Want to become a Substance Abuse Counselor.?
That's my major! At my college we actually have a major called rehabilitation services. But usually only really big schools have that major. If your college doesn't have that then major in some sort of counseling major, most all colleges have that. I believe you can then go through a process of getting certified as a licensed substance abuse counselor. If your not already in college, I'd say look for a college that has a substance abuse major.
Can you become a substance abuse counselor with visible tattoos?
I'm not sure if covering the tattoos is mandatory or if it depends on the facility. With regard to showing a full sleeve of tattoos, I'm not sure if that may be distracting to some patients, know what I mean. How about calling some local drug and alcohol addiction programs to inquire. To search for some local addiction centers: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ and can click the first link. Just an fyi that a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) needs to get a lot of clinical experience with an actual patient caseload (and pass a certification exam) before possibly obtaining a job as a CAC (or similar credential). It seems as though most CACs have a master's degree in either counseling or social work in addition to the certification. For more information re: certification in the field and such: http://www.naadac.org/certification/cred...
What do I need to do to become a substance abuse counselor in PA?
You probally will have to get some sort of diploma in college if you want to be an abuse counselor, it takes a lot of hard work. I'm sorry I don't know much about being an abuse counselor but I hope that helped! ~♫Ally♫~
Substance Abuse Counselor?
I think it depends on what state you are in. Many substance abuse programs are state run, so your salary depends on how much money the government gives to those programs. Other programs are non-profit programs and your salary will depend on how big the non-profit is and how much money they raise. In CO, where I am, most Certified Alcohol/Substance Abuse Counselors make around $11.50/hour for entry level positions. There are 3 levels you can get to in CO. Level 1 takes 1 year, level 3 can take up to 3 or 4 years and they make quite a bit more, upwards of $20-$25/hour.. Since it sounds like you are wanting to become a psychologist, I wonder if it wouldn't be more advantageous to you to just enroll in a Ph.D program. You will tons of experience with substance abuse through field placement and internships. Ph.D programs take so long, you would just be dragging your education out longer if you took this year to do the substance abuse education. Just a thought! =)
How do I become certified substance abuse counselor?
I fairly have a cousin who's a "convalescing alcoholic". he's a member of a nationally regarded close by American Indian tribe. He graduated from college over 40 years in the past with a level in Engineering and grew to become into an bigger-administration worker in numerous agencies, yet he grew to become into no longer able to administration his habit to alcohol. After years of alcoholism habit, and the lack of ability of jobs, he found out he grew to become into an addict, and started attending AA conferences. on the age of fifty two, he back to college, graduated with a grasp's degree in Sociology with an emphasis on substance abuse, and is now a substance abuse counselor. An alcoholic knows top from incorrect, good from undesirable; yet alcohol is an "habit", in basic terms as playing. One could comprehend their intense ingesting and playing is "incorrect"; yet, understanding would not alleviate the habit. people who go through any habit comprehend they have one. even whilst confronted with economic and private disaster, many addicts won't "supply up" their habit. Please expound on what you mean by using "multicultural practise standards".
How do I become a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina?
If you already have a Master's, a drug and alcohol certification would be sufficient in most cases and then you pursue that to the the highest level. This process can be very time consuming as you will see in the link there is 6000 hours of experience involved to get certified by your state. This is, in my opinion, always the best way to go if you want to work in substance abuse, specifically. It gives you the proper tools to perform the work and is more attractive to employers of this field because you don't go get certified in D/A unless you want to do the work. Do some furthered research because every state is different. Things you want to search are phrases like "drug and alcohol certification north carolina" "CSAC north carolina" etc.
What skills should a substance abuse counselor possess?
Although I've never worked as a substance counsellor, I've worked with plenty, and I have my thoughts on what makes the good ones special.Firstly the ability to listen non-judgementally. Everyone has a different perspective, and you need to be able to respect that. If you try to impose your own world view or moral compass on other people, you will not be able to have a successful counselling relationship with them.Secondly the desire to keep on learning. We still don't understand lots of things about the psychology, chemistry, genetic or environmental factors that lead a person into becoming an addict. There are also always new substances being introduced to the market. You need to be able to keep up with the latest research, adopt effective techniques into your practice, and be prepared to analyse your work when you get things wrong. Thirdly the ability to switch off and unwind. This is the bit that stops me working in that field and stick to the prevention side of things. You're going to hear some horrible stories. You will feel like you want to protect people when you don't have the ability or resources to do so. You might struggle to put up a block between what you hear at work and how you behave at home. In order to help other people, you need the ability to look after yourself first. If you can listen to all the horrible pain and suffering people have endured, but still be able to go home, hug your children, laugh with friends and be close with your intimate other, you might just have what it takes to do the job well. Good luck, and keep yourself safe.
What classes are needed for a substance abuse counselor?
Hi Debi,There are different types of qualifications as it totally depends on the licensure you're pursuing. My Bachelor's Degree is in Criminal Justice and my Master's is in Psychology w/ a specialization in Addictions. As for getting licensed, I would recommend at least having your Bachelor's Degree or working on it. However with that being said I've worked and currently with counselors who do not have a degree and they are licensed just a lower level license than the ones with a degree. The main advantage of the degree is salary and responsibility. I have 2 independent licenses so basically I can counsel independently without an agency. Also most states have a licensing exam which basically covers counseling, ethics, stages of change as well as each of the drugs, signs/symptoms of each and how they effect the brain. Other topics will be withdrawal signs/symptoms, groups, etc... basic counseling theories. I hope this answers your question. If not just ask me & I'll try to help you further.Have a great day :)Cindy
What would your reason be to become a substance abuse counselor/Therapist?
Our reason would have no effect because in the end it would be YOU helping out the person, all your understanding, knowledge and experiences would be to try to help that person not us. Why do you really want to be a counselor/therapist? Is it because you've understood some reasons why people substance abuse? Do you know the suffering of how it feels to substance abuse? Do you yourself want to prevent and stop this suffering for others? Or are you just in it for the money? Write down what your intentions are.
How do you get into entry level substance abuse counseling jobs?
Good morning Chase,Most 12-step based recovery organizations like to have someone who is in recovery from substance abuse. However, check your local colleges for Chemical Dependency training, to begin with the basics of class.I always suggest to my clients that they try it out by volunteering at a detox facility, there are plenty who are always looking for volunteers.Check with your state the requirements to be a substance abuse counselor. Many require certification. The CAADAC is the primary for the state of California. This is a list of agencies that offer the certification classes in California.Then there is the NAADAC, the national certification organization. The places to attend and get certified are listed here.My further suggestions include the following:Know why you want to work with substance abusers?Understand addiction. Including the pathology of every type of addiction: alcohol, drugs, behaviors, food, etc.Get familiar with the 12-steps and other recovery programs. There are many fellowships following the 12-steps, and there are many more that have created their own path.Volunteer at places that assist the addict/alcoholic.Contact your local state board for a list of agencies, requirements, educational needs. It can get expensive and the pay is not always equivalent.Develop a plan for your own recovery, mental health. Burnout occurs the first year, some make it to three.Give up your own addictions. Many organizations want their staff drug and alcohol free. This includes marijuana.I wish you the best on your journey.