Certification - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialist in Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders
Who is this credential for?
This specialty credential from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is designed for independently licensed clinical mental health counselors who work with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. These professionals provide integrated care that addresses the complex interaction between substance use and behavioral health concerns. Counselors in this area apply specialized knowledge in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and recovery-oriented care while adhering to the ethical, legal, and clinical standards specific to substance use and co-occurring disorders, including confidentiality, mandated reporting, and coordination with treatment providers and support systems.
What does this credential represent?
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialist in Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders recognizes advanced clinical knowledge and skill in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and evaluating substance-related and co-occurring mental health conditions. This specialty reflects expertise in evidence-based interventions, integrated treatment approaches, and outcome evaluation that support long-term recovery and overall well-being. Counselors who earn this credential demonstrate the ability to provide comprehensive, ethical, and effective care while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, agencies, and third-party systems. This designation enhances professional credibility and communicates to clients, employers, and interdisciplinary partners that the counselor has achieved independently verified expertise in substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment. Successful applicants receive an official certificate and may use the designation Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialist (e.g., CMHC Specialist – Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders).
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be independently licensed clinical mental health counselors and active AMHCA members. A minimum of two years of post-licensure independent practice is required.
To qualify for this specialty, applicants must complete the following:
- Professional Development
Complete at least 90 hours of post-master’s professional development directly related to substance use and co-occurring disorders. Documentation must include course title, date, and number of hours.
- One graduate semester credit hour equals 15 professional development hours
- Up to 60 hours may come from relevant presentations
- Up to 60 hours may come from teaching graduate-level coursework
- At least 15 hours must be completed within the past five years
- Only hours completed within the past 15 years will be accepted
- All hours must be completed after the master’s degree
- Hours cannot be applied to more than one specialty
- Alternatively, five years of independent licensure in a closely related specialty area may be accepted in lieu of professional development hours
- Clinical Experience
Document a minimum of 100 hours of direct, face-to-face counseling in the specialty area.
- Supervision or Consultation
Attest to completing at least 10 hours of supervision or consultation in the specialty area with an independently licensed mental health professional who has expertise in this area. Supervision used for initial licensure does not count toward this requirement.
- Ethical Standards
Attest that you have read and will abide by the AMHCA Code of Ethics, the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Declaration, and the AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- Application Submission
Complete the application and submit the required fee. All applications are reviewed through a rigorous peer-review process conducted by the AMHCA Credentialing and Certification Board to ensure that candidates meet established standards for advanced clinical expertise and professional conduct.
Pricing and Renewal
The application fee for this credential is $150, which includes both a digital and printed certificate. Renewal is required every two years and includes a $50 fee. To maintain the credential, specialists must demonstrate ongoing professional development, maintain active licensure, and continue to adhere to ethical and professional standards.
Membership Requirement
An active AMHCA membership is required to apply. This credential reflects a commitment to advanced clinical practice and positions counselors as specialists in substance use treatment and co-occurring mental health disorders.