Empathic, client-centered, and flexible, this psychotherapeutic and skills-training approach is client-centered and focused on skill development. The foremost objective of drug counseling is to prevent premature dropout and accelerate therapeutic change. Instead of working against clients’ resistance to change, the counsellor works with them and through them. Drug counseling often involves confronting denial aggressively, contrary to this approach and counterproductive. In an outpatient treatment program that is structured yet flexible, group and individual counselling are offered, as well as psychoeducation for the primary client and family drug counseling. Pharmacotherapy for co-occurring psychiatric disorders is also administered whenever needed.
- As an example of what these extra certifications may entail, let’s explore a few in more depth.
- During drug counseling, all counsellors receive one hour of group supervision and one hour of individual supervision each week.
- It’s important to distinguish between the various types of positions that are often referred to as «counselors» in the area of substance abuse and addictions therapy.
- His articles impress with unique research work as well as field-tested skills.
Educational Requirements
This advanced degree provides you with the educational requirements to become a licensed professional clinical counselor in California. Also, some higher-level CCAPP certifications require a master’s degree, including licensed advanced alcohol/drug counselor and licensed advance alcohol/drug counselor supervisor. Also known as drug and alcohol counselors, these professionals work individually with patients and in group counseling sessions, depending on the kind of treatment needed. The goal is to help clients pinpoint situations and behaviors that lead to relapse or block the road to recovery. Mental health professionals work in a variety of environments with a diverse demographic of people.
How to Become a Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor
Addiction presents different issues that vary from person to person, so counselors need to tailor their treatment plans to address a variety of needs. They meet regularly with patients to help them recover, and they may work intensely with people in crisis. Many addiction counselors also conduct couples and family substance abuse counseling therapy sessions, using peer discussion and social reinforcement to promote a healthy recovery process. A bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling demonstrates your knowledge about working with people who have substance use disorders, but states have different rules about the education levels they require.
The IC&RC Exam
Some substance abuse counselors might also choose to open their own private practices as well. A substance abuse counselor will also usually help his clients identify their “triggers”, which are certain situations that make people want to drink alcohol or do drugs. Triggers are often different for everyone, and what triggers one person may not trigger another. Some people might drink or do drugs more when they are stressed, while others might drink or do drugs more when they are around a certain crowd of people.
Discussing cases with your supervisor will help you learn from your experiences and consider different ways to address issues that may arise during individual or group counseling sessions. To get started in this field, it’s a good idea to earn a bachelor’s degree and then advance further with master’s and even doctoral studies. From the nature of the work, it would seem that there is a high burnout rate for those entering the profession. But while the work can be quite emotionally and physically taxing, most counselors find that their passion for helping others far outweighs any negatives.
Work Experience Hours
You’re likely to earn more if you work for a government agency or a healthcare facility. You must be an empathetic listener who pays attention to what others say and cares about making a difference. To be a good counselor over the long term, you must be able to manage your personal and professional stress. You must also be able to confidently set boundaries so that your work responsibilities don’t become overwhelming. Click on your appropriate educational level to jump to that section of the guide.
- Every little bit helps, whether it’s through the federal government, your state, private organizations, the university itself, or even your current employer.
- Although this approach avoids the use of aggressive tactics, it is important to mention that it does not promote a laissez-faire, anything-goes attitude toward client noncompliance.
- It’s clear there’s a need nationally, but how does this epidemic affect California?
- Work closely with full-time faculty, all of whom hold doctoral degrees and bring first-hand knowledge from years of clinical experience, research and teaching.
- You must also complete a certain number of counseling hours (supervised by a licensed psychologist) and pass written and oral exams.
