5 answers
kayla
Student
Limerick, Maine
1
Question
Updated
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How do I pave a road for success when wanting to get into drug and alcohol counseling?
I'm taking an online coarse at my local community collage but its not a two year program, its a set of 7 week classes, when i look online at how to become a drug and alcohol counselor it says you need a masters and a state licence to practice but I'm not taking a masters, would I have too? Pretty much what I'm asking is if i want to be a drug and alcohol counselor what would I need to do/work on in order to obtain said job. Thank you very much!
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5 answers
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Kayla,
In order to be a counselor, you will need to attend a Bachelors program (usually 4 years), and then obtain a Master's (usually 2 years). It is recommended that you get a Bachelors degree in something like psychology or sociology. You would then have to get your Master's degree, either in clinical psychology or as a clinical social worker/counselor. After achieving your Master's degree, you will likely need to take a certification exam before applying for a liscense to practice in the state(s) of your choice, which will need to be updated regularly. From what I can see, you are able to get a Bachelor's and a clinical Master's online as long as the program is accredited by the state health department and certification board, though you will likely need to be in-person for clinical rotations and shadowing of professionals.
In order to be a counselor, you will need to attend a Bachelors program (usually 4 years), and then obtain a Master's (usually 2 years). It is recommended that you get a Bachelors degree in something like psychology or sociology. You would then have to get your Master's degree, either in clinical psychology or as a clinical social worker/counselor. After achieving your Master's degree, you will likely need to take a certification exam before applying for a liscense to practice in the state(s) of your choice, which will need to be updated regularly. From what I can see, you are able to get a Bachelor's and a clinical Master's online as long as the program is accredited by the state health department and certification board, though you will likely need to be in-person for clinical rotations and shadowing of professionals.
Mustabsheera Vengus
GMBPsS 🎓 | Aspiring Psychologist | Behavior Therapist | Counselor | Mentor
38
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Mustabsheera’s Answer
Obtain the Required Education: Pursue a degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, counseling, or addiction studies. Research different academic programs and choose one that provides a comprehensive understanding of substance abuse, addiction, and counseling techniques.
Gain Relevant Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. Consider volunteering at addiction treatment centers, helplines, or community organizations that focus on substance abuse issues. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights and help you develop essential skills.
Complete Certification and Licensure: Research the specific certification and licensure requirements in your country or state for drug and alcohol counseling. Typically, you will need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass an examination to obtain certification or licensure. Stay informed about the requirements and work towards fulfilling them.
Pursue Specialized Training: Consider pursuing specialized training in addiction counseling or specific treatment modalities. There are various evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Twelve-Step Facilitation, that are commonly used in drug and alcohol counseling. Acquiring additional training in these modalities can enhance your skills and make you more marketable.
Seek Supervision and Mentorship: Connect with experienced drug and alcohol counselors and seek supervision or mentorship opportunities. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals will provide you with valuable insights, feedback, and support as you develop your skills and knowledge in the field.
Network and Build Professional Relationships: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to addiction counseling to expand your professional network. Engage with professionals in the field, join relevant organizations, and participate in online forums or discussion groups. Networking can provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and potential job openings.
Stay Updated with Research and Best Practices: Stay current with the latest research, developments, and best practices in drug and alcohol counseling. Subscribe to professional journals, attend webinars or training sessions, and engage in ongoing professional development. Staying informed about evidence-based practices will ensure that you are providing the most effective and up-to-date treatment to your clients.
Develop Strong Communication and Empathy Skills: Effective communication and empathy are vital in counseling. Develop your active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to establish rapport with clients. Practice creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help with substance abuse issues.
Adhere to Ethical Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines and standards of practice for drug and alcohol counseling. Upholding ethical principles is essential for client well-being and maintaining professional integrity. Understand and adhere to confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries within the therapeutic relationship.
Consider Further Education and Specialization: As you progress in your career, you may consider pursuing advanced degrees or specialized certifications in areas such as co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care, or specific populations (e.g., adolescents, veterans). Continuing to expand your knowledge and expertise can open up additional opportunities and increase your impact in the field.
Gain Relevant Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. Consider volunteering at addiction treatment centers, helplines, or community organizations that focus on substance abuse issues. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights and help you develop essential skills.
Complete Certification and Licensure: Research the specific certification and licensure requirements in your country or state for drug and alcohol counseling. Typically, you will need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass an examination to obtain certification or licensure. Stay informed about the requirements and work towards fulfilling them.
Pursue Specialized Training: Consider pursuing specialized training in addiction counseling or specific treatment modalities. There are various evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Twelve-Step Facilitation, that are commonly used in drug and alcohol counseling. Acquiring additional training in these modalities can enhance your skills and make you more marketable.
Seek Supervision and Mentorship: Connect with experienced drug and alcohol counselors and seek supervision or mentorship opportunities. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals will provide you with valuable insights, feedback, and support as you develop your skills and knowledge in the field.
Network and Build Professional Relationships: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to addiction counseling to expand your professional network. Engage with professionals in the field, join relevant organizations, and participate in online forums or discussion groups. Networking can provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and potential job openings.
Stay Updated with Research and Best Practices: Stay current with the latest research, developments, and best practices in drug and alcohol counseling. Subscribe to professional journals, attend webinars or training sessions, and engage in ongoing professional development. Staying informed about evidence-based practices will ensure that you are providing the most effective and up-to-date treatment to your clients.
Develop Strong Communication and Empathy Skills: Effective communication and empathy are vital in counseling. Develop your active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to establish rapport with clients. Practice creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help with substance abuse issues.
Adhere to Ethical Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines and standards of practice for drug and alcohol counseling. Upholding ethical principles is essential for client well-being and maintaining professional integrity. Understand and adhere to confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries within the therapeutic relationship.
Consider Further Education and Specialization: As you progress in your career, you may consider pursuing advanced degrees or specialized certifications in areas such as co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care, or specific populations (e.g., adolescents, veterans). Continuing to expand your knowledge and expertise can open up additional opportunities and increase your impact in the field.
Amber Deardorff
Medical assistant
5
Answers
Athens, Ohio
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Kayla,
Congrats on accomplishing goals by evening completing a few courses to have them completed. I have recently been working on the same research in my home state (Ohio) and I found that there is a state mental health website that has provided me with all the requirements that I would need to possess inorder to achieve goals of counseling in my state. In the State of Ohio, a masters is required to become a LPCC or LISW or LIDC.
Briana, and Judith-Ann have also provided very valuable information as every state will provide different information. Also, with counseling, you want to reach the degree that will allow you to practice not only in your state, but possibly within the Counseling Compact, lf your state has accepted and become part of that continental group allowing you to practice in a telehealth capacity in other states if you wish to become part of that.
Keep up with the great work. With the knowledge that you gain, it will only make you a greater counselor to help those around you.
Respectfully,
Amber
Congrats on accomplishing goals by evening completing a few courses to have them completed. I have recently been working on the same research in my home state (Ohio) and I found that there is a state mental health website that has provided me with all the requirements that I would need to possess inorder to achieve goals of counseling in my state. In the State of Ohio, a masters is required to become a LPCC or LISW or LIDC.
Briana, and Judith-Ann have also provided very valuable information as every state will provide different information. Also, with counseling, you want to reach the degree that will allow you to practice not only in your state, but possibly within the Counseling Compact, lf your state has accepted and become part of that continental group allowing you to practice in a telehealth capacity in other states if you wish to become part of that.
Keep up with the great work. With the knowledge that you gain, it will only make you a greater counselor to help those around you.
Respectfully,
Amber
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Kayla, I like the way you think. Paving a road to success involves setting goals and designing a plan. Briana Pelle gave you all the preliminaries as far as certification and degrees. In Texas ( and I don't know about other states), one can be an LCDC (Licensed Chemical and Drug Counselor) with a Bachelor's degree and the LCDC certification which involves a credentialing process which is different in each state. You can research this by going to your State Health Boards website. Maine, your state may not require a 4 year degree. In addition to obtaining this certification, I would suggest you check your own local treatment facilities that treat drug and alcohol addictions and see if you can get an internship. I would also get the Big Book for AA. This is written by Bill, an alcoholic and it is used in 12 step meetings. This is a great tool to understand drug and alcohol recovery. I think it would be a good idea for you to read this book as well. https://www.amazon.com/Recovery-Book-Questions-Addiction-Alcoholism/dp/076117611X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GJ9O5MPV6XEM&keywords=recovery+book&qid=1685735960&s=books&sprefix=Recovery%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1
Good luck on your road to success. You will be able to find travelers along the way to guide and those who will need to walk with you.
Good luck on your road to success. You will be able to find travelers along the way to guide and those who will need to walk with you.
Nija Jackson, MSW, LCSW
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker currently seeking Social Work opportunities to establish growth and longevity.
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nija’s Answer
Hi Kayla,
It's fantastic that you've chosen your career direction! To get familiar with the role of an alcohol and substance use counselor, you can start by doing some research. If you haven't set up a LinkedIn profile yet, consider creating one as it's a great way to connect with professionals already working in your desired field. You can ask them about their experiences, daily challenges, and educational backgrounds.
Additionally, don't hesitate to ask your professors and classmates for insights about the field. Building connections with peers and professionals is always beneficial. Taking courses to prepare yourself for this career is an excellent first step, and you're well on your way.
Regarding your education, it's up to you to decide how much you want to invest in achieving your goal. The more education you have, the higher your potential earnings and opportunities. Many alcohol and substance counselors obtain a CASAC certification (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor), which is a significant step toward becoming an Addiction Counselor. You can also pursue higher education, such as an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree, in a field related to addiction counseling – the choice is yours.
Consider volunteering or interning at a treatment facility to gain experience and knowledge in the field. Look for opportunities that will help you grow and expand your understanding of the profession. Wishing you the best of luck in your journey!
Conduct research about the qualifications of the field. you can visit the following website for information: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
Speak with your professors, peers and professionals in the field because you may obtain a wealth of information
Be open to getting yourself involved by volunteering or interning at treatment facilities
Create a Linkedin profile to outline your interests, things that you are passionate about and your experience
You can go to the library to obtain books on becoming an Addiction Counselor
It's fantastic that you've chosen your career direction! To get familiar with the role of an alcohol and substance use counselor, you can start by doing some research. If you haven't set up a LinkedIn profile yet, consider creating one as it's a great way to connect with professionals already working in your desired field. You can ask them about their experiences, daily challenges, and educational backgrounds.
Additionally, don't hesitate to ask your professors and classmates for insights about the field. Building connections with peers and professionals is always beneficial. Taking courses to prepare yourself for this career is an excellent first step, and you're well on your way.
Regarding your education, it's up to you to decide how much you want to invest in achieving your goal. The more education you have, the higher your potential earnings and opportunities. Many alcohol and substance counselors obtain a CASAC certification (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor), which is a significant step toward becoming an Addiction Counselor. You can also pursue higher education, such as an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree, in a field related to addiction counseling – the choice is yours.
Consider volunteering or interning at a treatment facility to gain experience and knowledge in the field. Look for opportunities that will help you grow and expand your understanding of the profession. Wishing you the best of luck in your journey!
Nija recommends the following next steps: