Articles

Why a Behavioral Healthcare Career Move Is a Holiday Gift for You and Your Family?

The holiday season often inspires reflection. Many people pause during this time to consider whether their current career truly supports their values, stability, and long-term well-being. For those seeking both purpose and security, a move into behavioral healthcare can be a lasting gift to themselves and their families.

Behavioral healthcare is not merely a profession: it is workforce development at its best. Hence, this career is a commitment to service at a time when communities nationwide face rising mental health and substance use challenges. Entering this field allows individuals to align their work with compassion, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Behavioral Healthcare Career Move Equals A Holiday Gift

Holiday Gift of Workforce Development

Workforce development is a comprehensive economic strategy that prepares workers for successful labor market participation while ensuring businesses have access to the talent they need to thrive. Unlike traditional job training, it takes a long-term, holistic approach to building community and regional economic resilience.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) said, “A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” Hence, a career move into behavioral healthcare is that new dimension, expanding both your skills and your perspective.

New Dimension = Behavioral Healthcare Career Move

Tarzana Treatment Centers College operates within Tarzana Treatment Centers, an organization that has delivered respected, high-quality behavioral healthcare for more than fifty years. Tarzana Treatment Centers provides integrated services for adults and youth with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and co-occurring disorders.

Moreover, that same leadership and clinical expertise now shape the college, ensuring students are trained within a system grounded in real-world practice. Indeed, imagine working in an environment where longstanding community trust is an inherent benefit.

The college offers a hybrid online learning model designed for adult learners. This flexible approach lets students tailor their education to work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or their recovery journey. It makes it possible to build a future in behavioral healthcare without putting life on hold.

Career Path Opportunities at Tarzana Treatment Centers College

To help students turn purpose into a practical career, Tarzana Treatment Centers College offers specialized certificate programs designed for immediate workforce entry:

Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate
An accelerated seven-month program that includes eight core modules and a supervised internship.

Medi Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
A program for individuals with lived experience who want to empower others through recovery-focused support.

A career in behavioral healthcare offers deep personal fulfillment. Supporting individuals as they navigate addiction, trauma, anxiety, or major life transitions provides a sense of meaning that extends beyond daily tasks. Professionals in this field help address the national mental health crisis. Moreover, job security is another significant benefit.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,300 openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”

A Gift of Opportunity for You and Your Family

Behavioral Healthcare Career Move = Good Thinking

This level of projected growth reflects sustained demand and long-term stability for those entering the field. Many behavioral healthcare roles also offer work-life flexibility. Part-time schedules, contract positions, and community-based roles allow professionals to balance career and family responsibilities. Competitive compensation supports financial stability, providing peace of mind for the entire household.

Families benefit in ways that extend beyond income. A career rooted in empathy and service models compassion for children and loved ones. In many cases, one person’s professional journey can also encourage family members to seek recovery or mental health support, helping to break cycles of struggle and silence.

The holiday season underscores the importance of this work. Feelings of loneliness, grief, and anxiety often intensify during this time of year. Behavioral healthcare professionals provide essential emotional support when it is needed most, offering presence and hope to those who feel isolated.

Holidays and Behavioral Healthcare Career Move

This commitment to care is evident at the local level as well. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, the nation’s largest public mental health department, ensures access to treatment for vulnerable residents across a region of more than 10 million people.

With a budget exceeding $4.4 billion, the department remains committed to hope, recovery, and equity in care. With the LACDMH managing a $4.4 billion budget to serve 10 million residents, the demand for trained professionals from institutions like Tarzana Treatment Centers College has never been higher.

Indeed, a career move in behavioral healthcare is more than a job change. It is an investment in personal well-being, professional purpose, and family security. Through Tarzana Treatment Centers College’s flexible, career-focused programs, individuals can take this step with confidence. This holiday season, a new career path may be the most meaningful gift of all.

What AB 2473 Means for California’s SUD Counselors and Future Counselors?

AB 2473 is essential healthcare legislation that everyone in behavioral healthcare should be aware of. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors play a vital role in tackling one of California’s most pressing public health issues: the ongoing overdose and addiction crisis.

As the demand for skilled addiction treatment grows, so does the need for strict training standards. In response, California passed Assembly Bill 2473 (AB 2473), a law aimed at significantly improving care standards and professionalism across the state. 

AB 2473

Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) recognized the change and has already adjusted its curriculum to ensure our students are not just meeting these new standards. In fact, it is exceeding them, truly preparing you for a new career in behavioral healthcare.

The “Why” and “What” of AB 2473

Initially, AB 2473 was enacted to update the state’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor training standards, aligning them with national best practices. This legislation prepares counselors to address complex, modern behavioral health issues.

The bill’s key requirements for the 80-hour Core Competency Mandate start on July 1, 2025, with full regulatory enforcement and a six-month completion window for all new registrants beginning on January 1, 2026.

Crucially, the most immediate change for future professionals is the 80-Hour Core Competency Mandate. The state is clear about the compliance timeline:

“Individuals who register as a counselor for the first time on or after July 1, 2025, must complete eighty (80) hours of education and core competency education as specified in HSC section 11833(b).

For those registering between July 1 and December 31, 2025, the deadline is July 1, 2026. For those registering on or after January 1, 2026, the hours must be completed within six (6) months of registration.” (DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice).”

This education is not a hurdle; it is a dedication to professional mastery, and these hours directly contribute to the total 315 education hours required for full certification.

Decoding the AB 2473 Core Competencies

Specifically, the new law outlines essential knowledge areas that must be thoroughly covered. Moreover, these requirements go well beyond basic addiction education, emphasizing integration, technology, and advanced clinical skills.

The Mandatory Core Competencies include:

Core Competencies

Clinical Foundation: In-depth knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the use of the ASAM Criteria (American Society of Addiction Medicine) for patient placement and treatment planning.

Modern Treatment: Mandated training in Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), reflecting the shift toward evidence-based pharmacology in recovery.

Ethics and Boundaries: Extensive coverage of Law, Ethics, and Professional Boundaries to ensure high-integrity practice.

Technology & Equity: Crucial new requirements covering the Utilization of Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems (a necessity in modern healthcare) and advanced Cultural Competence for providing inclusive care.

At TTCC, we recognized these changes early. Our curriculum now incorporates all these critical areas. Hence, this update ensures that TTCC graduates are workforce-ready and compliant with the new regulatory landscape before the deadlines.

The TTCC Advantage: Ensuring AB 2473 Compliance

Ultimately, AB 2473 significantly raises the standards for the SUD counseling profession. It is a crucial step forward, ensuring that counselors are ready to provide higher-quality care. Additionally, choosing TTCC for your education means you will benefit from a cutting-edge curriculum. Indeed, the curriculum is continuously updated to meet the clinical demands of a leading integrated treatment center.

As the TTCC Mission states: “Through academic programs and student-centered experiences, TTCC equips learners to deliver integrated, evidence-based, and patient-centered care—while advancing health equity and reducing the total cost of care in our communities.”

Since TTCC is part of Tarzana Treatment Centers, our education remains practical and up-to-date. Indeed, we cover all required competencies, giving you an immediate advantage in the hiring process.

Secure Your Future by Acting on AB 2473 Now

Therefore, if you’re ready to start or advance your career in addiction treatment, TTCC offers an AB 2473-compliant education. Indeed, it is will meet the requirements.

Are you prepared to confidently navigate the changing professional landscape? With the AB 2473 deadlines approaching in 2025 and 2026, securing your compliant education is the essential first step. 

Hence, begin your AB 2473-compliant journey at TTCC. Reach out to our admissions team today for a personalized consultation at enrollment@tarzanatc.org.

Why Hybrid Learning at TTCC Is Essential for Working Students in the 21st Century

Hybrid learning at TTC College (TTCC) provides working students with the solution they need to balance career, family, and educational goals in today’s world. Traditional college schedules simply don’t work for busy adults. How can you pursue a rewarding new career, like Substance Use Disorder Counseling, without putting your life on hold?

Hybrid learning makes it possible. This model offers an ideal mix of structure and flexibility. It makes education accessible for busy professionals, parents, and anyone ready to take the next step toward a brighter future.

Hybrid Learning at TTCC: Flexibility That Fits Your Life

The biggest advantage of hybrid learning at TTCC is its unmatched flexibility. This innovative approach combines selected in-person classes with significant online learning through the Moodle Platform with additional resources on the TTC Learning Portal. Students can complete assignments, review interactive lessons, and study in the evenings or on weekends. This design directly aligns with the realities of working life.

This design reflects the realities of today’s working students. It’s not just a format; it’s a philosophy rooted in TTCC’s Mission: “To support working students and caregivers, TTCC provides flexible scheduling, hybrid classes, and online learning formats. Whether you are changing careers or advancing one, TTC College helps you fit education into your life, not the other way around.” This commitment ensures your education works around your existing commitments.

Academic Excellence Powers Hybrid Learning at TTCC

Hybrid learning at TTCC is not only convenient; it is also academically rigorous. Modern educational research endorses this blended approach. Experts agree that combining online interaction with intentional, in-person instruction enhances learning and connection.

A study on virtual and hybrid teaching noted that hybrid programs work best when educators incorporate “interactive online tools with intentional in-person instruction.” TTCC applies this principle throughout its curriculum.

Further evidence from the National Library of Medicine confirms that hybrid teaching “promotes greater accessibility, encourages learner autonomy, and expands opportunities for engagement.” These benefits are built into TTCC’s model, ensuring students receive a dynamic, high-quality education.

With this structure, TTCC delivers excellence in both formats, online and in-person, so students never have to compromise quality while enjoying the flexibility they need.

The Flexibility of Hybrid Learning is the Key to Success

Hybrid Learning at TTCC Builds Career Readiness

Launching a career in behavioral healthcare, such as becoming a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor, requires more than clinical knowledge. Today’s employers expect professionals who can navigate both in-person and digital environments with ease.

Hybrid learning at TTCC prepares you for this reality. By studying in a blended format, you gain hands-on experience with online communication, digital record management, and virtual collaboration. These skills aren’t optional – they are essential in modern clinics, hospitals, and treatment centers that rely on advanced technology every day.

Employers highly value graduates who are adaptable and can switch quickly between in-person and remote tasks. This integrated approach to learning greatly enhances your career readiness. It offers both clinical knowledge and essential technology skills.

Enroll Today and Start Your Hybrid Learning Journey at TTCC

Hybrid learning at TTCC is more than a convenient option; it’s a student-centered model designed for long-term success. You don’t have to sacrifice your current stability to build a new future.

With TTCC, you’ll find a flexible, supportive, and future-ready path that fits your life and your goals.

Unlock Your Potential — What Are Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Specializations?

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Specializations offer you a meaningful career with financial stability. As a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, your personal story becomes a powerful professional asset — but the journey doesn’t end with certification.

By pursuing advanced studies, especially Peer Support Specialist Specializations, you enhance your impact and become an essential professional in California’s expanding behavioral health sector. Learn more about TTCC’s Peer Support Specialist Training Program and how to begin your certification journey.

Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) offers the specialized training you need. As the educational division of Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), TTCC benefits from TTC’s fifty years of respected behavioral healthcare expertise. TTC provides comprehensive services for mental health, SUDs, and co-occurring disorders.

Both TTC and TTCC demonstrate clear leadership in their fields, supported by extensive proven experience. We prepare you to leverage your lived experience to help those in need.

Why Choose Peer Support Specialist Specializations?

Specialized training enables certified peers to improve their foundational skills. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) confirms that Peer Support Services are a covered Medi-Cal benefit. Specialization strengthens your professional profile and boosts your long-term career opportunities. Therefore, you should consider Peer Support Specialist Specializations. 

TTCC ensures this advanced training is accessible. Our hybrid program offers in-person, online, and hybrid options. This flexibility allows you to tailor your education to your current life circumstances. Indeed, we focus on helping you make this positive career shift happen.

You can also complete coursework through Moodle, TTC’s online class platform. Such access helps to ensure that your training fits your busy schedule. This training at Tarzana Treatment Centers College will give your life more profound meaning and greater job security.

Four Essential Peer Support Specialist Specializations

TTCC offers four key Peer Support Specialist Specializations to enhance your skills and secure your future. Please explore these offerings to learn more about each specialization.

Peer Services in Crisis Care Specialization: This advanced program trains peers to assist individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Crisis care peers are vital. You develop skills such as de-escalation, crisis resolution, and trauma-informed support. You learn to help people create safety plans and connect with resources after a crisis event.

Specialized Services for the Unhoused: This focus aims to support individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Peers with similar lived experiences can build trust with this isolated population. Training highlights practical resources and system navigation. You help with housing support and other critical needs while providing trauma-informed care.

Parent, Family, and Caregiver Member Specialization: This specialized program trains individuals with lived experience as parents or caregivers. This role supports other families as they navigate complex behavioral health systems. Training emphasizes professional responsibilities and promotes wellness and resilience for the entire family.

Specialized Peer Services for Justice-Involved Individuals: This training prepares peers to support those involved in the criminal justice system. Peers with similar backgrounds are crucial for effective community reintegration. You build advocacy skills that help people access vital services, thereby reducing the risk of recidivism.

Additionally, according to the DHCS, “Questions related to California Mental Health Services Authority’s (CalMHSA) role in Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification, including questions about Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training, exams, and certification, may be directed to CalMHSA by emailing PeerCertification@calmhsa.org.”

You can also use the new TTC Learning Portal to help you complete CEUs and finish additional academic requirements. Since the TTC Learning Portal is both easy to access and affordable, Tarzana Treatment Centers College offers another resource for your new journey.

Secure Your Future and Find Your Purpose

Your lived experience is incredibly valuable. It is your strongest asset. TTCC’s Peer Support Specialist Specializations help you turn that value into a meaningful, stable career. You find greater purpose by uplifting others. You also gain better job security in an essential, expanding field. 

Enroll in TTCC’s core training and choose your specialization today to start making a profound difference. Learn more at https://www.ttccollege.org/.

This article has been researched, written, and read by Academic Officers at Tarzana Treatment Centers College.

Why Does World Mental Health Day Matter to TTCC?

World Mental Health Day (WMHD), observed on Friday, October 10, 2025, is a moment of global unity around one essential truth: mental health is health. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that the goal of this observance is “to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health”. Indeed, in 2025, communities, educators, and healthcare professionals are once again joining together to inspire meaningful change.

The Significance of World Mental Health Day 2025

At Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC), WMHD holds special significance. The college exists to prepare future behavioral healthcare professionals who will serve those in need across California and beyond. Hence, by developing a compassionate and skilled workforce, TTCC strengthens the foundation of mental wellness. Such a foundation is a goal that World Mental Health Day seeks to promote.

What Is World Mental Health Day?

Each year, World Mental Health Day highlights the importance of connection, empathy, and access to care. According to the Mental Health Foundation, “World Mental Health Day shines a spotlight on the importance of mental wellbeing. It is a moment to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for stronger policies and services to support mental health for all.”

Additionally, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing emphasizes that the observance encourages people to “share inspiring stories, practical resources, and hope.” Therefore, World Mental Health Day reminds everyone that caring for our minds is just as important as caring for our bodies.

Why WMHD Matters for the Future of BHC Professionals

The United Nations underscores that a healthy workforce depends on mental well-being, noting that “employers have a responsibility to create environments that support mental health and reduce stigma.”

TTCC takes this mission to heart. Through its behavioral healthcare programs, the college trains students to provide high-quality, compassionate care across diverse communities. TTCC’s Programs not only prepare individuals for rewarding careers but also strengthen the collective effort to make mental health support more accessible.

From SUD counseling to behavioral health medical assistant training, TTCC ensures every student learns both clinical skills and emotional intelligence. As a part of Tarzana Treatment Centers, TTCC benefits from over 50 years of trusted experience in integrated healthcare. Hence, we bridge educational opportunities with real-world service.

TTCC’s Educational Values Reflect the Spirit of World Mental Health Day

In our Educational Values in Healthcare article, we explain, “Another critical educational value in behavioral healthcare is intersectionality. TTCC values diverse identities and life experiences. By promoting inclusion, the college prepares students to serve a wide range of individuals. Respect for different backgrounds is crucial for providing effective, compassionate care.”

This philosophy directly supports the goals of World Mental Health Day. Indeed, it ensures that tomorrow’s behavioral health professionals approach every person with respect, understanding, and inclusion.

A Shared Commitment to Community Wellness

As communities come together on October 10, TTCC encourages students, educators, and healthcare partners to take positive steps. For example, initiate and join in conversations about mental health and take action. Together, we can create a culture that recognizes the equal importance of mental and physical well-being.

Learn more about TTCC’s behavioral healthcare programs and start your journey toward a career that changes lives.

Can You Balance Work and School While Pursuing a Career in SUD Counseling?

Yes, you can – with the right support and self-care strategies, a career in SUD counseling is possible.

Balancing a job while earning a degree in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling is no small feat. Academic responsibilities, professional commitments, and personal obligations often lead to stress. Making a career change may feel out of reach — but Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) is here to help you succeed.

Without proper support and planning, this balancing act can impact your academic performance and long-term goals. That’s why developing strong self-care habits is essential. These strategies not only protect your well-being but also prepare you for a fulfilling career in behavioral healthcare.

The Importance of Self-Care in Counseling Education

Self-care is not just a personal wellness choice; it is a professional necessity for those entering the substance use disorder (SUD) field. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Self‐care is a key part of the recovery process and should be tailored to each person’s unique experiences and needs. There is a need for consistent support in the implementation of self‐care strategies, in addition to creating interventions that address the complex lives of the specific populations.”

This insight shows that effective self-care is essential for building resilience. By learning and practicing these strategies, students can better manage busy schedules and the emotional demands of behavioral healthcare. Indeed, learning self-care is an important step in the right direction.

career in SUD counseling — You Can Smile and Pursue a Successful Career in SUD Counseling

TTCC’s Hybrid Learning Model: Flexibility for Working Students

TTCC offers hybrid programs designed specifically for students who are working while studying. Whether you’re pursuing a Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate or completing the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training Program, our flexible format helps you integrate education into your current lifestyle.

This setup combines online courses through the TTC Learning Portal with in-person sessions. Hence, such a balance enables students to integrate education into their current lifestyles. 

Hybrid learning gives SUD counseling students with jobs the flexibility to study without giving up their employment or personal responsibilities. By tailoring education to their circumstances, students can move forward with confidence.

Self-Care Strategies for SUD Counseling Students with Jobs

The first strategy is time management. Students should create weekly schedules that clearly allocate time for study, work, and personal activities. Thus, planning prevents burnout and keeps education goals on track.

The second strategy is consistent physical self-care. Adequate sleep, balanced meals, and regular exercise are vital for maintaining energy levels. Even a brief walk or a quick mindfulness exercise can help reduce stress and boost focus.

The third strategy is social support. Students should stay connected with peers, mentors, and supportive family members. Study groups and professional networks offer accountability and encouragement. At TTCC, many students build strong peer relationships that carry over into professional practice.

TTCC: Supporting Student Wellness and Career Success

At TTCC, we believe that education should empower the whole person. As stated on the TTCC Mission Page, “We believe that progressive education empowers individuals to become exemplary healthcare professionals who are committed to meeting the needs of their communities.”

This philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing not only technical skills but also sustainable self-care practices. TTCC cares about both the student and the individual. Additionally, we believe that a successful healthcare practitioner must also prioritize their own health.

Building a Foundation for Professional Success

Practicing self-care during training helps students prepare for careers that require emotional resilience. SUD counseling students with outside jobs who adopt healthy habits can protect their mental health while excelling academically. We believe that you can enjoy the best of both worlds, and you deserve such an educational experience.

Is such an education truly possible for SUD counseling students with jobs? Absolutely!

Take the First Step Toward a Fulfilling Career

With TTCC’s flexible hybrid programs, a meaningful career in behavioral healthcare is within reach. A balanced life is not just a dream -it’s a goal you can achieve.

If you are ready to take the first step, TTCC is here to help turn your goal into reality.

Educational Values in Healthcare — How TTCC Builds Compassionate Professionals

What are the key educational values in healthcare? Prospective students often seek more than just classroom lessons. They want a program that fosters skills, compassion, and leadership. Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) offers an education guided by core values that steer both learning and professional growth.

If you want to learn more about becoming a mission-driven professional on a secure career path, please read this article and access its resources.

Educational Values in Healthcare and the TTC Legacy

TTCC is part of Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), an organization with over fifty years of dedicated service in behavioral healthcare. TTC provides integrated care for substance use disorders, mental health, primary and specialty medical care. Both adults and youth have benefited from this commitment. With such a strong foundation, both TTC and TTCC stand as leaders, showcasing proven experience and a dedication to excellence.

When students choose TTCC, they become part of an institution rooted in the history and expertise of TTC. This connection boosts the college’s credibility and shows how educational values in healthcare connect directly to real-world impact. Therefore, TTCC champions “healthcare education with a purpose” and “education that empowers.”

Innovation and Excellence in Behavioral Healthcare Education

At TTCC, innovation is more than just a word; it is a core value. Faculty members embrace new ideas and teaching methods, helping students stay ahead in a rapidly changing field. Excellence is another key pillar. The college aims for the highest standards in education, clinical practice, and student achievement.

Together, innovation and excellence ensure that students are not only trained but also inspired. They graduate ready to face challenges and improve the quality of care in their communities.

Integrity and Community as Core Educational Values in Healthcare

Integrity remains central to the TTCC experience. Students develop honesty, responsibility, and ethical intentions. These traits help build trust with future patients and colleagues.

Moreover, integrity connects directly to student well-being. As detailed in a recent publication in the National Library of Medicine, “The CDC and other leading public health organizations argue that wellbeing has mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, financial, and other dimensions that, individually and collectively, impact a variety of outcomes… Student well-being is about more than just having happy students: a large body of research has shown that mental health challenges significantly affect academic achievement and graduation rates.”

Therefore, a supportive academic community is essential in encouraging degree completion. Students are encouraged to support each other, collaborate on projects, and grow together. This team-oriented environment mirrors professional healthcare settings, where teamwork is vital for success. Additionally, educational values in healthcare promote positive well-being.

Intersectionality and Inclusion in Student Development

Another critical educational value in behavioral healthcare is intersectionality. TTCC values diverse identities and life experiences. By promoting inclusion, the college prepares students to serve a wide range of individuals. Respect for different backgrounds is crucial for providing effective, compassionate care.

Graduates leave TTCC ready to work in diverse settings, prepared to make a meaningful impact on their patients and communities. Indeed, they carry the educational values in healthcare with them as resources for their ongoing career development.

Choosing TTCC for Your Educational Journey

At TTCC, values extend beyond words; they shape the entire learning environment. Innovation, excellence, integrity, community, and intersectionality form the foundation for student success. This set of principles ensures graduates can pursue meaningful careers while positively impacting others’ lives.

Choosing TTCC means choosing a higher learning institution led by proven leadership and strong educational values in healthcare. It is a decision that opens the door to a promising future in a field that needs compassionate, skilled professionals more than ever.

Visit our website to learn how TTCC can assist you in building a secure and meaningful career in behavioral healthcare.

What is the Job Outlook for SUD Counselors and Peer Support Specialists in California?

The job outlook for SUD counselors and peer support specialists in California is very promising, offering hope and opportunities to prospective students. Demand for professionals in behavioral health continues to increase, and educational programs now offer flexible ways to enter this vital field.

In an ongoing effort to realize its core mission to provide integrated healthcare options, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) launched Tarzana Treatment Centers College in 2020.

As an educational institution approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), TTC College is committed to:

Delivering industry-recognized certifications

Providing evidence-based, practical training

Supporting learners at every stage of their healthcare careers

TTC College has improved job prospects for SUD counselors and peer support specialists in California.

Job Outlook for SUD Counselors: A Growing Need

This growth indicates that the job outlook for SUD Counselors is not only positive but also vital for California communities facing urgent addiction and recovery needs.

Tarzana Treatment Centers and the Path to Healthcare Careers

For over fifty years, Tarzana Treatment Centers has delivered trusted, high-quality behavioral healthcare. Providing integrated services for substance use disorders, mental health issues, and co-occurring conditions, TTC has supported adults and youth across Southern California.

Moreover, Tarzana Treatment Centers College continues this legacy by training the next generation of behavioral health professionals. Students gain practical experience and mentorship from TTC’s extensive expertise, which few institutions can match. TTC and TTCC show leadership together: one through treatment, the other through education.

TTCC Programs, Specializations, and Hybrid Learning

A strong job outlook for SUD counselors requires education that is practical, flexible, and tailored to today’s workforce needs. TTCC offers a range of specialized programs, including:

Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate

Peer Support Specialist Certification

Continuing Education opportunities for professionals

These programs tackle workforce gaps across California while offering the credentials for career growth. In addition, equally important is TTCC’s hybrid approach. Students benefit from a combination of in-person learning and online coursework, supplemented by resources available through the TTC Learning Portal. 

Indeed, such a blended approach enables individuals to balance education with work, family, and personal responsibilities while still receiving high-quality training.

Why the Job Outlook for SUD Counselors Matters

The job outlook for SUD Counselors is more than just a statistic. It represents thousands of opportunities for individuals to build stable, meaningful careers while directly helping others. With demand expected to grow much faster than average, those who prepare today will be set up for long-term success.

For students seeking purpose, stability, and flexibility, TTCC offers the pathway. Through specialized programs and a hybrid learning model, students can benefit from a strong job outlook for SUD counselors and peer support specialists in California and beyond. Indeed, they can pursue a career that changes lives.

I Want to Help People with Addiction, but I Do Not Have Experience. Where Can I Start?

Many want to help people with addiction but feel uncertain about where to begin. Without direct experience, it can seem not easy to find the right path. However, clarity is within reach.

Indeed, there is an answer to this question. Fortunately, Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) offers programs that allow anyone with passion and dedication to pursue a career in behavioral healthcare.

Over Fifty Years of Leadership in Helping People with Addiction

There are many government resources available, but they do not provide guidance in a specific direction. For example, as written on their website, “FindTreatment.gov is the most comprehensive resource… in the United States and its territories. However, it cannot make recommendations for individual situations, endorse specific treatment facilities, or recommend specific types of treatment.

For over fifty years, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) has offered high-quality behavioral healthcare. Its integrated services address substance use disorders, mental health issues, and co-occurring conditions for both youth and adults.

Thus, this history demonstrates that TTC possesses the expertise and compassion to assist individuals with addiction across generations. TTCC expands this leadership into education by preparing students to continue the mission.

Programs that Prepare You to Help People with Addiction

You don’t need any prior experience to start your journey. TTCC provides entry-level programs, including the Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate, the Peer Support Specialist Certificate, and low-cost continuing education (CE) offerings for behavioral health staff.

Moreover, each provides the knowledge and tools needed to assist people with addiction. Graduates leave with practical skills that can be immediately applied in real-world treatment settings.

The TTC Learning Portal Makes Your Goal Accessible

The TTC Learning Portal provides flexible online and hybrid learning options, including continued education units (CEUs). Students can set their own pace to fit their lives. Whether working full-time, caring for family, or juggling other responsibilities, you can keep making progress. 

Additionally, this platform makes it easier than ever to develop the skills needed to help people with addiction while maintaining balance in your personal life. In other words, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Hybrid Learning Builds Real-World Confidence to Help People with Addiction

Given these challenges, TTCC employs a hybrid model that combines online courses with in-person training. For example, students might study counseling ethics online and then practice techniques during in-person labs. Therefore, real-life experience helps put the work into practice.

Furthermore, such a structure enhances both knowledge and confidence. By the time of graduation, students will be well-equipped to assist individuals with addiction in professional environments. Indeed, TTCC students have achieved success in various SUD treatment settings.

Take the First Step Toward Helping People with Addiction

If you want to assist people with addiction, TTCC is the ideal starting point. With reputable programs, flexible learning options, and a direct link to Tarzana Treatment Centers, the college offers everything you need to launch your career. 

If you have said to yourself, “I want to help people with addiction, but I do not have experience. Where can I start?”, we have an answer for you. Discover Tarzana Treatment Centers College and the TTC Learning Portal today.

Indeed, you have the power to take the first step and improve your life.

Question — Can I Become a Substance Use Counselor If I Am in Recovery Myself?

Answer — You Can Because Your Story Matters and Has Value!

Yes, you can absolutely become a substance use counselor if you are in recovery yourself. Many treatment providers in California, including Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC), recognize the unique value of lived experience in the healing process.

Your past does not disqualify you—it empowers you. In fact, it may be your greatest strength. TTCC embraces a peer-driven model that turns your recovery journey into a professional path to help others.

counselor in recovery — The Lived Experience of a Counselor in Recovery

Why Lived Experience Is a Strength, Not a Setback

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Peers provide non-clinical, strength-based support based on shared experience.”

When you share your recovery story with patients, you offer more than support—you offer hope. You prove that change is possible. Peer-driven counseling builds trust that cannot be taught in textbooks.

How to Become a Certified SUD Counselor in California

To become a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor in California, you must meet specific requirements. Here are the steps:

Register as a counselor-in-training with a state-recognized certifying body.
Complete a certified educational program, such as the one offered by TTCC.
Complete practicum hours under the supervision of a licensed or certified counselor.
Pass the California certification exam after completing all coursework and requirements.

TTCC offers a California-approved CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) curriculum designed for individuals in recovery who are ready to lead. Moreover, our hybrid program is tailored to your needs.

Thus, you can complete the work on a timeline that makes sense for you and your family. To get started, apply now at TTCC. Please take the next step.

Why People in Recovery Make Exceptional Counselors

When patients see someone who has faced addiction—and overcome it—they feel seen. They open up. They trust. You become living proof that recovery is possible.

Benefits of Counselors in Recovery:

Build rapid client rapport
Offer relatable advice grounded in real life
Promote authenticity and understanding
Strengthen peer-based recovery outcomes

Many organizations, including Tarzana Treatment Centers, actively seek to hire professionals in recovery. Your journey is not a red flag—it is a beacon of healing.

Action Steps to Begin Your Healthcare Career

If you are ready to make your recovery part of your purpose, start here:

First, most programs recommend at least one to two years of sobriety.

Second, contact TTCC. Our admissions team will guide you step-by-step.

Third, enroll in the CADC program. Gain the education and clinical skills needed.

Fourth, register with a certifying body. You will become a counselor-in-training.

Fifth, complete your practicum. Work under experienced supervision.

Representing Recovery in the Healthcare Workforce

Representation matters. When patients meet someone who has walked a similar path, healing begins faster. You reflect their potential.

TTC College is proud to train students who have turned their recovery into a mission. Our graduates are living proof that the past does not define the future. Instead, it informs it.

Your Past Can Light the Way for Others and Save Lives.

You have survived something powerful. Now, you can use that strength to lead others toward hope. Becoming a counselor in recovery is not only possible—it is needed.

Let your journey inspire others. Let TTCC help you get there.

Author’s Note: This article was reviewed by Certified Addiction Counselors and TTCC faculty to ensure clinical and educational accuracy.