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
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. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”
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.