Associate's in Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance Abuse Counseling (DAAC)

Odessa College’s Associate’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling prepares students to support individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction and behavioral health challenges. This program blends evidence-based counseling techniques, case management skills, and supervised field experience to equip graduates for meaningful work in the growing field of addiction services.

Students learn how to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling in a variety of settings. The curriculum aligns with Texas requirements for chemical dependency education and supports students pursuing the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential.

Key transferable skills gained include, but are not limited to:

• Counseling & Communication: Building rapport, facilitating groups, and supporting client recovery.
• Assessment & Case Management: Screening, documentation, treatment planning, and advocacy.
• Crisis Response: Applying intervention strategies in high‑stress situations.
• Ethical & Legal Knowledge: Understanding state regulations, confidentiality, and professional standards.
• Cultural Competence: Working effectively with diverse populations and community systems.

Whether students plan to enter the workforce or continue toward licensure and advanced degrees, the DAAC program provides a strong foundation for careers in counseling, social services, and behavioral health.

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How Substance Abuse Counseling Supports Major Fields of Interest:

Major Field of Interest	How DAAC Benefits the Major
Social Work:	Strengthens client assessment, crisis intervention, and case management skills essential for human services roles.
Psychology:	Provides applied experience in counseling, behavior change, and mental health support.
Criminal Justice:	Supports work in rehabilitation, corrections, probation, and community re‑entry programs.
Health Sciences:	Improves understanding of addiction as a health condition and enhances patient communication.
Public Service & Community Outreach:	Builds skills for prevention programs, nonprofit work, and community‑based support services.

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Associate’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling

Pathway to LCDC Licensure

This program prepares students to work in addiction treatment and recovery environments while meeting the educational requirements for Texas LCDC pathways. Students gain hands‑on experience and learn how to support individuals through assessment, treatment planning, and counseling interventions.

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How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas

To work as a substance abuse counselor in Texas, individuals typically follow these steps:

1. Earn an Associate’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or a related behavioral health field
2. Complete required chemical dependency coursework
3. Complete required supervised experience hours
4. Pass the Texas certification exam for substance abuse counseling
5. Apply for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential through Texas HHSC

This program is designed to align with the education requirements needed for state certification and provides a strong foundation for students pursuing LCDC licensure.

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What You Learn in the Program

Students develop essential skills used by professionals in treatment and recovery settings, including:

This Associate degree is transferable to most senior colleges and is articulated with UTPB, leading to bachelor’s degrees in psychology, sociology, social work, and criminal justice.

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Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles in human services and addiction support fields, such as:

Many graduates continue their education while gaining supervised experience toward LCDC licensure in Texas.

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Why Choose Odessa College

• Practical, hands‑on training and supervised field experience
• Curriculum aligned with Texas state counselor certification pathways
• Supportive faculty with professional experience in counseling and addiction services
• Stackable credentials that build toward continued education and licensure

Whether you are starting a new career or advancing in human services, this program provides the education and experience needed to work effectively with individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders.

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Become a Wrangler Today! 

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Scholarships & Free Tuition Opportunity