The authority for this certification comes from professionals working in the field of alcohol and drug abuse who share a common concern for development of standards of competence. This credentialing will be available to any person who meets or exceeds the standards for any of the categories in which certification is offered.

Counselor certification has been undertaken in Mississippi and in many other states to achieve the following goals: to enhance the effectiveness and expertise of services rendered to persons dependent on alcohol & other drugs; to enlarge public recognition for the treatment needs of persons with alcohol and other drug abuse problems, and the value of specialized professional counseling and help; and to enable third party payments.