What does it take for one to be a substance abuse counselor or a drug and alcohol counselor? Is there a certification one can obtain?
This will depend on each state's criteria. Some states require licensure while others require certification. Some states require a degree, others do not. In some states any mental health certification or licensure will suffice to work in addictions. Contact this organization for assistance as well as your state info. I am a mental health therapist and alcohol and drug counselor. If I can be of any further assistance, let me know. Blessings,
Jimmy provided you with good resources. Here is another licensing resource: http://www.nattc.org/getCertified.asp at the Addiction Technology Transfer Center - part of the Feds Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). http://www.samhsa.gov/ Certification is generally a term for professional recognition, while licensing is legal recognition from a state entity.
americanacademy.org is an alternative certification from your area.Penn State and UC- Berkeley, continuing ed dept, are two online certificate programs.I am involved in developing another for UMASS but won't be online for some time.
Re: Substance Abuse Training? Well Dennis, you were clearly a visionary. I needed (and received) some expert instruction during my early undergraduate days Jack
Re: Re: Substance abuse training With some exceptions. Only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the states have licensure, most others have certifications, such as CADC, CAC, etc.
Does anyone know what the state of IL requires? I am aware of several Masters programs in my area and will probably be meeting with a representative from one of hte schools shortly concerning their program. thanks
When I lived and worked in Illinois, an LCPC could work in addictions. I think things have changed since then. This site will give you some info: http://www.nattc.org/getCertified/certification.asp?ID=siliaodapca Good luck.
