An entry level credential for those with a High School Diploma/GED or higher level. A substance use disorder counselor is a professional who works with individuals who are experiencing issues with substance use disorders. These professionals work with individuals to develop treatment plans and provide individual and/or group counseling to assist them to recover. A substance use disorder counselor may specialize in specific theories, modalities or work with specific groups. Available to newer addiction counselors wanting to begin the process of working toward full certification.
For more in depth information on the requirements please review the downloadable application above.
Formal Education: Minimum high school diploma/GED
Clinical Work Experience: One (1) year of full-time or 2000 hours of part-time work experience as a drug and alcohol counselor.
Current Job Description: Copy of current counselor job description, obtained from current employer, and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate clinical supervisor.
On-The-Job Clinical Supervision: 150hours of on-the-job supervision of qualifying work experience with a minimum of 10 hours of clinical supervision in each counselor domain.
Education/Training: 140 hours of relevant education/training to the field of substance use disorders.6 of the hours must be in substance use disorders ethics, 6 of the hours must be in confidentiality, 6 of the hours must be in communicable diseases and 6 of the hours must be in medication assisted treatment.