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Advancing Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education and Development

Complete Your 80-Hours of Core Competency Training with the ASCEND Program

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Your Counseling Journey Begins

The Advancing Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education and Development (ASCEND) Program is California’s new DHCS-supported 80-hour core competency training program for substance use disorder (SUD) counselors to support  SUD counselors in meeting education requirements under Assembly Bill (AB)-2473.

The California Department of Health Care Services and UC San Diego Extended Studies offer this free 80-hour online education program for registered and certified substance use disorder (SUD) counselors.

Fully online and self-paced, the education program fulfills the core competency education requirement under Assembly Bill (AB) 2473 and Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 25-029 and equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support individuals on their recovery journey—while taking your first big step into a rewarding career.
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Program Highlights

Learn from expert instructors in a fully online, self-paced format designed to fit even the busiest schedules. Free to California residents, this 80-hour program equips you with the foundational skills and credentials to launch your counseling career. The ASCEND Program is approved by the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs to count toward a SUD Certified Counselor credential.

Free to Californians

This program is free of charge to residents of California. 

Expert Instruction

Learn from expert instructors and receive guidance during monthly online office hours.

Online, Self-Paced

Always on your time: self-paced, online learning for busy lives.

Digital Credentials

Earn a shareable digital badge after each course, and showcase your achievement with an Award of Completion and optional official transcript once you’ve completed all 12 courses.

Important SUD Counselor Certification Changes

On July 31, 2025, DHCS issued Behavioral Information Notice No: 25-029 to notify substance use disorder (SUD) providers, certifying organizations, and SUD counselors of changes to the education requirements for registered and certified counselors due to the passage of AB 2473, effective January 1, 2026. This webinar will provide an overview of these requirements, present available resources, and answer questions from attendees. ​
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Course and Application Details

  • Please note that the courses may not be used for CEU credits.

  • Applicants must submit proof of California residency, such as a CA driver’s license, ID, voter registration, or vehicle registration, to complete their application.