
Master’s Degree Programs
Common degrees: MA or MS in Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addiction Specialization
Typical structure: 48-60 credit hours over 2-3 years
Best for: Individuals beginning their counseling careers or those with bachelor’s degrees seeking to enter the addiction treatment profession
Master’s in addiction counseling programs provide a comprehensive foundation in counseling theories, therapeutic techniques, ethics, and clinical practice. North Carolina programs typically include courses in addiction foundations, pharmacology of addictive substances, group counseling, family systems, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention.
Graduates of 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs can pursue dual licensure as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS) in North Carolina, maximizing career flexibility.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Typical structure: 15-24 credit hours over 1-2 semesters
Best for: Licensed professionals adding addiction specialization, or master’s-prepared counselors enhancing credentials
Addiction counseling graduate certificates provide focused substance abuse training without requiring a full master’s degree. North Carolina professionals with existing counseling degrees often pursue certificates to meet LCAS educational requirements or transition from general mental health practice to addiction specialty work.
TIP: If you’re starting fresh in the counseling field, pursue a master’s degree, as it opens more doors and meets North Carolina licensing requirements. If you already hold a counseling master’s and want addiction specialization, a graduate certificate efficiently adds this credential.
Program Delivery: Finding Your Format
Campus-Based Programs
Traditional on-campus programs offer immersive learning, immediate faculty access, and peer collaboration. North Carolina’s campus programs are concentrated in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Wilmington, and Greenville, with established relationships with local practicum sites, including Fellowship Hall in Greensboro, Sunrise Recovery in Asheville, and Alexander Youth Network in Charlotte.
Online Programs
Fully online programs deliver coursework through learning management systems, allowing students across North Carolina to access quality education while maintaining full-time employment. Clinical practicum and internship hours must still be completed in-person at North Carolina substance abuse treatment facilities.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs blend online coursework with periodic campus requirements, typically weekend intensives, week-long summer sessions, or monthly in-person meetings. This format balances flexibility with face-to-face learning opportunities.
Practicum and Internship Requirements
All North Carolina addiction counseling programs require supervised clinical experience at substance abuse treatment facilities.
| Program Type | Typical Clinical Hours | Settings |
| Master’s Degree | 600-1,000 hours | Residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, community mental health centers |
| Graduate Certificate | 300-600 hours | Varies by program; often completed at student’s workplace if employed in addiction treatment |
North Carolina Clinical Sites
Students complete hours at facilities including Fellowship Hall (Greensboro), Sunrise Recovery (Asheville), Healing Transitions (Raleigh), Julian F. Keith Center (Black Mountain), Alexander Youth Network (Charlotte), Monarch (multiple locations), Southeastern Integrated Care (Fayetteville), Veterans Affairs facilities in Durham and Asheville, NC Department of Corrections programs, and university counseling centers.
TIP: Seek diverse placements; experience with both adolescents and adults, various substances of abuse, different treatment modalities, and both inpatient and outpatient settings. This breadth strengthens your skills and makes you more competitive for North Carolina employment.
North Carolina Credentials and Licensure
Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS)
North Carolina’s LCAS credential requires:
- Master’s degree in counseling or related field
- 270 contact hours of addiction-specific education
- 6,000 hours of supervised clinical practice (3,000 post-master’s)
- Passing the IC&RC International Examination
Most North Carolina master’s programs in addiction counseling meet the 270-hour education requirement. Graduate certificates may also satisfy this requirement depending on credit hours.
Dual Licensure Pathways
Graduates of 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs with addiction coursework can pursue both LCMHC and LCAS licensure, positioning themselves for diverse clinical roles and higher earning potential.
Admission Requirements
Most North Carolina programs expect:
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution (for master’s programs)
- Master’s degree in counseling or related field (for graduate certificates)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (some programs prefer 3.25+)
- GRE scores (increasingly optional)
- Personal statement outlining interest in addiction counseling
- Resume demonstrating relevant experience
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- Interview (in-person or virtual)
Program Costs and Financial Aid
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
| Public university master’s (NC residents) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Public university master’s (non-residents) | $35,000 – $65,000 |
| Private university master’s | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Graduate certificates | $6,000 – $18,000 |
North Carolina-Specific Funding:
- NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship: For students pursuing counseling degrees committing to work in North Carolina schools
- North Carolina Health Professions Student Loan Program: Low-interest loans for health-related fields
- SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program: Federal funding for underrepresented students
Many North Carolina treatment facilities offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant graduate education.
Career Opportunities in North Carolina
North Carolina’s addiction counseling field offers diverse career paths in community-based outpatient programs, residential treatment facilities, hospital-based addiction medicine programs at Atrium Health, Duke Health, and UNC Health, faith-based recovery programs, military and veteran-focused treatment near Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, collegiate recovery programs at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, and correctional substance abuse treatment.
Salary Expectations
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
| Entry-level (CSAC) | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Licensed (LCAS) | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Experienced/Supervisory | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Program Director/Administrator | $75,000 – $95,000+ |
Urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Asheville typically pay more than rural counties, though cost of living differences often balance compensation disparities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a counseling background to enter a master’s program in addiction counseling?
A: No. Most North Carolina addiction counseling master’s programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds including psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, or unrelated fields. Programs provide foundational counseling training alongside addiction-specific content.
Q: Can I become licensed as an addiction counselor in North Carolina with just a certificate?
A: Not independently. North Carolina’s LCAS credential requires a master’s degree. However, you can work as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) with bachelor’s-level education and specialized training. Graduate certificates are most valuable for master’s-prepared professionals adding addiction specialization.
Q: How long does it take to become fully licensed (LCAS) after completing my master’s degree?
A: After graduating, you need 6,000 supervised clinical hours (minimum 3,000 post-master’s). Working full-time in addiction treatment, this typically requires 2-3 years. You can work as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA) during this supervision period.
