How long does it take to become certified?

The timeline to become certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (SAC-IT) depends on your starting point and the specific requirements in your state. At Laitinen Academy, the SAC-IT program requires 100 hours of coursework, which can typically be completed in a few months. Additional time is needed for supervised fieldwork, completing state application requirements, and obtaining your SAC-IT credential. Most individuals complete the process within 6–12 months.

What is the SAC-IT program at Laitinen Academy?

The SAC-IT program is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals for a career in substance abuse counseling. It provides foundational knowledge, practical skills, and supervised fieldwork necessary to help individuals navigate their recovery journeys.

What topics are covered in the SAC-IT program?

The program covers: Dynamics of Addiction, Counseling Skills, Ethical and Legal Considerations, Treatment Planning, and Cultural Competency.

What are the steps to apply for an SAC-IT credential in Wisconsin?

To apply for your SAC-IT credential: Register on the State of Wisconsin Website, complete required forms (Form 2770, Form 3079, Form 2832), take the WI Statutes and Rules Exam, and pay the $135 application fee.

What job roles are available to SAC-IT-certified individuals?

With an SAC-IT certification, you can pursue roles such as Behavioral Health Technician, Admissions and Intake Coordinator, Substance Use Disorder Counselor (under supervision), and Peer Recovery Coach. These roles are available in detox centers, outpatient facilities, residential treatment programs, and community health organizations.

What is the typical pay scale for SAC-IT positions?

The pay for SAC-IT roles varies: Entry-Level positions start at around $15/hour, while experienced SAC-IT professionals can earn up to $28/hour. Unpaid internships or volunteer roles may also be available for those completing educational or clinical hour requirements.

What are the core competencies for SAC-IT certification?

SAC-IT-certified individuals are trained in clinical evaluation, treatment planning and coordination, counseling, community and patient education, and professional and ethical responsibilities.

What is the career outlook for SAC-IT-certified individuals?

SAC-IT certification opens the door to careers in substance use disorder treatment providers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential treatment centers, and MAT facilities. It also serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a fully certified Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC).

Can I pursue additional certifications after earning my SAC-IT?

Yes. SAC-IT certification is often the first step toward becoming a fully licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) or advancing into specialized roles such as dual-diagnosis or adolescent substance abuse counseling.

What support does Laitinen Academy offer to SAC-IT students?

Laitinen Academy provides comprehensive coursework taught by professionals, assistance with credential applications, access to supervised fieldwork, and career development resources.

What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

A Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) is a professional trained to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders. They help clients develop strategies to overcome addiction, improve mental health, and rebuild their lives.

What are the educational requirements to become a SAC?

Educational requirements vary, but in Wisconsin, 100 educational hours are required. Typically, becoming a SAC also involves at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many advanced roles require a master’s degree.

Do I need certification to practice as a SAC?

Yes, most states require SACs to obtain certification or licensure to practice, which involves completing education, supervised clinical hours, and passing a certification exam.

How long does it take to become certified as a SAC?

The timeline varies but typically takes two to five years, depending on education level, supervised clinical hours, and certification requirements in your region.

What skills are essential for a SAC?

Essential skills include strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and knowledge of therapeutic methods.

What does a typical day look like for a SAC?

A typical day includes conducting therapy sessions, creating treatment plans, documenting progress, and participating in outreach programs in clinics, hospitals, or treatment centers.

Can I specialize within the field of substance abuse counseling?

Yes, SACs can specialize in adolescent substance abuse, opioid addiction, alcoholism, or co-occurring disorders. Specialization often requires additional training or certification.

What are the challenges of being a SAC?

The role can be emotionally demanding due to the severity of client issues. However, the opportunity to help clients succeed in recovery is highly rewarding.

What is the job outlook for SACs?

Demand for SACs is expected to grow significantly due to rising needs for addiction and mental health services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for mental health counselors, including SACs.

Where can I find more information about becoming a SAC?

More information is available from organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and local licensing boards.

How long does it take to become certified through LEARN?

The LEARN Peer Recovery Coaching Certification program includes a 40-hour training program offered through Laitinen Academy. Most participants complete it within one to two weeks.

What is the LEARN Peer Recovery Coach Certification?

The LEARN certification is a professional credential from Laitinen Academy that equips individuals with lived recovery experience to support others. It emphasizes practical skills, ethics, and recovery coaching competencies.

What are the core competencies taught in the LEARN program?

The LEARN program teaches ethical responsibility, mentoring, recovery support, advocacy, communication, cultural competence, and relationship building.

What topics are covered in the 40-hour training program?

Training includes ethics and boundaries, communication strategies, crisis intervention, relapse prevention, resource navigation, advocacy, and self-empowerment.

Who can become a LEARN Peer Recovery Coach?

Individuals with lived experience in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges who want to help others are ideal candidates.

What makes the LEARN Peer Recovery Coach program unique?

The program emphasizes supportive, client-centered coaching with tools for advocacy, resource navigation, and professional development.

What roles can LEARN-certified Peer Recovery Coaches fulfill?

They can work in community recovery centers, clinics, hospitals, nonprofits, and also facilitate workshops, peer support sessions, and advocacy initiatives.

What kind of support will I have as a LEARN-certified coach?

LEARN-certified coaches gain access to the Lived Experience and Resource Network (LEARN), offering resources, tools, and ongoing professional development.

Does the program include continuing education?

Yes, LEARN-certified coaches are encouraged to pursue ongoing education to stay updated with recovery research and best practices.

How does the LEARN program prepare me to support clients?

It trains coaches to create safe spaces, navigate recovery resources, empower clients, facilitate workshops, and build community connections.

How can I get started with the LEARN Peer Recovery Coach Certification?

Contact Laitinen Academy to learn about upcoming training sessions and enrollment. The team will guide you through the certification process.

Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the time it takes to become a licensed substance abuse counselor ranges between 2 to 5 years, depending on your educational pedigree, the path you’re taking in your training, and which clinical substance abuse counselor credential you decide to pursue.

If you are interested in a career in recovery for addiction treatment, know the process, timeframes, and requirements. Wisconsin has its own path to becoming a counselor, from addiction counseling certification to practical training. Let us go through it point by point.

What degree do you need to be an alcohol and drug counselor in Wisconsin?

It can take you places, and in Wisconsin, you can get started without earning a master’s degree. You can start with:

Associate or Bachelors Degree: High-level support roles, broad scope.

Associate Degree (2 years): Online Basic Drug and Alcohol Certification

Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): More ways to work, clinical work

Master’s Degree (6+ Years): Mandatory for further isolation of certs for mental health counselors.

The higher the education level, the more jobs and income will be available.

How long does substance abuse counselor training take Wisconsin?

Specialty Training (6–12 months): Many enroll in accelerated substance abuse counselor training programs, often online.

Practicum/Internships (1–2 years): Supervised hours can vary from 1,000 to 4,000 hours depending on certification type.

Licensure Exams: It can take another 3–6 months to prepare and pass the exams.

More than 2.5 thousand licensed substance abuse professionals in Wisconsin, as per the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, in most cases, 3–5 years of preparation.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin?

The main certifications include:

SAC (Substance Abuse Counselor): Associate degree or higher + supervised hours

CSAC(Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor): Bachelor’s or master’s + more practicum

Specialty Certifications: Addiction counseling or a similar specialty certification in mental health counseling for those integrating counseling with a larger mental health practice.

There are many drug and alcohol certification online programs that the state will recognize, and this also allows employed individuals to take part in training as well.

What are the key takeaways for becoming a counselor in Wisconsin?

Duration: 2–5 years, depending on your route.

Education: Associate degree minimum, preferred bachelor’s

Training: 1,000–4,000 supervised hours required.

Flexible: The option to take online substance abuse counselor training.

Career Advancement: Higher-level certification is required for advanced positions.

What if you don’t get certified or have the training?

Certification is what allows you to legally work as a substance abuse counselor in the state of Wisconsin, so you will not be able to practice without it. Doing this keeps you relegated to low-end peer support positions, with a much-reduced salary and decreased opportunity for advancement.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Certified counselors earn a median salary of $49,710 per year, compared with uncertified support staff who often earn $30,000–$35,000 per year.

Certification is more than compliance; it affects your career path.

Q: How can I obtain my addiction counseling certification?

Step 1: Get a degree (in either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.

Step 2: Complete Drug And Alcohol Certification Online For Basic Learning

Step 3: Also Gain Supervision-Supervised Substance Abuse Counselor Training

Step 4: Apply for a license and test

Step 5: Keep up with CEUs (continuing education units to maintain certification.

Tip: Laitinen Academy offers structured programs to guide students through every stage, from online courses to hands-on practicum support.

Comparison Table: Substance Abuse vs. Mental Health Counselor Training

Requirement	Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC)	Mental Health Counselor (LPC)
Minimum Education	High School + Certificate/AA	Master’s/Doctoral Degree
Specialized Education Hours	100-360 (SAC-IT to SAC)	Varies; CACREP-accredited
Supervised Experience	3,000 hours (SAC)	1,000–3,000 hours
Required Exams	State Exam, NCAC I/ICRC	NCE, NCMHCE, CRC
Renewal Period	Biennial (odd years)	Biennial/As directed by DSPS
Online Training Availability	Widely available, e.g. 24 wks	Less common, grad programs typically in-person

Bottom Line

Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Wisconsin is a rewarding journey ranging from two to four years, combining classroom experience, supervised practice, and certification tests. With low barriers to local substance abuse counselor training and among several state online drug and alcohol certification options for you, helpful, caring professionals here in great demand, candidates are often able to get started quickly.

Whether taking the first steps in an addiction counseling certification program or looking for ways to earn advanced certifications as a mental health counselor, the scholarships available through Laitinen Academy represent an essential, accredited option to kick-start or fast-track a career in addiction services, with graduates equipped to lead the way in positive recovery care throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Laitinen Academy offers the superior training needed to become a substance abuse counselor.

Sources

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements

https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/ClinicalSubstanceAbuseCounselor/Default.aspx

Northcentral Technical College Substance Abuse Education

https://www.onlineu.com/degrees/substance-abuse-counseling/wisconsin

SubstanceAbuseCounselor.org Wisconsin Guide

SubstanceAbuseCounselor.org Wisconsin Guidehttps://substanceabusecounselor.org/how-to-become-substance-abuse-counselor/wisconsin/

FAQ

Q1: Can you complete substance abuse counselor training online?

A: Yes, courses are offered online for drug and alcohol certification for SAC-In-Training and full SAC licensure through Wisconsin’s colleges.

Q 2: How long does it take to gather supervised hours?

A: 3,000 hours (approximately 1.5 years full-time) of supervision; most candidates finish within 2–3 years.

Q3:What Makes Mental Health Counselors’ Credentials Different?

A: Yes. They’re either graduate degrees, supervised clinical and counseling-related hours, or separate board exams.

Q4: How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Wisconsin?

A: Over $70,000 in Wisconsin for the Highest Earners; Job Growth Directed by Increasing Demand for Substance Abuse Counselors

Q5: Is Laitinen Academy going to help me meet Wisconsin licensing requirements?

A: Laitinen Academy provides flexible options for accredited addiction counseling certification programs, substance abuse counselor, and drug and alcohol certification online, respectively, to the paths in licensure and career success.

How long does it take to become a substance abuse counselor in Wisconsin?