Free Online Training for Substance Use Disorder Counselors in California Meets New State Requirement

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San Diego, Calif. – The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies have officially launched the Advancing Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education and Development (ASCEND) program. The launch follows the passage of California State Assembly Bill 2473, which established new standards and minimum education requirements for substance use disorder (SUD) counselors. 

The fully online, 80-hour training program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals seeking to fulfill the core competencies outlined in AB 2473. Training is led by expert instructors from UC San Diego who bring real-world experience to the curriculum, reflecting the university’s esteemed global reputation for academic rigor and innovation in health-related education. Offered at no cost exclusively to California residents, ASCEND equips SUD counselors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support individuals in recovery. 

 “Substance use disorder counselors across California are already doing deeply impactful work,” said Laura Fandino, chief academic officer & director of science and sustainability programs, UC San Diego Extended Studies. “The ASCEND program builds on that foundation by providing the additional training needed to meet updated state education requirements, without creating new barriers to career growth. By offering this program fully online and at no cost to California residents, we’re helping ensure counselors can continue their professional development while maintaining their current service to their communities.” 

ASCEND Simplifies the Compliance Process for Counselors ASCEND provides newly registered and aspiring SUD counselors with a clear, accessible 1 pathway to meet the education requirements established under AB 2473, helping them maintain compliance without disrupting their professional practice.

By covering the 12 core competency areas required by the State of California, ASCEND equips counselors with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to continue supporting individuals in recovery while navigating the change to certification standards. Enrollment in the ASCEND program is continuous, meaning students can start at any time, provided they are admitted. Eligible participants must submit a brief application at extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/ASCEND to verify California residency. Once approved, they may begin coursework at any time and complete modules at their own pace. Courses must be completed within six months of registering with a DHCS-approved certifying organization.

How AB 2473 changes current requirements for SUD Counselors 

Enacted in September 2022 and in effect as of Jan. 1, 2026, AB 2473 aims to improve the quality and consistency of care provided by SUD counselors by establishing a clear set of core skills and competencies required for the profession. Prior to the passage of AB 2473, education and training requirements for counselors were varied and were not standardized statewide.

While SUD counselors have long been required to complete formal education and obtain state certification, there has not been a uniform set of competencies required across the profession. With the passage of AB 2473, counselors will now be required to demonstrate proficiency across 12 core competency areas:

1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and diagnostic criteria

2. American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and levels of care

3. Cultural responsiveness

4. Case management and care coordination

5. Electronic health records 6. Medication-assisted treatment

7. Clinical documentation

8. Co-occurring conditions

9. Confidentiality

10. Relevant law and ethics

11. Professional boundaries 12. Behavioral health service delivery

First-year registered counselors who registered with a DHCS-approved certifying organization   between July 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025, must submit proof of 80 hours of education and core competency education topics by July 1, 2026. First-year registered counselors who register with a DHCS-approved certifying organization on or after Jan. 1, 2026, must submit proof of 80 hours of education and core competency education topics within six months of their initial registration date. Additionally, counselors in good standing who registered with a DHCS-approved certifying organization before July 1, 2025, are exempt from completing the 80-hour education requirement within six months of initial registration; however, these counselors must still submit proof of the core competency education topic requirements prior to initial certification. Lastly, counselors who hold a master’s degree in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling are exempt from the core competency education topic requirements, but must still submit proof of the 80-hour education requirement prior to registration renewal. The ASCEND program is approved by the California Association of DUI 2 Treatment Programs to count toward a SUD Certified Counselor credential.

“Compassionate and competent counselors are the cornerstone of California’s first-in-the-nation behavioral health system,” said Janelle Ito-Orille, Division Chief, DHCS. “Ascend will give these counselors the tools they need to continue their vital work on behalf of some of the most vulnerable Californians.”

To learn more about AB 2473, visit the California Legislative Information website and BHIN-23-008. For additional information about counselor certification pathways recognized by DHCS, including the ASCEND program, visit DHCS.ca.gov. To learn more about the ASCEND program and apply, visit extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/ASCEND.

About UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies

UC San Diego serves the lifelong learner by addressing the career skills and personal development needs of individuals, organizations, and our global community through the Division of Extended Studies. Extended Studies offers year-round continuing and professional education to 100,000 enrollments annually, which translates to more than 40,000 students in over 4,400 courses, panels, and events delivered through in-person, online, and 3D-virtual reality classrooms. Certificate and degree-related programs, community partnerships, public-service lectures, and special events meet rapidly evolving academic, specialist, and personal enrichment needs. As an integral part of UC San Diego, Extended Studies programs are developed with advisory boards and taught by working professionals who adhere to the same rigor and standard of excellence upheld by the University. Learn more at https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu.

About DHCS

DHCS is the backbone of California’s health care safety net, helping more than 14 million Californians every day. DHCS’ purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care, leading to a healthy California for all. DHCS is the federally designated single state agency responsible for financing and administering the state's Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, which provides health care services to low-income people and families who meet defined eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal is authorized and funded through a federal-state partnership. Medi-Cal programs cover physical health, mental health, SUD services, pharmacy, dental, and long-term services and supports. DHCS is also the single state agency for Substance Abuse and the State Mental Health Authority, and administers county-operated community mental health and SUD programs, together known as behavioral health.