📣 Important Update: DHCS Continuing Education Requirements
As part of our ongoing commitment to compliance, quality care, and professional development, we want to share an important update regarding California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) continuing education (CE) requirements for Drug and Alcohol Counselor certifications.
Recent regulatory updates reinforce the importance of maintaining current education in order to keep certifications active and remain eligible to provide counseling services.
Who This Applies To
These requirements apply to:
✔ RADTs (Registered Alcohol & Drug Technicians)
✔ Registered Counselors (SUDRC I–III)
✔ Certified Counselors
(CADC, CATC, CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP)
📘 Continuing Education Requirements by Credential
🔹 RADT – Registered Alcohol & Drug Technician
15 CE hours per year
Must be completed annually, not just at renewal
CE must be approved by your certifying organization
Documentation must be maintained
Failure to complete annual CE hours may result in:
Registration suspension
Inability to provide counseling services
🔹 Registered Counselors (SUDRC Pathway)
Under updated DHCS regulations:
SUDRC I
80 hours of education within the first 6 months
SUDRC II
50 hours of AOD education per year
SUDRC III
20 hours of continuing education per year
These requirements remain in place until full certification is achieved.
🔹 Fully Certified Counselors
40 hours of approved CE every 2 years (DHCS minimum)
Some certifying bodies may require additional hours
⚠️ All CE courses must be approved by your certifying organization to count.
📝 What You Need To Do
To stay compliant:
✅ Track your CE hours
✅ Complete hours within required timeframes
✅ Confirm courses are approved
✅ Save all CE certificates
✅ Know your certification expiration date
If you are unsure about your credential level or CE requirements, please contact HR.
📅 Timeline for Compliance
Newly registered SUD counselors must complete the required core competencies within six months of registration.
These education hours will count toward total certification requirements.
🚫 Exemptions Under AB 2473
Certain individuals may be exempt from the new core competency requirements:
✔ Existing Counselors
Counselors registered before July 1, 2025
Must be in good standing with an active registration
✔ Advanced Degree Holders
Master’s degree in:
Psychology
Social Work
Marriage & Family Therapy
Counseling
These individuals are exempt from core competency coursework but must still provide proof of 80 education hours during their first year of registration.
🎓 Approved Education Resource
For counselors completing the 80-hour core competency requirement, one approved option is:
👉 CCAPP Academy
https://ccappcredentialing.org/ab-2473/
🗂️ Registration & Renewal Reminders
Apply at least 120 days before registration expiration
Certifying organizations have 45 days to review applications
If marked incomplete:
Counselors have 30 days to respond
Certifier has 15 days to complete final review
Thank you for your continued dedication to ethical care, professional development, and excellence in service to our clients.
🌟 Team Spotlight: Sheida Begins EMDR Certification Training
We’re excited to share that Sheida has officially begun her training to become EMDR certified!
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process trauma and support long-term healing. This advanced training reflects Sheida’s dedication to expanding her clinical skill set and continuing to provide high-quality, client-centered care.
We truly appreciate Sheida’s commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, and her passion for helping individuals on their recovery journey. Her continued investment in professional development directly strengthens our program and enhances the services we provide.
We are especially excited to see her become fully EMDR certified in March and look forward to the positive impact this will have on our clients and clinical team.
Please join us in congratulating Sheida as she takes this exciting next step in her clinical journey!
🌮 Food Recommendation from James Curley:
If you’re craving next-level tacos, check out Tacos Los Cholos — bold flavors, amazing meats, and definitely worth the hype.
📍 222 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805