Chemical dependency counselors are in high demand, and if you are looking for a career option where there tend to be plenty of job openings, competitive pay with benefits and a job where you help others heal, this could be a great choice to consider, and Sober College of Addiction Studies can help.
What Do Chemical Dependency Counselors Do?
There are many names for chemical dependency counselors including substance abuse counselors, certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADC), licensed alcohol and drug counselors (LADC), licensed chemical dependency counselors (LCDC) and other names.
While the names may vary, the tasks that counselors handle as part of substance abuse treatment are included in what is known as the 12 Core Functions of Substance Abuse Counseling. As you work toward earning your counselor certification, you will gain experience in each of these functions, which include:
- Patient Screening
- Patient Intake
- Patient Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling (Individual, Group & Family)
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Education
- Referral
- Reporting & Record Keeping
- Consultation With Other Professionals
On any given day, you might be handling all or just some of these tasks, and, as you can see, counseling is just one part of the job. Chemical dependency counselors not only need to be caring and good listeners, but they also need to be highly organized and efficient as there is quite a bit of paperwork involved in the counseling profession as well as creating treatment plans that lead clients from detox to long-term recovery.
Where Do Counselors Work?
A certified addiction counselor might work in a wide range of facilities, including:
- Detoxification Facilities
- Hospitals
- Outpatient & Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Mental Health Centers
- Community Centers & Schools
- Criminal Justice Facilities
These facilities could be privately run or perhaps public facilities, such as a public hospital or government office that handles social work, mental health services and some type of chemical dependency counseling program.
Some addiction counselors even work as Prevention Specialists, creating educational materials and programs to prevent substance use and abuse, such as with a school district or perhaps the Department of Health and Human Services or a community organization.
What Is A Typical Chemical Dependency Counselor Salary?
Counselors’ salaries do vary based on years of experience, educational level, and location as salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York or a large metro area.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median pay for addiction counselors was about $48,500 or $23 per hour in 2021. While Salary.com states that the average salary was about $57,000 in 2023. Again, this varies based on many factors. Keep in mind, many employers also offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off and other benefits which aren’t in addition to the salary.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Chemical Dependency Counselor?
While it can take several years to become a licensed or certified counselor, you could be working full-time as a counselor in training as soon as you complete your educational units and your required practicum hours.
Let’s take the example of a CADC, which is a common term for an addiction specialist in many states. If you attend Sober College, you can complete your 315 required hours of education in just six months. During that six months, you also can complete your 255 required practicum hours, which are internship hours.
This means that in just six months you could apply for work as a counselor and work toward the completion of your supervised work experience hours. These are paid work hours, but you will be working under a supervisor until you have completed the hours and earned your official certification.
Additionally, to earn certification as a chemical dependency counselor, you will need to earn a passing score on the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. Some employers might want you to have passed this exam before you are hired while others might not. Our curriculum will provide you with everything you need to know to pass this exam.
At Sober College of Addiction Studies, our curriculum is CCAPP-approved, NAADAC-approved and IC&RC-approved. This means that students throughout the United States can complete their educational units at our online college. The only states where our curriculum is not approved include Alaska, Montana and North Dakota.
Once you’ve completed your education and practicum, the length of time it takes to earn your credential varies based on the level of counselor you wish to become. A CADC-I must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. However, if this person has earned an associate’s degree in behavioral science or an allied mental health profession, the hours required are 2,080.
To become a CADC-II, you must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work experience regardless of any earned college degree. You do not need a college degree to become either a CADC-I or CADC-II, just a high school diploma or the equivalent.
A CADC-III must complete 4,000 hours of work experience, but this person also must have earned a bachelor’s degree. Once all of these requirements have been fulfilled, you can apply for your certification through your state’s credentialing or licensing board.
Other Chemical Dependency Counselor Requirements
You will need to renew your chemical dependency certification, typically about every two years but every state has its own requirements. To renew the certification, you will need to complete some amount of continuing education (CE) hours.
The number of required CE units varies based on your state and the type of counselor certification you have earned. You should be able to find an abundance of opportunities to earn these units.
Get Started Today!
If you want to become a chemical dependency counselor, our educational program can be completed in just six months, and we offer rolling admissions so you can begin at any time. To apply, just head to the Get Started tab on our homepage and select “Apply” or, if you have questions, select “Speak With Someone” and fill out our contact form.
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