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Recovery Coach Schools & Programs
Demand for certified recovery coaches has surged as federal and state funding for peer support services expands in response to the ongoing opioid crisis. Recovery coach programs train you to support people navigating substance use recovery, using your own lived experience and evidence-based techniques to guide others toward lasting change. This growing field connects peer support with professional training, preparing you to work in treatment centers, community organizations, hospitals, and recovery residences. If you have personal recovery experience and want to turn it into a meaningful career, formal training provides the skills and credentials to do it professionally.
Recovery Coach Salary Snapshot
U.S.50,600 openings/yr
What Is a Recovery Coach Program?
Recovery coach programs, also called peer recovery support specialist programs, train individuals to help others achieve and maintain recovery from substance use disorders. Coursework covers motivational interviewing, recovery planning, crisis intervention, ethical boundaries, and community resource navigation. Many programs are designed for people with lived recovery experience, though requirements vary by state. The peer support model is recognized by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) as an evidence-based practice, and federal funding has helped expand training availability nationwide. Graduates work as peer support specialists, recovery coaches, and recovery navigators in clinical and community settings.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundations of addiction and recovery science
- Motivational interviewing and strengths-based communication
- Recovery capital assessment and recovery planning
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
- Ethical boundaries and the role of peer support versus clinical treatment
- Cultural competency and trauma-informed care
- Community resource navigation and referral systems
- Self-care and managing secondary traumatic stress
- Documentation, confidentiality, and HIPAA basics
- Stages of change model and harm reduction principles
How Long Does Training Take?
Training requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require as few as 40 hours of training for peer support certification, while others require 75 to 500+ hours. Most certificate programs can be completed in a few weeks to several months. In addition to classroom training, many states require supervised work experience (typically 250 to 500 hours) before full certification. Some community colleges and universities offer longer programs that include broader coursework in human services or behavioral health. Program costs range from free (state-funded training initiatives) to several thousand dollars for comprehensive certificate programs at community colleges. Many workforce development grants and scholarships are available specifically for peer support training.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required by most programs
- Personal recovery experience is required or strongly preferred in most states (typically 1-2 years of sustained recovery)
- Willingness to share your recovery story as part of peer support work
- Background check may be required for employment in treatment settings
- Some states require applicants to be free of legal supervision (probation/parole)
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience
- Basic computer literacy for documentation and electronic health records
Licensing & Certification
Recovery coaches typically need state-specific peer support certification rather than a traditional professional license. Each state has its own certification body and requirements, which may include training hours, supervised experience, an exam, and documentation of lived recovery experience. Common credential names include Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), and Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP). The requirements, issuing bodies, and renewal processes differ by state, so check with your state’s substance abuse authority for exact details. National organizations like the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) also offer the Peer Recovery credential, which some states accept or use as a basis for their own certification. Maintaining certification typically requires continuing education hours and ongoing recovery status documentation.
Career Outlook & Salary
According to industry salary surveys and SAMHSA workforce reports, recovery coaches and peer support specialists typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, with variation based on location, employer type, and experience level. Supervisory roles and positions in metropolitan areas tend to pay at the higher end of the range. Demand for peer support professionals has grown substantially due to the ongoing opioid crisis, expanded Medicaid reimbursement for peer services, and broader recognition of recovery support as an evidence-based practice. Federal grants through SAMHSA’s State Opioid Response (SOR) and State Targeted Response (STR) programs have funded thousands of new peer support positions nationwide. Many states have passed legislation requiring insurance coverage of peer support services, further expanding employment opportunities.
Where You’ll Work
Recovery coaches work in a wide range of settings. Treatment centers and residential recovery programs are the most common employers, followed by community mental health organizations and hospital emergency departments. Drug courts, criminal justice diversion programs, and sober living facilities also employ peer specialists. Some recovery coaches work for state or county health departments, while others are employed by non-profit organizations focused on harm reduction and outreach. Mobile crisis teams and telehealth peer support are emerging employment settings as well.
Online vs In-Person Options
Many recovery coach training programs are available online or in hybrid formats, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic expanded virtual training options. Online programs work well for the didactic portions covering addiction science, ethics, and motivational interviewing techniques. However, role-playing exercises, group discussions, and supervised practice sessions benefit from in-person interaction. Some programs offer weekend intensives or multi-day in-person trainings combined with online coursework. The supervised work experience component is always completed in person at a treatment facility or community organization. State-funded training programs are often offered at no cost and may be available in both online and in-person formats through your state’s behavioral health authority.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Recovery Coach by state
Recovery Coach Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $34,040 | $46,890 |
| Alaska | $46,210 | $63,360 |
| Arizona | $41,150 | $52,620 |
| Arkansas | $37,340 | $49,250 |
| California | $51,780 | $74,140 |
| Colorado | $46,730 | $63,350 |
| Connecticut | $45,090 | $60,880 |
| Delaware | $40,870 | $51,520 |
| District of Columbia | $57,210 | $87,230 |
| Florida | $42,790 | $58,890 |
| Georgia | $37,200 | $50,310 |
| Hawaii | $43,040 | $56,090 |
| Idaho | $46,060 | $57,720 |
| Illinois | $45,700 | $71,330 |
| Indiana | $41,130 | $55,510 |
| Iowa | $40,300 | $58,810 |
| Kansas | $40,540 | $53,290 |
| Kentucky | $36,560 | $53,240 |
| Louisiana | $33,520 | $51,170 |
| Maine | $46,320 | $56,330 |
| Maryland | $45,280 | $65,980 |
| Massachusetts | $47,280 | $76,300 |
| Michigan | $38,530 | $57,880 |
| Minnesota | $48,860 | $65,330 |
| Mississippi | $28,900 | $47,140 |
| Missouri | $38,740 | $54,230 |
| Montana | $36,910 | $45,570 |
| Nebraska | $37,990 | $49,070 |
| Nevada | $39,240 | $59,130 |
| New Hampshire | $45,910 | $57,770 |
| New Jersey | $49,000 | $76,010 |
| New Mexico | $44,980 | $60,940 |
| New York | $46,210 | $64,680 |
| North Carolina | $40,470 | $57,310 |
| North Dakota | $47,010 | $67,620 |
| Ohio | $38,860 | $50,810 |
| Oklahoma | $37,450 | $54,060 |
| Oregon | $48,660 | $64,130 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,340 | $59,560 |
| Rhode Island | $47,620 | $62,170 |
| South Carolina | $37,430 | $58,940 |
| South Dakota | $37,750 | $46,470 |
| Tennessee | $38,710 | $52,310 |
| Texas | $44,030 | $59,910 |
| Utah | $40,500 | $54,520 |
| Vermont | $46,370 | $55,100 |
| Virginia | $43,190 | $59,590 |
| Washington | $49,940 | $68,890 |
| West Virginia | $37,860 | $51,780 |
| Wisconsin | $46,420 | $69,630 |
| Wyoming | $42,870 | $60,500 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Recovery coaching sits at the intersection of personal experience and professional skill. If you are drawn to helping others through the recovery process, our healthcare career resources cover related paths, certification details, and career development strategies. Explore related career guides in our healthcare career center.
FAQs
Do I need personal recovery experience to become a recovery coach?
Most states require or strongly prefer that recovery coaches have lived experience with substance use recovery, typically a minimum of 1 to 2 years of sustained recovery. This lived experience is considered a core qualification because it allows you to connect authentically with clients. Some states also recognize family members of people in recovery as eligible for peer support certification.
What is the difference between a recovery coach and a substance abuse counselor?
Recovery coaches provide peer-based support, encouragement, and resource navigation. They draw on lived experience and are not licensed to provide clinical treatment. Substance abuse counselors are clinically trained and licensed professionals who conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy. Recovery coaches and counselors often work as part of the same treatment team, with complementary roles.
Is there demand for recovery coaches?
Demand for peer recovery support specialists has grown substantially due to the ongoing opioid crisis and broader recognition of peer support as an evidence-based practice. Federal and state funding for peer support services has increased, and many states now require Medicaid reimbursement for peer support. Treatment centers, hospitals, emergency departments, drug courts, and community organizations are actively hiring certified recovery coaches.
What does a typical day look like for a recovery coach?
A recovery coach’s daily routine depends on the work setting but typically includes one-on-one meetings with clients to discuss recovery goals and challenges, connecting clients with community resources like housing, employment, and healthcare, attending team meetings with clinical staff, documenting client interactions and progress notes, and sometimes facilitating group support sessions. Recovery coaches working in emergency departments may respond to overdose cases and provide immediate peer support during crisis moments.
Can recovery coaching lead to other careers in behavioral health?
Yes. Many recovery coaches use their experience and training as a foundation for further education in counseling, social work, or behavioral health. Some pursue Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) certification, while others enroll in bachelor’s or master’s programs in social work, psychology, or human services. The direct client experience gained as a recovery coach is highly valued by graduate programs and employers in the behavioral health field.
Are recovery coach certifications transferable between states?
Transferability varies. Some states participate in reciprocity agreements through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which can simplify the process of transferring your credential. Other states have unique requirements that may require additional training or examination. Before relocating, contact the certification body in your destination state to understand what steps are needed to transfer or obtain their credential.
Salary data reflects industry salary surveys and SAMHSA workforce reports where available. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, employer type, and state certification requirements. Program availability and costs vary by school and state.
Browse Recovery Coach Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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