Substance Abuse And Behavioral Counselors: Schools and Careers

About Substance Abuse And Behavioral Counselors

Substance abuse counselors help people who have problems with drugs and alcohol. They provide counseling to addicts and former addicts. Sometimes they're involved with crisis intervention situations. They also help the family members and friends of addicts whose lives are effected by the addiction. Substance abuse counseling is regarded as one of the most challenging fields of human/social services.

They do not provide psychological therapy. They usually work under the supervision of physicians, psychologists and social workers. Substance abuse counselors work in outpatient clinics, halfway houses and treatment centers. Some substance abuse counselors work in hospitals. They often have clients who are homeless, have emotional disorders or have AIDS.

During group or one-on-one sessions, clients have the opportunity to talk about their situation and problems and are offered strategies and techniques to deal with their issues. Typically, counselors help with the practical aspects of the clients' lives such as finding employment. They often refer people to organizations that can offer help such as family agencies, vocational training centers, food pantries and welfare agencies.

Substance Abuse Counselor Responsibilities

• Maintain records of clients
• Develop plans for clients
• Get involved with crisis interventions
• Offer information for useful services
• Review and analyze client's progress
• Have discussions with family and friends of clients
• Participate in staff meetings
• Consult with other professionals about their clients

Substance abuse counselors need to be compassionate and supportive, have patience and a strong desire to help other people. At times, the job can be frustrating and stressful. They sometimes have to deal with death. They typically work 40 hours per week. Also, some counselors lived in halfway houses.

Employment Outlook

The growth rate for substance abuse counselor jobs is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Some of the growth can be attributed to more addicts seeking treatment and more drug offenders being placed in treatment programs instead of jail.

In 2006, there were 83,000 substance abuse and behavioral disorders counselors. The median annual earnings for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in 2006 was $34,040. The highest 10 percent earned over $52,340 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,600.

Those with experience and a high school diploma or an associate degree may advance into a job as a director of a halfway house. Counselors have opportunities to advance into positions such as supervisors and administrators in their agencies. Also, some work in private or group practices.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degrees, Certification, and Licensing

While on-the-job training is often provided, some employers prefer candidates that have a bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, sociology or a related subject along with two years of counseling in a related field or equivalent life experience such as being a former drug addict or performing volunteer work. Some substance abuse counselors have a master's degree in mental health counseling. Numerous colleges provide associate degree programs for counselors which usually take two years to complete. The programs include training in drugs and alcohol. Some of the programs offer training in crisis intervention.

The criteria for licensure varies by state. In some cases, the candidates are only required to have a high school diploma and certification. The National Board for Certified Counselors offers a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. The national certification is distinct from state licensing. The board also provides a speciality certification in addiction counseling.

Resources for Substance Abuse Counselors

• American Counseling Association
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, American Counseling Association
• National Board for Certified Counselors

Major Employers of Substance Abuse Counselors

The primary employers are government agencies, outpatient clinics, halfway houses, treatment centers and hospitals.

Schools for Substance Abuse And Behavioral Counselors are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Substance Abuse And Behavioral Counselors by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Substance Abuse And Behavioral Counselors, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.