Idaho Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselors: Schools and Careers

Substance abuse and behavioral counselors spend their careers helping people who face a variety of behavior health challenges, such as drug and alcohol addiction. This work includes developing treatment plans to help your clients overcome their challenges. Substance abuse and behavioral counselors work in outpatient facilities, community health centers, private practice, and behavioral health facilities.

Idaho Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselor Schools

Idaho requires substance abuse counselors to obtain certification through the Idaho Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC), including additional education requirements, as well as Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse (AODA) counseling hours.

  • College of Southern Idaho: Located in Twin Falls, this school offers students an associate degree in addiction studies. The program focuses on the many ways addiction impacts the individual, families, and our society. Graduates leave prepared to apply for IBADCC certification.

  • Boise State University: Students of BSU's Health Science Studies program may choose the Prevention and Addiction Studies emphasis. Graduation prepares students for their Idaho Student of Addiction Studies (ISAS) exam.

  • Idaho State University: Located in Pocatello, this school offers a master's degree through its Department of Counseling. The program's goal is preparing graduates for a career as a school counselor, marriage and family counselor, or clinical mental health counselor.

  • University of Idaho: Located in Moscow, UI offers students the choice between a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology. The program focuses on mental health, drug addiction, and human development.

  • Lewis-Clark State College: This school offers students majoring in one of the social sciences to minor in Addiction Studies. The program meets the IBADCC's core functions for counselors to prepare graduates for certification.

You must also provide evidence of 270 hours of education in Assessment, Case Management, Client Examination, Counseling, and Professional Responsibility.

Coursework for Idaho Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselors

In order to prepare graduates for certification through the IBADACC, the program you choose must include the following 12 counselor functions:

  • Assessment
  • Case management
  • Client education
  • Consultation with other professionals
  • Counseling
  • Crisis intervention
  • Intake
  • Orientation
  • Referral
  • Reports/record keeping
  • Screening
  • Treatment planning

Common coursework required for these programs includes addiction studies, crisis intervention, chemical dependency counseling, and counseling theory and technique.

Idaho Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselor License

The state of Idaho requires all substance abuse counselors to meet certain criteria in order to work in behavioral health programs. IBADCC grants certification based on a combination of education and number of hours performing AODA work, as well as additional education requirements and passing the IC&RC/AODA Substance Abuse Exam.

There are two levels of certification:

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
  • Advanced Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ACADC)

Both require the ability to pass a criminal background check, passing the exam, and turning in a complete application and requisite fee. CADC certification requires 6,000 hours of AODA work if you have no degree, 5,000 hours if you have an associate degree, and 4,000 hours if you have a bachelor's degree or higher. You also need at least 10 hours of supervised work in each of the 12 core functions, and 300 supervised hours with a board-approved supervisor. ACADC certification requires a master's degree, as well as 2,000 ADOA hours, and 180 supervised hours with 10 hours in each of the 12 core functions.

Resources for Idaho Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselors

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Sources:

  1. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-and-behavioral-disorder-counselors.htm, accessed October31, 2016
  2. Substance Abuse and Counseling Certification in Idaho, Human Services Guide, http://www.humanservicesedu.org/Idaho-substance-abuse-counselor.html, accessed October 31, 2016
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