What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
A substance abuse counselor is a mental health professional who helps patients struggling with addictions. The main responsibility is to work with individuals and their families to treat both mental and emotional disorders, as well as to promote overall mental health.
Sometimes called "therapists," mental health counselors train in a variety of therapeutic techniques. They treat emotional conditions, such as depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress and overall problems with self-esteem and grief.
Also known as drug and alcohol counseling, these professionals works individually with his or her patients or in group counseling sessions depending on the kind of treatment needed. The goal is to help a client pinpoint the situations and behaviors that lead to relapse and block the road to recovery. The drug counselor may also help their clients find jobs or refer them to other resources, services, and support groups.
In some cases, an addiction counselor may also conduct programs or informational sessions that teach not only their clients, but also family and friends of patients about addiction, behavioral disorders, coping strategies, signs of addiction, and how to avoid destructive behavior.
Mental health professionals work in a variety of environments and settings and with a diverse demographic of people. They often work flexible hours to accommodate families in crisis or working couples who must have evening or weekend appointments.
Addiction counseling and drug counseling is offered in general health care facilities like state, local, and private hospitals or in private practices. Prisons, probation and parole agencies, detox centers, halfway houses, and juvenile detention facilities are also common work environments for substance abuse counselors. Mental health counselors also work closely with other health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and school counselors.
Much of this occupation requires the counselor to communicate in either individual or group environments. Job descriptions may vary but skills like active listening, social perceptiveness, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning are all paramount to success and safety as a counselor.
Specific work activities can include:
- maintaining client records
- writing reports and evaluations
- interviewing and assessing clients
- collaborating with other professionals to evaluate clients and patients.
A substance abuse counselor is a mental health professional who helps patients struggling with addictions. The main responsibility is to work with individuals and their families to treat both mental and emotional disorders, as well as to promote overall mental health.
Sometimes called "therapists," mental health counselors train in a variety of therapeutic techniques. They treat emotional conditions, such as depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress and overall problems with self-esteem and grief.
Also known as drug and alcohol counseling, these professionals works individually with his or her patients or in group counseling sessions depending on the kind of treatment needed. The goal is to help a client pinpoint the situations and behaviors that lead to relapse and block the road to recovery. The drug counselor may also help their clients find jobs or refer them to other resources, services, and support groups.
In some cases, an addiction counselor may also conduct programs or informational sessions that teach not only their clients, but also family and friends of patients about addiction, behavioral disorders, coping strategies, signs of addiction, and how to avoid destructive behavior.
Mental health professionals work in a variety of environments and settings and with a diverse demographic of people. They often work flexible hours to accommodate families in crisis or working couples who must have evening or weekend appointments.
Addiction counseling and drug counseling is offered in general health care facilities like state, local, and private hospitals or in private practices. Prisons, probation and parole agencies, detox centers, halfway houses, and juvenile detention facilities are also common work environments for substance abuse counselors. Mental health counselors also work closely with other health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and school counselors.
Much of this occupation requires the counselor to communicate in either individual or group environments. Job descriptions may vary but skills like active listening, social perceptiveness, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning are all paramount to success and safety as a counselor.
Specific work activities can include:
Sometimes called "therapists," mental health counselors train in a variety of therapeutic techniques. They treat emotional conditions, such as depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress and overall problems with self-esteem and grief.
Also known as drug and alcohol counseling, these professionals works individually with his or her patients or in group counseling sessions depending on the kind of treatment needed. The goal is to help a client pinpoint the situations and behaviors that lead to relapse and block the road to recovery. The drug counselor may also help their clients find jobs or refer them to other resources, services, and support groups.
In some cases, an addiction counselor may also conduct programs or informational sessions that teach not only their clients, but also family and friends of patients about addiction, behavioral disorders, coping strategies, signs of addiction, and how to avoid destructive behavior.
Mental health professionals work in a variety of environments and settings and with a diverse demographic of people. They often work flexible hours to accommodate families in crisis or working couples who must have evening or weekend appointments.
Addiction counseling and drug counseling is offered in general health care facilities like state, local, and private hospitals or in private practices. Prisons, probation and parole agencies, detox centers, halfway houses, and juvenile detention facilities are also common work environments for substance abuse counselors. Mental health counselors also work closely with other health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and school counselors.
Much of this occupation requires the counselor to communicate in either individual or group environments. Job descriptions may vary but skills like active listening, social perceptiveness, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning are all paramount to success and safety as a counselor.
Specific work activities can include:
- maintaining client records
- writing reports and evaluations
- interviewing and assessing clients
- collaborating with other professionals to evaluate clients and patients.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
There are four steps to becoming a substance abuse counselor:
- Earn an accredited counseling degree;
- Work as a counselor and acquire supervised clinical practice hours;
- Pass a felony and child abuse background check;
- Pass a national or state licensing or certification exam post-degree.
Addictions Counselor Requirements
There are many ways to become a certified substance abuse counselor. The education requirements of an addiction counselor depend on governing boards and state licensing agencies.
Associate’s Degree
Some states require only an associate’s degree in psychology or counseling. A two-year degree covers the basics of treating patients and working as an addicts treatment counselor.
Topics may include:
- Theories of Counseling
- Case Management
- Family and Group Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling
- Psychology
An associate’s degree can help an individual seeking advancement into this career field by qualifying them for entry-level positions such as:
- Human services assistants
- Administrative positions in a halfway house
- Adolescent Counselor
GetEducated’s Picks
- Liberty University Associate of Arts in Psychology
- National University Associate of Science in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
- Amarillo College Associate of Science in Psychology
Topics may include:
GetEducated’s Picks
- Liberty University Associate of Arts in Psychology
- National University Associate of Science in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
- Amarillo College Associate of Science in Psychology
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling, however, prepares prospective alcohol and drug programs counselors with fundamental skills and knowledge associated with this field and qualifies these individuals for higher and better paying positions.
Bachelor’s degree programs generally take three to four years to complete. A drug counseling degree at this level covers the following subjects in-depth:
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Psychological Evaluations and Assessments
- Diagnosis of Chemical or Behavioral Dependency
- Addiction Psychology and Sociology
- Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology
GetEducated’s Picks
- Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Psychology / Addiction and Recovery
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Counseling / Addiction, Chemical Dependency & Substance Abuse
- University of South Dakota Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies
- Southern New Hampshire University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Addictions
- Walden University Bachelor of Science in Psychology / Addictions
Though a bachelor’s degree is considered sufficient for counselors in most states to acquire certification, a master’s degree in this field is required in some and preferred in most states.
Bachelor’s degree programs generally take three to four years to complete. A drug counseling degree at this level covers the following subjects in-depth:
GetEducated’s Picks
- Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Psychology / Addiction and Recovery
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Counseling / Addiction, Chemical Dependency & Substance Abuse
- University of South Dakota Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies
- Southern New Hampshire University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Addictions
- Walden University Bachelor of Science in Psychology / Addictions
Online Counseling Master's Degree
Despite state requirements, a master’s degree is the best educational program for those looking to become a substance abuse counselor because of the increased career opportunities.
Requirements for private practice typically include the completion of a master's degree in counseling. You may also need to complete at least two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master's program.
A substance abuse counseling graduate program equips students with skills and knowledge concerning in-treatment and prevention methods for addiction patients. Courses in these programs include:
- Methods and Techniques of Group Counseling
- Contemporary Topics in Substance Abuse
- Assessment, Counseling, and Diagnosis of an Individual
- Treatment Methods for Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Many of these programs require students to complete an internship, as well as a thesis or capstone project.
Specializations or concentrations for a graduate program in substance abuse counseling include:
- Drug Abuse Counselor
- Alcohol Abuse Counselor
- Clinical Counseling
Student should choose their concentration according to their career goals. Those who want to work in medical and healthcare-specific environments should consider a concentration in clinical counseling. Those who wish to work in social work environments should consider rehabilitation counseling concentrations.
GetEducated’s Picks
- Capella University Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
- Grand Canyon University Master of Science in Christian Counseling / Substance Use & Addictive Disorders
- Liberty University Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
- University of Massachusetts - Boston Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
None of the above are APA accredited (as we discussed earlier, the American Psychological Association only accredits doctoral programs), but all are either regionally accredited or nationally accredited.
Degree Tip: Choose only regionally accredited schools if you want to qualify for an APA-approved doctorate program later in your career.
To qualify for these programs, prospective students should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a counseling or psychology-related field, as well as some work experience. Many programs also require scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Requirements for private practice typically include the completion of a master's degree in counseling. You may also need to complete at least two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master's program.
A substance abuse counseling graduate program equips students with skills and knowledge concerning in-treatment and prevention methods for addiction patients. Courses in these programs include:
Many of these programs require students to complete an internship, as well as a thesis or capstone project.
Specializations or concentrations for a graduate program in substance abuse counseling include:
GetEducated’s Picks
- Capella University Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
- Grand Canyon University Master of Science in Christian Counseling / Substance Use & Addictive Disorders
- Liberty University Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
- University of Massachusetts - Boston Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
None of the above are APA accredited (as we discussed earlier, the American Psychological Association only accredits doctoral programs), but all are either regionally accredited or nationally accredited.
Degree Tip: Choose only regionally accredited schools if you want to qualify for an APA-approved doctorate program later in your career.
To qualify for these programs, prospective students should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a counseling or psychology-related field, as well as some work experience. Many programs also require scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Substance Abuse Counselor Certification
Earning a degree in counseling or clinical psychology is only half the battle. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have some form of counselor licensing that governs the practice of mental health counseling.
Explore requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential in your state. The Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential is appropriate for counselors looking to specialize in family therapy.
In California, for example, more than one type of licensing might be needed to engage in substance abuse counseling. Visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences' website for an alphabet soup of licensing options.
Most states require counselors to take state board licensing exams like the National Counseling Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) to become a licensed professional counselor. You must also complete a certain number of counseling hours (supervised by a licensed psychologist) and pass written and oral exams. Felony and other background checks are required.
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). This credential is widely recognized nationwide and may be required by some employers.
Make sure you understand the state licensing board requirements where you intend to practice counseling before enrolling in any online psychology degree program. Counseling is a highly regulated field because it involves public health and safety. All programs will require supervised internships and the completion of a very specific type of online psychology degree.
Explore requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential in your state. The Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential is appropriate for counselors looking to specialize in family therapy.
In California, for example, more than one type of licensing might be needed to engage in substance abuse counseling. Visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences' website for an alphabet soup of licensing options.
Most states require counselors to take state board licensing exams like the National Counseling Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) to become a licensed professional counselor. You must also complete a certain number of counseling hours (supervised by a licensed psychologist) and pass written and oral exams. Felony and other background checks are required.
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). This credential is widely recognized nationwide and may be required by some employers.
Make sure you understand the state licensing board requirements where you intend to practice counseling before enrolling in any online psychology degree program. Counseling is a highly regulated field because it involves public health and safety. All programs will require supervised internships and the completion of a very specific type of online psychology degree.
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