Medication units can be mobile or non-mobile, and they can provide the same services as an OTP, where space allows for quality patient care. Required services not provided in medication units must be conducted at the OTP, including medical, counseling, vocational, educational, and other assessment and treatment services. Medication units allow patients to establish a routine and maintain a productive life. These can be especially helpful for people living in rural areas with limited accessibility.

• That time must include two years or 4,000 hours working in direct clinical supervision.
• Bachelor’s degrees are increasingly expected for entry-level positions.5, 7 Beyond entry-level, advanced degrees are often required.
• These types of counselors’ median annual wages, according to the BLS, range from $59,790 in California to $49,480 in Pennsylvania, two of the states with the greatest employment levels in this profession.
• A key talking point is that a substance use disorder is not a moral failing and recovery is possible.

About Adverse Childhood Experiences

The curriculum we provide is the same quality education you would expect from any university or college, and everything we teach will prepare you for both the IC&RC exam as well as your new career as an addiction specialist. Our program is IC&RC-approved, NAADAC-approved and CCAPP-approved, which means it can be used throughout the United States. The only exceptions are Montana, North Dakota and Alaska, which have unique state requirements. The level of degree you need to work as a substance abuse counselor varies by state and license type.

Graduate Certificate in Addiction Science

States are slowly getting better at recognizing credentials issued by other states. But states always have the right to determine their own requirements, which can be frustrating for people who relocate or travel for their job. A person has to learn about the state requirements if they want to become a licensed professional counselor. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 15 percent of Americans 18 or older needed treatment for substance abuse (now more appropriately called «substance use disorder») in 2020.

Exploring Career Paths in Addiction Studies and Recovery

However, some roles require a graduate-level education, and/or substance abuse counselor certifications. If you’ve ever dreamed of a rewarding career where you truly help others, working as a drug and alcohol counselor can be a great option to consider. At Sober College of Addiction Studies, we can help you fulfill the educational requirements that are part of substance abuse counselor certification. Here’s a quick look at the job itself and the requirements you will need to fulfill in order to become certified.

• Successful applicants typically have a degree in social work, psychology, or some other related field.
• This role requires at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, with many positions necessitating further certification and state-specific licensure​.
• These can be especially helpful for people living in rural areas with limited accessibility.
• Accepted academic work includes degrees in social work, mental health counseling, and psychology.
• They focus on organizing recovery-focused policy advocacy activities, educational programs, and providing peer-based support services.

Addiction Counselor Licensing and Certifications

Counseling a person who is dealing with substance abuse, before it becomes dependence or addiction, requires treatment and a recovery plan, but generally on a lesser scale than if the condition moves to full-blown addiction. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030. As a licensed counselor with a master’s degree, you can look forward to a strong job market and reliable employment.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor Degree?

Some work in faith-based facilities that focus on specific religious beliefs as a means to recovery, where others might approach spirituality from a less mainstream angle. These facilities might emphasize things like yoga, nutrition, and meditation. To enter a bachelor’s program, you must hold a high school diploma and may have to pass an entrance exam. Graduate degree programs require a relevant bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, and possibly an entrance exam. Each school has different entry requirements and it’s always best to check with the school’s admissions office.

• To take the first step on your path to a career in substance abuse counseling, visit National University’s psychology page for more information about courses and requirements.
• Next, it is important to consider other avenues for professional service and sources of income.
• The therapy used varies based on whether the counselor is part of a clinic or works in private practice.
• In towns and cities across the United States, there is a growing and critical need for drug and alcohol abuse counselors.

Behavioral Disorder Counselor

The authors demonstrate a keen psychological perception of the self-organizing and self-replicating dynamics of addiction. They ask the clinician to be «nobody’s fool» when it comes to the treatment of substance-abusing clients. The requirements to become a substance abuse counselor can differ depending on the state and employer. Counselors provide support and substance abuse counseling guidance for those dealing with addiction or behavioral disorders. It’s important to note that state requirements may vary, and the aforementioned requirements are based on California work experience requirements. Generally, most states require about the same number of supervised work hours, but it’s best to check with your state’s credentialing organization.

• Addiction counselors help people address the underlying psychological causes of excessive drug and alcohol use.
• The addiction recovery field also heavily relies on addiction counselors tasked with the direct treatment of individuals through counseling sessions, therapy, and continuous support.

How to become an addiction counselor