Ph.D. in Addiction Psychology Program Guide

The demand for mental health services is rising as schools, hospitals, and clinics must expand to meet the needs of a post-pandemic United States.

Counseling careers in substance use disorder, behavioral disorder, and mental health are projected to jump a staggering 18% between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Pursuing a doctorate in addiction psychology can put you at the forefront of this growing field.

A doctorate or Ph.D. in addiction psychology prepares you to counsel and treat people with substance use disorders, such as alcoholism and harmful drug use. People with behavioral addictions like gambling, excessive shopping, or overeating may also seek the help of an addiction psychologist.

Graduates of addiction psychology doctoral programs often work in direct client services or research. Many Ph.D. holders also teach and work in public policy.

Doctoral programs in addiction psychology — sometimes called addiction studies or addiction recovery counseling — typically take 3-7 years to complete.

In terms of degree type, you can choose between a Ph.D. or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). A Ph.D. primarily focuses on research and teaching, while a Psy.D. prepares you to provide psychological clinical care and client services, often at the administrative or executive level.

As a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in addiction psychology student, you’ll deepen your understanding of research methods and counseling techniques. You’ll also study how brain chemistry, genetics, age, and other social factors can impact addiction and treatment.

Here are some sample classes you might take:

A doctorate in addiction psychology is a huge academic commitment. Program length and entry requirements are important considerations when choosing a school.

The length of a Ph.D. in addiction psychology will vary by institution, state, specialty, and licensure. Generally, you can dedicate 3-7 years to your doctoral studies.

Most states require psychologists to complete a minimum of 60 credits, and some graduate schools require as many as 125 credits.

Many psychology doctoral students also undertake teaching assistantships and internships while earning their degrees. Outside commitments such as work and family can impact the time it takes to finish your program.

How to Apply for a Ph.D. in Addiction Psychology Program

You do not need a master’s in addiction psychology to apply for a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in addiction psychology program.

Many doctoral programs admit bachelor’s degree holders and let you earn your master’s degree on the way toward your doctorate. It’s particularly helpful if you have a bachelor’s in addiction counseling, psychology, or a related field, though it’s not necessarily required.

If you do have a master’s, your degree ideally has some connection to addiction psychology or at least comprises ample coursework in areas like counseling, psychology, and social work.

You should also have a solid research background, with at least some graduate-level coursework in data analysis. Having an academic paper published in a peer-reviewed journal can be highly valuable for admission to some psychology doctoral programs, if not required.

Other Ph.D. in addiction psychology application requirements may include:

Graduate school tuition and fees averaged around $20,500 in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Public school tuition averaged $12,600, while private nonprofit school tuition averaged $29,900.

For example, Arizona State University‘s accredited online doctorate in behavioral health costs between $13,900 and $24,400 per year, depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state resident.

In comparison, Regent Unversity‘s accredited online faith-based doctoral program costs around $10,800 a year for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and $21,600 for a Psy.D.

Tuition and fees can vary greatly depending on the school and program. Many doctoral students rely on grants, teaching assistantships, and research fellowships to offset tuition costs.

Psychology jobs are growing faster than many other jobs as post-pandemic demand for mental health services increases. There are several careers you can consider if you have a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in addiction psychology.

Many graduates of addiction psychology doctoral programs become psychologists, which often involves completing an internship and taking the licensing exam. In this role, they provide counseling, psychological assessments, and consultations to people with addictions.

Alternatively, you could become a professor or academic researcher. Many Ph.D. holders work at think tanks and nonprofits in the public policy arena.

The BLS projects that jobs for psychologists will grow 6% between 2022 and 2032, with some 12,000 job openings a year. That’s double the average growth rate for all occupations.

Positions for addiction psychologists will be in high demand as Americans continue to grapple with the rise of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for nearly 70% of the 110,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2022.

Addiction psychologists continue to work at the forefront of this public health emergency, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

How Much Money Can I Make With a Ph.D. in Addiction Psychology?

Early-career clinical psychologists earn an average annual salary of around $74,000, according to August 2024 Payscale data. In comparison, those with 20 or more years of experience earn an average of just over $113,000 per year.

Psychologists tend to earn the most in New Jersey, California, and Oregon, according to 2023 BLS data. In these states, average wages range from $129,500-$148,400.

Ultimately, psychologist salaries vary depending on your specialty, licensure, and location.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an addiction psychology doctoral program, with accreditation, cost, and program length being some of the most important.

Your Psy.D. or Ph.D. in addiction psychology should come from an accredited schooland an accredited program.

APA is the primary accreditor of doctoral programs in psychology, specifically clinical, counseling, and school psychology. Designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, sometimes called the National Register, is also a reliable indicator of program quality.

An accredited program ensures you have the educational foundation to provide quality clinical services to the public.

It also allows you to qualify for state licensure. Some states, like Michigan and Idaho, require graduation from an APA-accredited program to receive a full psychologist license.

A Psy.D. or Ph.D. in addiction psychology can be pricey, so make sure to pick a program that will likely yield a high return on investment.

Compare lifetime compensation to program cost, and consider what financial aid opportunities might be available to you.

According to the College Board, full-time graduate students received an average of $28,300 in federal funds in 2022-2023.

Private scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs can also help offset the cost of your education.

You’ll also want to consider how long it will take you to complete your degree. Program length will depend on factors like any specialized licenses or certifications you’re pursuing, as well as your educational background and outside commitments.

Many Psy.D. and Ph.D. in addiction psychology programs offer remote, low-residency, and hybrid options.

Face-to-face learning can improve your understanding of complex psychological concepts and hone your presentation, networking, and teamwork skills.

In contrast, remote learning tends to offer more flexibility. Asynchronous course options allow busy students to learn at their own pace, and some online programs may also be cheaper than in-person ones.