Comprehensive Guide to Counseling Certification & Licensure
Once this is completed, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and access study materials. After passing the exam, applicants will need to submit documentation verifying their supervised clinical experience and coursework in order to be awarded their CCS credential. For most, but not all, counseling careers applicants will need a master’s degree in counseling substance abuse counseling from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Each state also requires applicants to have completed between 1,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. Yes, in most states, you need to obtain LADC licensure to practice legally as a counselor specializing in alcohol and drug addiction.
Our team sources data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. We also pull information from reputable professional organizations and education providers’ direct websites. Our rankings use a strict methodology to determine the best schools, programs or bootcamps for each category.
Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP-D)
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific degree programs and departments within colleges and universities. Depending on the professional credential you pursue, you may need an accredited degree to qualify for licensure. Programmatic accreditors like NASAC and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs evaluate curricula and faculty quality against industry standards in counseling. Founded in 1969 in University Park, Illinois, Governors State University runs seven online programs, including the online master of health science in addiction studies. As you weigh your options within the counseling profession, you should be aware of a few primary types of counseling certifications.
- Treatment plans often focus on attaining and maintaining sobriety, as well as identifying and avoiding potential relapse triggers.
- There are similarities in the process regardless of whether the state issues the credential directly or entrusts an outside agency.
- In the online MA in addiction counseling and prevention, you can complete a clinical internship and an optional co-occurring specialization.
The cost for IC&RC certification varies depending on the level being sought and whether or not an individual qualifies for any discounts or waivers. Generally speaking, fees range from $100 – $400 USD depending on the type of certification sought. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Drug and Alcohol Counselors and discuss how they can help advance a Drug and Alcohol Counselor’s career.
Addiction Counselors
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various certifications available for Substance Abuse Counselors and discuss how they can help advance a substance abuse counselor’s career. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-earning substance abuse counselors work for religious organizations, which pay an average annual salary of $86,480. VCU’s online MS in addiction studies takes an international and cross-cultural approach to the discipline, collaborating with King’s College London and the University of Adelaide. The program features addiction policy and treatment courses, plus an analytic research project. Along with lectures from the trio of universities, students gain access to the libraries and resources from each of the collaborating schools. Located in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, Crown College began as the Alliance Training Home in 1916.
- In many cases, counseling certification refers to board certification, which proves to the public and potential employers that the individual meets certain professional standards.
- Some states may require candidates to hold a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field for LADC licensure.
- The training program typically takes six months to one year to complete and consists of both online and in-person courses.
Those with this designation are often required to have a master’s degree or PhD in psychology, psychiatry, or a related field. They usually have specific training in techniques intended to address not only substance abuse and addiction, but the overall mental and emotional health of their patients. Treatment plans frequently focus on the root of a person’s addiction and/or co-occurring issues, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Common working environments include private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health charities. Additionally, one must complete 6 hours of ethics education and then six more studying HIV/other pathogens within the six years leading up to one’s NDS application. Having a substance abuse counselor certification can help individuals stand out from other practitioners in their field, as it shows that they have taken the initiative to meet higher levels of training and competency.
Once this is completed, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and access study materials. After passing the exam, applicants will need to submit documentation verifying their supervised clinical experience and coursework in order to be awarded their CCS credential. For most, but not all, counseling careers applicants will need a…