Interested in a career where you help others heal from the ravages of addiction? Working as a licensed addiction counselor can be a fulfilling career option, and, at Sober College, we can help you get started on your path toward certification and a new career. Here’s a quick look at the world of addiction counseling and how to get certified.
Addiction Counselor Jobs: Some Fast Facts
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the demand for addiction specialists is high and a projected growth rate of nearly 20% is expected within the next ten years, which is much faster than average. The bureau estimates that there will be about 42,000 substance abuse counselor jobs and mental health counselor jobs posted each year.
The median addiction counselor salary is about $50,000 per year. Of course, this salary depends on your location and does not include other typical benefits such as paid time off and health insurance and perhaps providing free continuing education (CE) opportunities. All certified addiction counselors must complete a specific number of CE units to renew their credentials.
What Does A Licensed Addiction Counselor Do?
For those aspiring to become licensed addiction counselors, understanding the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling is crucial. These functions provide a comprehensive framework that guides professionals in offering effective and holistic care to individuals struggling with a substance use disorder. Let’s delve into each of these core functions to give student counselors a clearer picture of what to expect from this rewarding profession:
Screening: This is the initial step where counselors assess if a client is appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program. It involves determining the severity of substance misuse and identifying any potential risks.
Intake: During intake, addiction counselors gather essential information about the client to facilitate their admission into the program. This includes collecting personal, medical, and substance use histories.
Orientation: Here, alcohol and drug counselors describe to the client the general nature and goals of the program. They explain the rules, rights, obligations, and what to expect during treatment.
Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the client’s strengths, weaknesses, problems, and needs is conducted. This helps in creating a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, certified addiction counselors work with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines the client’s goals, the steps to achieve them, and the interventions to be used.
Counseling: This is the heart of addiction therapy. Counselors engage clients in individual, group, or family counseling sessions to provide insight, support, and strategies to overcome addiction.
Case Management: Licensed addiction counselors coordinate services for clients, ensuring they receive holistic care. This might involve liaising with other professionals, such as doctors or social workers, to address the client’s broader needs.
Crisis Intervention: Addiction counselors are trained to handle crises, such as potential relapses or mental health emergencies, providing immediate assistance and support.
Client Education: Educating clients about addiction, its effects, and the recovery process is vital. This empowers clients with knowledge, helping them make informed decisions about their recovery.
Referral: If a client needs services outside the counselor’s scope, they are referred to other professionals or resources that can better address those needs.
Reports & Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and confidential records of client progress, treatment plans, and sessions is essential for tracking progress and ensuring continuity of care.
Consultation With Other Professionals: Addiction counselors often collaborate with other professionals, such as doctors, psychologists, or social workers, to ensure that the client receives comprehensive care.
Being a certified drug and alcohol counselor is not just about understanding substance misuse but also about providing holistic care that addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals battling addiction. It’s a profession that demands compassion, knowledge, and dedication, but the rewards of seeing individuals reclaim their lives make it all worthwhile.
5 Steps You Need To Take
In order to earn your licensed addiction counselor certification, you will need to complete several steps. Let’s take a look at what you typically need to do in order to become an addiction specialist. Keep in mind, licensure requirements may vary somewhat based upon your location.
1. Education
Most credentialing organizations require the completion of 315 units of approved education, which is what we provide at Sober College. This includes six core academic classes with subjects including Law and Ethics, Physiology & Pharmacology of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Case Management and more.
Our curriculum is NAADAC-approved, CCAPP-approved and IC&RC-approved, which means you can use our program in just about every part of the United States. Only Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota have unique requirements that cannot be completed through Sober College.
2. Practicum Experiences
A practicum is much like an internship, and during your time at Sober College, you will complete two practicums. The first is a shorter experience where you simply observe and assist with tasks at an approved facility to better understand the day-to-day job requirements.
The second practicum must include at least 255 hours at a facility approved by your instructor. During this practicum, you must spend at least 21 hours handling each of the 12 core functions.
3. The IC&RC Exam
The IC&RC is an international organization that provides testing for several different types of addiction counselors. The Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam is the one you will need to pass to become a certified counselor. More than 4,500 students take this exam annually and it has a pass rate of about 72%. Our curriculum includes all you need to know to pass the ADC exam.
4. Supervised Clinical Experience
Also known as supervised work experience, this portion of your training occurs once you complete your education and practicum. The number of hours varies, but let’s take California’s requirements as an example.
In California, where Sober College was founded, our students work toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). There are three levels of CADC, and each has its own work experience hour requirements.
For instance, a CADC-I must complete 3,000 hours unless they have an associate’s degree in behavioral science or an allied mental health profession. If you have this degree, the requirement drops to just 2,080 hours. This is paid work, by the way, and your practicum hours will count toward your total.
To become a CADC-II, you must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work hours, regardless of any college degree (all that is required is a high school diploma or the equivalent.) A CADC-III must complete 4,000 hours but also must have earned a bachelor’s degree. Again, state requirements for these hours of supervised work experience vary, but California’s requirements are similar to many other states.
5. Apply For Your Certification/Credential
Each state has its own certification or credentialing body, and once you have completed the aforementioned requirements, you can apply for your credential. Generally, there will be some fees to pay, and you will need to fill out an application, etc.
Enroll In Sober College Today!
If you want to become a licensed addiction counselor, we can help you get started. Our program takes just six months to complete, and the program is 100% online. We also offer rolling admissions so you can get started at any time. To learn more about our program, head to our homepage and look under the Counselor Training and Why Choose Us tabs. You can enroll by going to Get Started and clicking on the Apply tab.
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