AACS Atlanta offers a comprehensive Substance Abuse Counselor Certification training program designed for individuals in Georgia who want to build a career in addiction counseling. The program provides the educational requirements, practical skills, and certification preparation needed to counsel individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders.
Whether you are entering the field for the first time or advancing an existing career in behavioural health, AACS Atlanta’s CADC training program gives you the foundation to become a certified, competent, and compassionate addiction counselor in Georgia.
AACS Atlanta’s CADC training program prepares students for two certification levels recognised across Georgia and nationally:
The CADC I credential is the entry-level certification for substance abuse counselors in Georgia. It is designed for individuals who are beginning their career in addiction counseling and need to meet the educational and clinical requirements set by Georgia’s certification boards. CADC I certified counselors are qualified to provide direct client services under supervision in outpatient and community settings.
The CADC II credential is an advanced certification for experienced addiction counselors in Georgia. It requires a higher level of clinical hours, education, and demonstrated competency. CADC II certified counselors are qualified to work more independently, take on complex cases, and provide clinical supervision to CADC I counselors and interns.
AACS Atlanta understands that most aspiring counselors in Georgia are already working full-time. That is why the CADC training program is structured to accommodate busy schedules without compromising the quality of education.
Training sessions are available on the following schedules:
This flexible format allows Georgia professionals in social services, healthcare, criminal justice, and related fields to earn their CADC certification without taking time away from their current employment or personal responsibilities.
The AACS Atlanta CADC training program meets the full educational requirements of two nationally recognised certification bodies:
Completing the program ensures that Georgia candidates are fully prepared to sit for their CADC I or CADC II certification exam and meet all board-mandated educational hour requirements.
AACS Atlanta’s CADC curriculum covers the core competencies required for effective substance abuse counseling in Georgia, including:
Foundations of addiction understanding substance use disorders, dependency, and the science of recovery
Assessment and intake, conducting clinical evaluations, and determining appropriate levels of care
Individual and group counseling techniques are evidence-based approaches to client-centred addiction treatment
Case management and treatment planning, developing and documenting individualised recovery plans
Co-occurring disorders: identifying and addressing mental health conditions alongside substance use
Ethics and professional conduct standards governing addiction counselors in Georgia
Cultural competency providing equitable, respectful care to diverse Georgia populations
Documentation and record-keeping, maintaining accurate clinical records in compliance with Georgia regulations
Relapse prevention — helping clients build long-term recovery skills and coping strategies
Family systems and addiction — understanding how substance use impacts families and support networks
In addition to classroom instruction, AACS Atlanta provides clinical supervision with hands-on training for CADC candidates in Georgia. Clinical supervision is a required component of the certification process and provides trainees with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real-world counselling environment under the guidance of a licensed clinical supervisor.
Supervised clinical hours at AACS Atlanta expose trainees to real client cases, group facilitation, treatment planning, and documentation, preparing them not just to pass the certification exam but to confidently practice as addiction counselors in Georgia from day one.
AACS Atlanta is a trusted provider of addiction counseling services and professional training throughout Georgia. With locations in Atlanta, Decatur, and Marietta, AACS Atlanta has built a strong reputation for delivering practical, compliance-ready education that prepares counselors to make a real difference in their communities.
When you train with AACS Atlanta, you get:
Board-compliant education that satisfies IC&RC and ADACBGA requirements
Flexible monthly scheduling that works around your current job and lifestyle
Hands-on clinical supervision from licensed professionals in Georgia
Instruction grounded in real cases, not just textbooks
A supportive learning environment designed for working adults
Access to AACS Atlanta’s network of Georgia addiction and behavioural health professionals
The AACS Atlanta CADC training program is open to anyone in Georgia who wants to pursue a career in substance abuse counseling. It is especially suited for:
Enrollment is open to all qualified individuals in Georgia. To register or learn more about upcoming session dates, certification requirements, and program costs, contact AACS Atlanta directly.