Addiction counselors play an important role in helping individuals and families navigate substance use disorders. They provide guidance, support, and resources that help people build healthier lives and work toward long-term recovery. For those looking for a meaningful career in a growing field, addiction counseling offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Why Addiction Counseling Matters

Substance use disorders affect people from every background. They can impact physical and mental health, relationships, employment, education, and overall quality of life. Recovery often requires support from trained professionals who understand the challenges individuals face and can help them navigate the recovery process.

Licensed addiction counselors play an important role in that journey. They help individuals build practical skills that support long-term recovery, including:

• Managing stress and triggers
• Developing healthy coping strategies
• Setting and achieving personal goals
• Strengthening communication skills
• Rebuilding relationships and support systems
• Making healthier decisions
• Increasing self-awareness
• Maintaining long-term recovery plans

While recovery looks different for every individual, access to qualified professionals can make a significant difference.

Why Kansas Needs More Addiction Counselors

Kansas communities continue to face challenges in accessing behavioral health and recovery services. Research from the Kansas Health Institute has found that many areas of the state experience shortages of behavioral health professionals, creating barriers for individuals seeking treatment and support.

In response, Kansas leaders and healthcare organizations have invested in workforce development initiatives designed to increase the number of professionals serving individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

These efforts reflect a growing need for trained professionals who can support recovery services across the state. As healthcare systems, treatment centers, and community organizations work to expand access to care, opportunities continue to grow for individuals prepared to enter the field.

For those considering a career in addiction counseling, this need represents an opportunity to serve others while helping address an important challenge facing Kansas communities.

What Does a Licensed Addiction Counselor Do?

Licensed addiction counselors work with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and related challenges. Their responsibilities may include assessing client needs, developing treatment goals, facilitating counseling sessions, monitoring progress, and connecting clients with community resources.

Many counselors also collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, recovery specialists, and other professionals to support comprehensive care.

Addiction counselors may work in a variety of settings, including:

• Substance use treatment centers
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Community mental health centers
• Private counseling practices
• Nonprofit organizations
• Recovery and rehabilitation programs
• Correctional facilities
• Veterans’ services organizations
• Community outreach programs

The work can be challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. Every day offers an opportunity to support someone as they work toward healthier choices, stronger relationships, and lasting recovery.

How Do You Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas?

While specific licensure requirements may change over time, most aspiring addiction counselors follow a pathway that includes education, supervised experience, and examination.

Pathway 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

If you have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, �鶹��Ƶ offers an Addictions Counseling track within the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. This pathway allows you to earn your degree while completing coursework focused on addiction, treatment, and recovery.

Through the program, you’ll build a foundation in psychology while developing specialized knowledge that can prepare you for the next steps toward addiction counseling licensure.

Pathway 2: Complete the Addictions Counseling Coursework

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, you do not need to earn a second bachelor’s degree. Instead, you can complete the Addictions Counseling track as a standalone program.

This pathway includes:

1. Complete 33 credit hours of addictions counseling coursework.
2. Complete 6 credit hours of practicum experience.
3. Apply to take the required national examination.
4. Complete any additional state licensure requirements.

While �鶹��Ƶ does not administer the national examination, our faculty and staff help students navigate the process and provide support as they prepare for the next step toward licensure.

Whether you’re beginning your first degree or building on education you’ve already completed, �鶹��Ƶ offers a pathway to help you prepare for a career in addiction counseling.

Apply Now

Kansas communities need qualified addiction counselors who can help individuals and families navigate recovery. Whether you’re earning your first degree or building on education you’ve already completed, �鶹��Ƶ can help you take the next step.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and the Addictions Counseling track and start your application today.

Sources
1 Kansas Health Institute. Addressing Behavioral Health Workforce Needs in Kansas.
2 Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiatives.

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Dr. Carey will serve as chair of the Audit Committee, where she will oversee the association’s financial accounting processes, internal controls, independent auditors, conflict of interest policies and other related matters.

“I am grateful to serve on the Executive Committee for NAICU and to have the opportunity to advocate for issues related to higher education at the national level,” said Dr. Carey. “It’s a privilege to represent �鶹��Ƶ and our wonderful private institutions in Kansas, and work alongside talented leaders throughout the country.”

This position is elected by the NAICU Board of Directors and consists of the officers, the past board chair, the chairs of the four policy committees, and two at-large members. Seven committees report to the NAICU board; four address public policy issues and are composed of board members and selected members from the Committees on Accountability, Student Aid, Policy Analysis and Public Relations, and Tax Policy.

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The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified voice for the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in our nation. Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU’s membership reflects the spectrum of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. NAICU’s member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other Minority-Serving Institutions, art and design colleges, conservatories of music, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business and other professions.

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /

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Kater is an ‘88 and ‘90 �鶹��Ƶ alumnus and has previously dedicated 18 impactful years of service to the institution, including in the Student Life department. He’s also the son of the late Jack Kater, a beloved �鶹��Ƶ athletic director, men’s basketball coach and golf coach at Friends, and who was honored by “Jack Kater Court” in the Garvey Physical Education Center. 

Kater joins from the Wichita State University Foundation, where he served successfully since 2008, most recently as the Senior Vice President for Development. He has held the titles of director of development for planned giving, senior director of development for planned giving and annual fund and vice president for development throughout his career. In addition to the VP of Student Life role, Kater will support advancement efforts through his planned giving expertise.

“Darin brings a wealth of experience in higher education and years of executive leadership back to his alma mater, paired with a deep passion for �鶹��Ƶ and its Christian mission,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, President of �鶹��Ƶ. 

Kater is married to his wife, Tara, a former high school educator, and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. His volunteer interests include coaching youth sports and serving in various teaching and administrative positions at his church. He has held memberships with the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, Wichita Estate Planning Council, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Association of Fundraising Professionals and served as president of Rotary Club of East Wichita. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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This track was created from a portion of the fund received from the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (KBHCE), an institution that was formed to address the growing shortage in mental health clinics in Kansas by increasing the number of clinicians and removing barriers that make it challenging to practice.  

The addiction counseling track will equip students to support individuals and families affected by addiction through evidence-based treatment, compassion and a commitment to long-term recovery. Students will pursue licensure, as well as work in diverse settings, including private practice, substance abuse clinics, group practices and hospitals. Offered as an online degree option, the track is designed to fit around work, family and other responsibilities.  

Scholarships for the addiction counseling track will be available for new students as part of the KBHCE grant. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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The evaluation process incorporates trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, publicly available institutional disclosures and aggregated performance indicators from recognized ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. All data undergo multiple rounds of internal review to ensure accuracy, consistency and objectivity. 

�鶹��Ƶ has been recognized for the following 2026 awards: 

Best Online Master’s in Health Services Degree Programs | Ranked 4
Best Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Degree Programs | Ranked 4
Best Online Master’s in Education Programs | Ranked 6
Best Online MBA Programs | Ranked 12
Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs | Ranked 32
Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs | Ranked 49

This recognition underscores �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education designed to meet the demands of modern industries and support long-term student success. 

About �鶹��Ƶ  

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

About OnlineMasters.com 

OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to evaluating accredited online master’s programs across the United States. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates independently to ensure objectivity and methodological integrity. 

Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. The platform’s mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education. 

To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com. 

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“We are excited to provide an affordable opportunity for landlocked students in Kansas to gain hands-on experience in marine science,” DISL University Programs’ Chair Dr. Lee Smee said. 

Faculty from �鶹��Ƶ will also have opportunities to engage in collaborative research initiatives and utilize DISL’s facilities to advance scientific understanding of the Gulf Coast region. Registration for �鶹��Ƶ students is set to begin in Spring 2027. 

This partnership further reinforces DISL’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality coastal education while creating new opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and to contribute to research supporting the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. 

“I’m very excited about our partnership with Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Our students are going to have the ability to learn from experts in the field of marine science, get incredible experiential learning opportunities, and have a truly transformational learning experience,” said �鶹��Ƶ’s associate professor of biology Dr. Ana Jurcak-Detter. 

More about Dauphin Island Sea Lab 

Currently, DISL partners with 21 Alabama colleges and universities through the Established by the Alabama Legislature in 1971, MESC was created to reduce redundancy in marine science education across the state. DISL is not a degree-granting institution but supports students in fulfilling undergraduate and graduate degree requirements through their home campuses. 

More about �鶹��Ƶ 

�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /

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Wichita, KS— Former CEO of Spirit AeroSystems Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Turner was announced as the �鶹��Ƶ Keynote Speaker for the Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2026. 
Since June 2005, Turner served as the President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. until the divestiture of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Wichita Division. As CEO, he successfully led the transition from Boeing Division to an independent company completing the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in November 2006.  Mr. Turner was a member of Spirit AeroSystems’ Board of Directors from 2005-2014.  

A Kansas native, Turner worked for The Boeing Company for more than 30 years. He started in 1973 as a part-time computer programmer while completing his degree at Wichita State University. During his tenure with The Boeing Company, Turner held key management and director positions at Boeing Computer Services, Boeing Military Airplane Company and Boeing Commercial Airplanes located in Wichita and Seattle, Washington. From 1995 until the divestiture in June 2005, he served as Vice President-General Manager for the Wichita Division. 

Turner received a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1973 and a M.S. in Engineering Management Science in 1977, both from Wichita State University.  In 1984, he was selected as a Boeing Sloan Fellow to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Sloan School of Management, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Management. 

Turner is a partner in the Turner Nichols Williams Group, which focuses on developing small businesses in the Wichita, KS area. He served on the Board of Directors of Rockwell Collins and Spirit AeroSystems and served on the board of INTRUST Bank. He has also been very involved in the local community having served on a number of boards and Co-Chaired the community Leadership Council, as well as the Board of Directors for “Doc’s Friends”, a non-profit organization which owns and flies a WWII vintage B-29 aircraft.  Turner and his wife, Rhonda, are active members of their community and have two adult children and six grandchildren. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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Gifts to the university can be made online, in person or by mail to support the Friends Annual Fund or individual funds. Whether you support scholarships, academic programs or other vital initiatives, your contributions have a profound impact on the Friends community. 

“The scholarships I have received from Friends have given me so much more than just financial aid. It has allowed me to come to a new country and obtain friends and acquire knowledge that will stick with me throughout my whole life,” said senior Sander Fjell, a �鶹��Ƶ student. “Without the financial aid from �鶹��Ƶ, I would not have been able to pursue a degree and career in finance, which I am very passionate about.” 

To participate in the university’s annual Day of Giving on April 8, visit our website at  or contact Sanya Wiles at sanya@friends.edu. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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Wichita, KS— �鶹��Ƶ has been named a 2026-2027 Military Friendly School. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2026-2027 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard. 

�鶹��Ƶ offers retired and honorably discharged military, Kansas Army and Air National Guard a 10% discount as a thank you for their service. 

“Our military service members have done so much for our country,” said Preston Todd, vice president of enrollment management. “We are committed to giving them the opportunity to earn an education at a discounted rate, while attending a private, faith-based university. It is an honor to be included on the Military Friendly list once again.” 

For more information about �鶹��Ƶ’s student veteran programs, visit our website at /admissions/costs-financial-aid/veterans/. To see �鶹��Ƶ’s page on the Military Friendly site, visit  

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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In the wake of a nationwide mental health epidemic, Kansas has seen an increasing shortage in mental health clinics. To address this issue, a group of universities and mental health providers have formed The Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, which aims to increase the number of clinicians entering the workforce and remove barriers that make it challenging to practice in Kansas. 

�鶹��Ƶ’s Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Ken Stoltzfus, has been serving as a founding member and representative for �鶹��Ƶ among the KBHCE.  

A portion of this near-million-dollar budget request will also help �鶹��Ƶ develop an addiction counseling track within the psychology major, as well as provide scholarship support for students who pursue that degree. Dr. Stoltzfus is excited to see what impact these funds will have on future students and the community at large. 

The Center on Family Living was established in 1978 with a grant from the Lilly Foundation to provide family education and support, primarily providing services through the local church. Today, the university seeks to re-establish that founding vision with the goal of bringing hope and healing to families. 

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at /  

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To view our list of 2026 summer school courses,

*There is a $75 technology fee per course. Some courses may have additional fees.

General Education Requirements can be viewed on the

Please contact our admissions department at admissions@friends.edu or call 316-295-5100.

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#1 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program in Kansas: 
  

�鶹��Ƶ offers three distinctive MBA pathways, each designed to meet the diverse goals of today’s professionals. With efficient course sequencing, each MBA can be completed in under two years, while online options offer the flexibility needed for professionals to specialize in one of six optional concentrations without interrupting their careers.  

To view more about the evaluation and ranking process visit   

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�鶹��Ƶ, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. �鶹��Ƶ offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at / 

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