Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees and Careers
(found programs from 86 schools)

Online Programs in Substance Abuse Counseling

Students in online substance abuse counseling programs are typically seeking licensure, and many online programs are designed with licensing requirements in mind. Since states have different licensing criteria, students should contact their state licensing bureaus to review requirements before enrolling in an online substance abuse counseling master's program. Students may be better off pursuing brick-and-mortar degrees in their states if the online substance abuse counseling programs they are entering will not satisfy their state licensing requirements.

In addition to coursework, almost all online programs in substance abuse counseling require pre-practicum fieldwork, in which students interact with clients on a limited basis, and several hundred hours of practicum. Courses may include theories of addiction counseling, research and assessment, and more. Most online substance abuse counseling programs offer elective courses in areas such as sexuality and addictive behavior.

Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees to Consider:

Capella University's Master of Science in addiction counseling consists of 11 core courses, a practicum, a six-week residential colloquium, and seven specialized courses. Practicum experiences are required as part of a 10-week online class. According to the university, this program focuses specifically on treating addictions alongside other mental health issues.

Arizona-based Grand Canyon University offers an online substance abuse counseling master's degree that can result in licensure for Arizona residents. Arizona students who graduate from the program can earn the Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor designation. Other states also accept the program for licensure.

At the University of North Carolina, students who do not want a master's degree can earn a certificate in substance abuse and addiction counseling that will prepare them to become certified substance abuse counselors in North Carolina. Individuals who complete the program can also potentially become certified as clinical addiction specialists.

Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling Careers

Substance abuse counselors have one of the most challenging types of counseling jobs, helping patients to overcome addiction to everything from drugs and alcohol to gambling. The behavioral issues a substance abuse counselor treats vary widely.

Advice from the Experts

Below, OnlinePsychologyDegrees.com speaks with Errol Rodriguez, Substance Abuse Counselor; Gerry Schmidt, Consultant with the NAADAC (Association for Addiction Professionals); and Dr. Mary Anne Roy, a psychologist at Crossroads, an addiction and behavioral health treatment center, about how to get started in the addiction counseling field.

Useful Resources

• Association for Addiction Professionals

Substance Abuse Counseling Job Description

Substance abuse counselors may be employed by a number of organizations, from rehab facilities to prisons and community centers. A counselor meets with patients in order to not only identify addiction issues, but to also pinpoint the problematic behavior that contributes to the addiction. Through frequent meetings and personalized rehabilitation plans, substance abuse counselors can help their patients both overcome addiction and deal with the effects that addiction may have had on their personal life and career.

Substance abuse counselors may also treat friends and family members of those suffering from substance abuse issues. Due to the fact that many people with substance abuse problems are hesitant to seek help or uncertain of where to turn, another big part of the job may include community outreach.

Substance Abuse Counseling Requirements

The educational requirements for becoming a substance abuse counselor vary significantly from one state to the next. While some employers may accept only a high school diploma, the job usually requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree, preferably in a field like counseling or social work. In some cases a master's degree may be required. While some employers offer on-the-job training, many require candidates to already have applicable work experience. Useful experience could include previous counseling or social work, or even personal life experience as an addict.

Licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors also vary from one state to the next - at a minimum, a high school diploma and counselor certification is necessary. Many counselors choose to gain certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors. In addition, counselors will have to pursue continuing education courses throughout their careers not only to brush up on skills but also to maintain certification.

Substance Abuse Counseling Career Outlook

Employment opportunities for counselors of all types are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thanks to an 18 percent increase in counselor jobs, an estimated 116,800 new positions will be created by 2018. Substance abuse counselors in particular can expect a job growth rate of 21 percent. The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors is $37,700.

Substance Abuse Counseling Trends

The growing demand for substance abuse counselors can be pinpointed to society's changing views of addiction. In recent years, we have become more knowledgeable about addiction and people are more open to seeking treatment than before. Changing attitudes about addiction have also affected the legal system in a big way--while in the past drug offenders were simply put behind bars, it's now more common to send these individuals to substance abuse treatment programs, which offer a more permanent solution than prison.

Advice from the Experts

Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Substance Abuse Counseling programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 86 schools across the country.

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