At a Glance
Virginia certifies substance abuse counselors at three levels through the Virginia Board of Counseling: the CSAC-A (entry-level, high school diploma), the CSAC (bachelor’s degree), and the LSATP (master’s degree, independent practice). Each credential requires a combination of education, supervised experience, and a passing exam.
The Virginia Board of Counseling issues three credentials for substance abuse counselors, each aligned with a different education level and scope of practice. If you hold a high school diploma and want to start working with clients, the CSAC-A gets you into the field. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue the CSAC directly. And if you’re aiming for independent clinical practice, the Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) is the credential that authorizes unsupervised treatment and the ability to plan and direct services for others. Counselors seeking general mental health licensure in Virginia should also review the state’s Virginia counseling licensure requirements for the LPC and LMFT pathways.
The Board’s credential structure reflects the full range of roles in substance abuse treatment, from entry-level case support under close supervision to independent clinical practice with authority to supervise others.
Virginia’s Three Credential Levels
The Board of Counseling offers three credentials that serve different practice settings and career goals. One important clarification noted directly on the Board’s applicant page: the CSAC-A is not a required step before the CSAC. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you pursue the CSAC directly. The CSAC-A is designed for people who want to begin working with clients while completing the education required for CSAC certification.
| Credential |
Minimum Education |
Training Hours |
Supervised Experience |
Exam |
| CSAC-A |
High school diploma or GED |
120 clock hours (8 hrs per subject area) |
180 hours performing substance abuse tasks with clients |
Virginia State Constructed CSAC-A Exam |
| CSAC |
Bachelor’s degree |
240 clock hours (16 hrs per subject area) |
2,000 hours total; 100 hrs in-person supervision; 160 hrs on 12 required clinical tasks |
NCAC-I (National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I, NCC AP / NAADAC) |
| LSATP |
Graduate degree in substance abuse treatment or counseling-related field; 600-hr supervised internship |
Same 13 subject areas as CSAC; specific coursework per 18VAC115-60-70 |
2,000 hrs face-to-face client contact; 200 hrs in-person supervision; min 21 months |
MAC (Master Addiction Counselor, NCC AP) |
The LSATP stands apart in the scope of practice. Per the Board’s LSATP page, licensees are authorized to provide independent, direct, and unsupervised substance abuse treatment and to plan, evaluate, supervise, and direct substance abuse treatment provided by others. CSAC and CSAC-A holders work under supervision and do not have independent practice authority.
Education & Training Requirements
All three credentials require documented completion of coursework covering 13 subject areas defined by the Board under 18VAC115-30-50. The minimum hours per subject area differ by credential level.
- Dynamics of human behavior
- Signs and symptoms of substance abuse
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Continuum of care and case management skills
- Recovery process and relapse prevention models
- Professional orientation and ethics
- Cultural competency
- Trauma and crisis intervention
- Pharmacology of abused substances
- Co-occurring disorders
- Substance abuse counseling approaches and treatment planning
- Group counseling
- Prevention, screening, and assessment of substance use and abuse
CSAC-A applicants need at least 8 hours in each area (120 hours total). CSAC applicants need at least 16 hours per area (240 hours total), and 120 of those must be completed before registering for supervision. Proof of completion must come from official transcripts or certificates sent directly to the Board from the issuing institution.
Supervised Experience Requirements
All three credentials require documented supervised work experience. The structure differs at each level.
CSAC-A: Per 18VAC115-30-63, 180 hours of experience performing substance abuse tasks with clients under supervision.
CSAC: Per 18VAC115-30-60, 2,000 hours of supervised experience in substance abuse counseling, completed over 12 to 60 months. Of those hours, 100 must be in-person supervision between supervisor and applicant (no more than half may be group supervision), and 160 must consist of hands-on performance of 12 specific clinical tasks, each for at least 8 hours. Before starting, CSAC applicants must register supervision with the Board ($65 fee). To change supervisors, there is a $30 fee; the Board may take up to 15 days to process the contract change.
LSATP: Per 18VAC115-60-80, a residency of at least 2,000 hours of face-to-face client contact in clinical substance abuse treatment, completed over a minimum of 21 months. The residency must include at least 200 hours of in-person supervision (no more than half may be group supervision), with 1,000 hours of client contact and 100 hours of supervision completed within the two years immediately before applying for licensure. Applicants must hold a temporary Resident in Substance Abuse Treatment license from the Board before accruing hours.
Supervisor qualifications differ by credential. For CSAC applicants, an approved supervisor must hold an active, unrestricted license as an LSATP; or a license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), licensed clinical psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, MD, or RN combined with a board-recognized substance abuse certification, or at least one year of substance abuse counseling experience and 100 hours of relevant didactic training; or a Virginia Board-certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) with two years of experience in that role. After February 19, 2021, all supervisors are also required to hold documented supervision training. For LSATP residents, supervisors must hold an active, unrestricted LPC or LSATP license plus two years of post-licensure substance abuse treatment experience and at least 100 hours of didactic training in substance abuse treatment.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted online at the Virginia Department of Health Professions online portal or by paper. Faxed or photocopied applications are not accepted. Per the Board’s fee schedule, the CSAC certification by examination fee is $115. Check the Board’s current fee schedule directly for the LSATP application fee, as fees are subject to change. Checks are made payable to the “Treasurer of Virginia.”
The CSAC and LSATP processes involve separate steps: applicants first register for supervision (before accruing hours), then apply for approval to take the required exam after completing the experience requirement. For the LSATP, the application for licensure is submitted after passing the MAC exam. All transcripts must come directly from the institution to the Board.
Applicants with a criminal record must provide court documents explaining the offense and evidence of any completed requirements, along with a written statement to the Board. If court records are unavailable, the applicant must request a background investigation through the Virginia State Police. The Board reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis; review the Board’s application handbooks for current guidance on this process.
Licensing Exams
Each credential requires a different exam. Per the Board’s Examination Information page, review current exam requirements there before applying, as procedures and vendors may change.
CSAC-A: The Virginia State Constructed CSAC-A Exam. The Board recommends reviewing the Regulations Governing the Certification of Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Counseling Assistants before sitting for this exam.
CSAC: The National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC-I), administered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) through NAADAC. The Board-confirmed exam fee at the time of original publication was $150, but verify current fees directly with NCC AP before applying.
LSATP: The Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam, administered by NCC AP. For the LSATP, the exam is taken before submitting the final application for licensure.
Salary & Career Outlook
Substance abuse counselors in Virginia work across a range of settings: outpatient treatment centers, hospital systems, community health organizations, and residential facilities. Virginia’s significant military presence, including major installations in the Hampton Roads area, has created demand for counselors with experience in co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders, though compensation varies by employer and setting.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,190 as of May 2024. Employment in this field is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, which the BLS classifies as much faster than average, with approximately 48,300 openings projected annually over that period.
| Work Setting |
Notes |
| Outpatient treatment centers |
Most common employer for CSAC and CSAC-A credentialed counselors |
| Residential treatment facilities |
May require evening or weekend availability |
| Hospital systems |
Clinical roles often require LSATP |
| Military and veteran services |
Concentrated demand in Hampton Roads; specialized roles in co-occurring PTSD and substance use |
| Independent practice |
Requires LSATP; allows unsupervised clinical treatment and supervision of others |
Continuing Education & Renewal
All certifications and licenses must be renewed annually by June 30. Continuing education requirements differ by credential, per the Board’s CSAC/CSAC-A CE page and LSATP CE page.
CSAC-A: 5 contact hours of CE in substance abuse per year from a Board-approved provider, per 18VAC115-30. The Board waives the CE requirement for the first renewal following initial certification.
CSAC: 10 contact hours of CE in substance abuse per year from a Board-approved provider. The Board also waives the CE requirement for the first renewal after initial certification.
LSATP: For current LSATP-specific CE requirements, refer to the Board’s LSATP Continued Competency page or the current regulations under 18VAC115-60.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CSAC-A before pursuing a CSAC in Virginia?
No. The Virginia Board of Counseling explicitly states that holding a CSAC-A certification is not a prerequisite for CSAC certification. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue the CSAC directly. The CSAC-A is designed for people who want to begin working with clients while still completing the education requirements for CSAC certification.
How long does it take to become a CSAC in Virginia?
The supervised experience for the CSAC must be completed over a minimum of 12 months and no more than 60 months, per 18VAC115-30-60. Combined with the time to complete 240 hours of required coursework and pass the NCAC-I, most candidates spend at least two years on the process. The timeline depends significantly on your current education and how quickly you can complete the training requirements.
Who qualifies as an approved supervisor for CSAC applicants?
Per 18VAC115-30-60, a board-approved supervisor must hold an active, unrestricted license as an LSATP; or a license as an LPC, licensed clinical psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, MD, or RN with a board-recognized substance abuse certification or relevant experience; or be a Virginia-certified CSAC with at least two years of experience in that role. After February 2021, supervisors must also document professional training in supervision. Before beginning supervised experience, CSAC applicants must register their supervision contract with the Board.
What’s the difference between a CSAC and an LSATP?
The core difference is the scope of practice. A CSAC works under supervision and does not have authority for independent practice. The LSATP is a licensure, not just certification, that authorizes independent, unsupervised substance abuse treatment, including the ability to diagnose, plan, and direct services provided by others. The LSATP is the appropriate credential for counselors working in settings that require clinical independence or supervision of other practitioners.
Where can I find approved continuing education providers in Virginia?
Approved CE providers for CSAC and CSAC-A holders are listed under 18VAC115-30-50 A. The Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals (VAAP), the state chapter of NAADAC, is also a resource for CE opportunities and training events. LSATP holders should refer to the Board’s LSATP CE page or current regulations under 18VAC115-60 for approved provider lists.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia offers three credential levels through the Board of Counseling: the CSAC-A (entry-level), CSAC (bachelor’s level), and LSATP (master’s level, independent practice). The CSAC-A is not a required step before the CSAC.
- All three credentials require coursework across 13 subject areas, documented supervised experience, and a passing exam. CSAC supervised experience must be completed within a 12 to 60-month window.
- Only the LSATP authorizes independent, unsupervised clinical practice and the ability to supervise others. CSAC and CSAC-A holders must practice under supervision.
- The LSATP residency requires 2,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 200 hours of in-person supervision over a minimum of 21 months, per 18VAC115-60-80.
- The BLS projects 17 percent employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 48,300 openings expected annually nationwide.
Looking for programs that align with Virginia’s CSAC or LSATP requirements? Browse accredited counseling programs by state and compare degree options.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
