Substance Abuse Counselor Certification: How To Get Started

In towns and cities across the United States, there is a growing and critical need for drug and alcohol abuse counselors. Sadly, it’s hard to escape the headlines and daily stories of individuals and families destroyed by addiction, especially with opioid abuse in our country now hitting crisis proportions. In January 2020, there were more than 14,000 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States providing counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, case management and other types of care. Find information about salary ranges and earning potential for substance abuse counselors.

Earn Professional Credentials

Mental health counselors may also elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This national agency grants a general practice credential,  the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). The CCMHC is widely recognized nationwide and may be required by some employers.

• Mental health professionals work in a variety of environments with a diverse demographic of people.
• Since the licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors vary from state to state, we suggest checking your state’s requirements as you evaluate substance abuse counselor programs.
• To enter a bachelor’s program, you must hold a high school diploma and may have to pass an entrance exam.
• Professionals entering the field of addiction studies and counseling must meet comprehensive academic and training standards, which vary significantly depending on the specific certification or licensure pursued.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

It’s important to distinguish between the various types of positions that are often referred to as “counselors” in the area of substance abuse and addictions therapy. Each treatment center has a unique set of staff titles that are created by their human resources departments. It’s crucial to remember that statistical data on earnings and pay for substance abuse and addictions counselors may represent the average for all positions, for all organizations, and/or for those who have master’s or Ph.D. degrees. In a majority of cases, addicts or affected people approach substance abuse and addictions counselors when they’re ready. However, in other cases, affected persons could be compelled to visit a counselor by family members or by police or government authorities. A family might contact a drug addiction counselor for assistance in behavioral intervention, such as when a person’s loved ones confront them about the consequences of their substance abuse.

• Once certified, OTPs must renew certification annually or every three years depending on the accreditation timeframe awarded.
• The regulation created a system to certify and accredit OTPs, allowing them to administer and dispense FDA-approved medications.
• States are slowly getting better at recognizing credentials issued by other states.
• For example, an individual with alcoholism may have physical ailments such as liver failure that can be related to alcohol abuse.
• These programs must include specific coursework related to substance use disorders, ethics, and often training on HIV and other pathogens​.

Substance Abuse Counselor Education Requirements

Requirements may include degree type, curriculum, number of credits, accreditation, clinical experience, internships, and exams. Can you give me a list of online counseling master’s that will help me become a therapist or addiction counselor? Within the substance abuse and addiction counseling field, you can enroll in various educational courses to prepare yourself for a satisfying professional career. As in substance abuse counseling other professional domains, your income, level of autonomy, and job duties will typically directly correlate to the amount of training and education you’ve obtained. This growth reflects an increased need for addiction services and the expanding recognition of addiction counseling’s role in public health and recovery​. You never know who will walk through your door and with what issue they may present.

• Each territory and state regulates the practice of different health professions, like addiction counseling, within their borders.
• State boards often require certain courses and transcripts should reflect a balance of coursework above the introductory, or 101, level.
• The scope of addiction studies jobs reveals a range of roles suited to various interests and skill sets, from clinical work to research and policy development.
• These institutions demand that these employees refrain from using drugs or alcohol for a certain amount of time — often two or three years prior to their employment.
• Keeping good records of clinical training can save time and frustration in the long term.
• Each setting demands unique skills and offers distinct challenges and rewards, shaping the day-to-day experiences of those working to combat addiction.

How To Become A Substance Abuse Counselor

Bachelor’s degrees are increasingly expected for entry-level positions.5, 7 Beyond entry-level, advanced degrees are often required. As the current president of the American Association of State Counseling Boards, I am fortunate to be involved in the discussions around these issues. I have met many dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who serve on licensing boards around the country. I hope this role will be of additional benefit to our students and am always available to help.

How to Find Careers in Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery

Therefore, in states that grant licensure for candidates with a high school diploma, those individuals generally need to complete more supervised experience than candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Mental health professionals work in a variety of environments with a diverse demographic of people. They often work flexible hours to accommodate families in crisis or those who require evening or weekend appointments.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling?

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