How to Become an Addiction Counsellor in the UK

In this article, the CEO of Castle Health breaks down the complex and often fragmented training landscape.  With specialist degree routes disappearing, this guide explores the university-based paths that still offer a way forward, and what it really takes to enter this demanding, deeply human profession.

There is currently no singular educational framework for becoming an accredited addiction counsellor in the UK.  Instead, individuals pursue a range of routes, shaped by differing qualifications, training providers, and regulatory bodies.

With the closure of specialist addiction counselling training courses, I am often asked for guidance by those looking to enter the field, and this overview has been written in response to that growing interest.  While the landscape remains fragmented, it is possible to navigate a clear and credible pathway forwards.

This article focuses on the higher education pathways, primarily university-based routes that have historically led towards clinical practice and accreditation.  A follow-up article will explore the further education pathways, which include diploma and certificate-level training options.

A Path to Expertise

Effective addiction counselling requires a high level of competence in a range of therapeutic models that address the complex psychological, emotional and social factors influencing and co-occurring with addiction.  While addiction treatment is a unique subset of mental healthcare, the foundation for effective counselling remains rooted in a person-centred approach, which prioritises empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine therapeutic connection as the basis for fostering recovery.

Differing therapy models such as 12-Step facilitation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) each provide alternative and complementary approaches to addiction counselling.  There are also various therapeutic modalities to consider, including group psychotherapy, family therapy, and psychoeducation.  Becoming a highly competent addiction counsellor means not only understanding these models and modalities, but being able to integrate and adapt them to meet the unique and often complex needs of each client.

Addiction is rarely treated in isolation; it is frequently linked with other mental health issues, emotional challenges, and behavioural patterns, including trauma, family dynamics, and dual diagnoses.  While integrated care for co-occurring disorders has long been considered best practice, this only works when the practitioner has genuine expertise in both addiction and mental health.  Increasingly, effective practice involves combining specialised methods with transdiagnostic models.  To navigate this complexity, counsellors must develop broader meta-competencies, including integrative, holistic, and critical thinking, that allow for truly personalised and impactful care.

Personal Readiness

Becoming a therapist requires more than academic qualifications; it demands a deep commitment and the right personal qualities. Self-awareness is paramount – understanding your own thoughts, values, and interpersonal dynamics is crucial for effective practice. Reflecting on these aspects can be greatly enhanced by engaging in your own personal therapy, providing valuable insight into your motivations and readiness to support others.

An invaluable starting point for the aspiring counsellor is William White’s paper The Historical Essence of Addiction Counselling.  White talks in characteristically vivid terms about the degree of presence, honesty, and emotional availability that informs the work of addiction counselling, but is not always expected in other fields.  There is something of a vocation to this work. “What the addiction counselor brings in addition to their skills is their whole person—their life.”¹ White notes that the patients or clients engaging with the addiction counsellor are often exquisitely attuned to inauthenticity; what they respond to is the real.  That doesn’t mean over-disclosing or abandoning boundaries, but it does mean being human, and willing to meet others in the most challenging parts of their lives.

Professional Standards

In the United Kingdom, the field of counselling and psychotherapy operates without compulsory regulatory standards for most practitioners. Instead, voluntary standards are established by various professional therapy associations. There are exceptions, such as drama therapists, art therapists, and occupational therapists, which are regulated professions overseen by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and subject to mandatory standards.

Addiction counsellors in the UK fall outside the scope of regulated professions and sit somewhat apart within the mainstream counselling and psychotherapy bodies. For example, whilst addiction counsellors may be able to register with organisations such as the BACP, many of the hours spent working in addiction treatment facilities do not count towards accreditation requirements. However, there is a dedicated professional body that covers addiction counsellors: Addiction Professionals (AP), which provides a high standard of accreditation (NCAC) tailored to this field of practice.

BACP Competence Framework

After many years of advocacy and development, the BACP has very recently launched an addictions competence framework. This framework provides a much-needed structure to guide practitioners in achieving the skills and standards necessary for effective addiction counselling.  The BACP is the UK’s foremost professional association for counselling and psychotherapy, and so this recognition and framework marks a significant step in establishing and advancing professional standards for addiction therapy.

Addiction Specific Degree Courses

Universities can award their own degrees or validate other training providers to teach their degrees. For many years the University of Bath, in collaboration with the charity Action on Addiction, offered a degree course in addiction counselling. This programme provided the option of completing either a 2-year Foundation Degree or a 3 year Honours Degree. It was suitable for those with only A-level qualifications and no prior experience in the field, and it combined academic study with work-based learning. Upon completing the course and accruing sufficient work experience, graduates could achieve NCAC accreditation with Addiction Professionals.  This pathway used to provide the clearest and smoothest route into a career of addiction counselling.

Meanwhile, London South Bank University offered a Master’s degree in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, which was also a direct route to NCAC accreditation. This programme required applicants to hold an Honours degree prior to enrolling.  Unfortunately, both programmes have since been discontinued. Recently, perhaps to fill the growing gap, the Naos Institute had begun developing a Level 8 diploma in addiction counselling but was ultimately unable to bring the initiative to fruition.

There remain a range of university degrees in addiction studies, substance misuse studies, and related fields, which focus on theoretical frameworks, public health issues, and policy, offering valuable insights for a range of addiction professionals; however, these programmes are less suitable for those looking to directly pursue a career in the helping professions, as they lack the practical, hands-on training that informs direct clinical work.

The closure of addiction counselling degree courses has deprived aspiring addiction counsellors of a clear pathway into the field, and towards accreditation. This reflects a broader trend: universities in the UK are under increasing financial and operational pressure, and specialist programmes, particularly those requiring clinical supervision, are often among the first to be cut.

Instead, individuals must first train as general counsellors or psychotherapists before undertaking work-based learning, postgraduate studies and CPD training in order to gain their addiction treatment competencies, and ultimately their accreditation.

Threats & Opportunities

This indirect route risks adding time and expense, potentially deterring those who are passionate about working specifically in the addiction field. There is clearly a significant gap in the current training landscape which raises important questions about how the field can attract and properly prepare the next generation of professionals. 

That said, there can be advantages to therapists in having a broad, general foundation, as this widens their overall competence and improves their overall employability.

Training Abroad

Considering the dearth of options in the UK, it’s not unreasonable to consider studying addiction counselling abroad where there remains a variety of opportunities to pursue specialist qualifications. For example, the USA offers specialised programs like the addiction counselling degree courses at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies.  In Ireland, the PCI College, in partnership with Middlesex University, provides a Master’s course in addiction counselling and psychotherapy.

Studying abroad can also expose students to rewarding experiences, alternative therapeutic approaches and cultural perspectives. However, it’s important to carefully research the likely cost implications, and whether the qualifications earned abroad will be recognised in one’s home country.

Honours Degrees in Counselling

For aspiring addiction counsellors, who are enrolling in undergraduate studies for the first time, a degree course in counselling, or counselling and psychology, will likely be the most suitable first step on the ladder.  These undergraduate degrees typically take up to three years to complete. If you’re certain about becoming a counsellor but also want a strong foundation in psychology, it’s important to choose a course that doesn’t limit you to psychological theory and research. Many degrees now combine psychology and counselling, offering a well-rounded preparation for your career.

An undergraduate degree alone is not enough to qualify you to practise as a counsellor. Most courses will provide only a portion of the required practice and supervision hours needed for professional registration with organisations like the BACP. The next step is often to gain hands-on experience at a junior level, such as working as a trainee within a clinical team, while continuing with professional development. Alternatively, pursuing further higher education through a postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree is a recommended path to build on your undergraduate studies.

Postgraduate Counselling Studies

If you already have a counselling degree, and are considering postgraduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy, you can begin specialising and choosing a school of therapy that aligns with your values, interests and the kind of work you want to do with patients. You might be drawn to the person-centred approach, which emphasises empathy and unconditional positive regard, the humanistic school, which focuses on personal growth and self-actualisation, or an integrative approach, which combines elements from different models. This decision shapes the postgraduate diploma or Master’s programme you pursue, setting the foundation for your professional identity and the type of counselling practice you will develop.

Postgraduate counselling and psychotherapy courses are designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, preparing students with the skills and experience needed to begin their careers.  Entry requirements vary: some programmes such as the Edinburgh University PgDip/MSc in Counselling, accept graduates from any 2:1 honours degree.  Others, particularly specialised counselling or therapy courses, may require a relevant degree (e.g. psychology or social work) or a counselling skills certificate, often at RVQ levels 3 or 4.  Students with prior degrees in counselling may start with a stronger grounding in theories, techniques, and practical applications, while those from other academic backgrounds bring transferable skills—such as critical thinking and an understanding of human behaviour—that enrich their training.

Postgraduate programmes are often structured over three years, progressing through PGCert and PGDip levels to an MSc. Most are part-time, allowing students to work or volunteer in a relevant clinical setting while completing their studies. Regardless of employment status, all students must undertake an approved supervised placement aligned with their level of competence and the course orientation. These supervised practice hours are a crucial part of training and contribute towards professional accreditation.

Professional Registration – First Steps

Joining a professional body as a student member early in your journey is highly advisable, as it provides numerous benefits and sets you on the path towards eventual accreditation. Membership often grants access to resources, networking opportunities, and professional development events that can enhance your studies and career prospects. You might even consider joining multiple organisations. For instance, if you hold a psychology degree, you could become a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Alternatively, you might join the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), COSCA, or Addiction Professionals as a student or associate member. These bodies typically have accessible entry requirements for students and provide invaluable support throughout your training.

As you advance in your studies and begin gaining experience, you can upgrade your membership level. For example, after obtaining your degree or securing a volunteer or paid role in the addiction field, you could progress to Practitioner Member status with Addiction Professionals.

Postgraduate Addiction Training

Once you have graduated with an Honours degree in counselling and wish to become an addictions counsellor, the type of courses you pursue next is crucial. For NCAC accreditation, you will be evaluated on the number of addiction-specific training hours you have completed. While there are currently no postgraduate courses specifically dedicated to addiction counselling, there are programmes offered by higher education institutions that can fulfil the criteria for addiction-specific training hours.

One suitable option is a postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—an evidence-based therapy highly regarded in addiction treatment and valued by employers in the field. These courses are offered by a variety of institutions across the UK. It is worth noting that the accrediting body for CBT therapists (BABCP) has mutual recognition of accreditation standards with Addiction Professionals, enhancing its relevance for those pursuing an addictions counselling career.

Another way to develop addiction-specific skills within a higher education framework is the Applied Motivational Interviewing Skills in Practice course offered by Leeds Beckett University. This course can function as a postgraduate-level module (level 7) if taken by a postgraduate student or professional. Motivational Interviewing is one of the core therapeutic approaches used in addiction treatment and is a valuable addition to any counsellor’s skillset.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), another model frequently used in addiction treatment settings, can also be studied at the postgraduate diploma level. For example, the University of Bangor offers a diploma in DBT, though its entry requirements are stricter than those of most CBT courses. Applicants typically need to be professionally registered or have at least two years of supervised professional experience.

Additionally, the University of West London offers a BSc in Addiction Studies, which includes some practical elements. For those not pursuing a full degree, individual modules from this programme are available as CPD courses. These include a level 6 course on Addiction Treatment Interventions and a level 7 module on Dual Diagnosis, which is at the level of postgraduate study.

Currently, there are no dedicated postgraduate diploma or degree programmes in group therapy, despite its critical role in addiction treatment. Group therapy is a distinct modality, differing from the individual-focused approaches typically taught in counselling programmes. This significant gap in training opportunities leaves the addiction field under-served and highlights the need for more specialised postgraduate offerings in this area.

Professional Experience

It is beneficial to start working in a counselling role, or within a counselling or addiction treatment setting, as soon as you are ready. If securing a paid position proves challenging, volunteering or undertaking an unpaid internship may be a necessary first step. Your tutor will likely encourage you to explore such opportunities at the appropriate stage in your training. Some specialist training courses require you to be working under supervision before they accept you.

Working in the field also provides access to supervision from senior and experienced professionals, offering invaluable learning opportunities. Jobs in addiction treatment settings, in particular, often have accessible entry requirements. Employers in this sector are typically aware of the limited availability of addiction-specific qualifications and are often willing to provide on-the-job training to help new hires build the necessary skills.

One significant advantage of working or volunteering with an organisation is access to in-service training and workshops, often led by internal or external trainers. These sessions are frequently tailored to addiction-specific CPD, offering opportunities to deepen your knowledge and refine your practical skills in therapeutic approaches relevant to the field.

Working for a treatment provider also enables you to register with Addiction Professionals as a member, which is a simpler process than achieving full accreditation. As you progress, you can pursue higher membership levels, such as Advanced Practitioner, and take advantage of the Addiction Professionals Drug and Alcohol Professional Certificate. This competence-based certification, rooted in National Occupational Standards (NOS), is designed for anyone working or volunteering in the alcohol and drug field, and provides a valuable way to have your skills and professionalism formally recognised, and contributes towards counselling accreditation.

Addiction Accreditation

To qualify for accreditation with Addiction Professionals, practitioners must complete 400 hours of supervised practice, including at least 250 hours working directly with addiction populations. The remaining hours can include counselling experience in other areas. Maintaining detailed records of practice hours, training, and supervision is essential, not only to meet accreditation standards but also to track your professional development.

Unlike some broader counselling bodies, Addiction Professionals fully recognises practice hours gained in addiction-specific settings, making NCAC accreditation a practical choice for specialists. While organisations like BACP may not always accept these hours, Addiction Professionals tailors its criteria to the realities of addiction work.

For therapists in full-time employment, general accreditation (such as BACP) typically requires two years of post-qualification practice. However, addiction counsellors in intensive settings like rehabs can often achieve NCAC accreditation faster due to the focused nature of their work.

Beyond foundational recognition, NCAC accreditation enhances your credibility, earning potential, and access to advanced training like EMDR. It also serves as a stepping stone: dual accreditation with PSA-registered bodies (BACP, BABCP, or COSCA) is frequently within reach with minimal additional effort. This combination strengthens your professional profile and expands opportunities in both addiction and broader therapeutic fields.

Sustaining Your Practice

Supervision and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are the cornerstones of ethical practice, professional growth, and maintaining accreditation. For addiction counsellors, CPD offers a pathway to developing vital mental health competencies in order to be capable of offering truly integrated care. By expanding your expertise into areas like dual diagnosis, trauma therapy, bereavement counselling, or family interventions, you not only enhance your clinical impact but also deepen professional fulfilment.

Yet sustaining your practice demands more than professional development, it calls for a parallel process of personal growth and resilience.  As William White reminds us, addiction counselling demands “an ability to sustain oneself over time … in the face of constant confrontations with trauma and pain.”¹  

White marks out 4 things that are the essence of daily life in recovery from addiction, and also provide the same source of sustenance for the best addiction counsellors.  These pillars of longevity for the addiction counsellor are:

The unique ethos of addiction counselling, with its roots in lived experience and informed by the deep compassion needed to meet clients in their most vulnerable moments, remains its defining strength.  As the field evolves through a challenging period, preserving that core identity is essential. The path forward is clear: pace yourself, but stay purposeful. Pursue the highest professional standards while nurturing what drew you to this work in the first place. 

Because in the end, it’s your whole-self investment – the personal as much as the professional – that honours the integrity of this vocation.